UAE: Explosions reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai August 31

Event

Two gas cylinder explosions were reported in restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Monday, August 31. The explosion in Abu Dhabi took place in a restaurant on Rashid Saeed Street, which is also known as the airport road, and reportedly injured several people and caused significant damage that affected two restaurants and retail outlets. Some residents of buildings affected sustained minor to moderate injuries and authorities evacuated the area surrounding the incident. The fire that resulted from the explosion has been contained. Top aides of the US and Israeli government are set to land later on Monday in Abu Dhabi and are due to travel in close proximity to where the incident occurred.

The second explosion took place in a restaurant in Dubai and, according to local authorities, killed at least one person. Further details regarding this second incident are not yet confirmed. 

Residual disruptions in the vicinity of the explosions are possible over the coming hours.

Advice

Those in the UAE are advised to avoid the immediate area of the explosions, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.