News / World
Fire at Jebel Ali port in Dubai
A fire erupted early Monday in a warehouse containing hazardous chemicals at Dubai's Jebel Ali port. The result was a large overcast of black smoke that took fire fighters three hours to control.
A police officer at port said no one was injured in the fire, which broke out around 4 a.m. A port official said the fire did not affect shipping and handling at the busy port. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.
According to officials, there was no environmental damage due to the fire.
The Jebel Ali port is the world's largest manmade port and the region's largest commercial and industrial hub, encompassing an area of 52 square miles.
Former Dubai ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum declared the emirate tax free on imports and exports in the 1980's, making the Jebel Ali port the largest duty free zone in the Middle East.
Today 5,500 companies from 120 countries have their regional headquarters, manufacturing units and warehouses in the port and its free zone.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the world's largest oil exporters and the Jebel Ali port houses the second largest oil refinery in the UAE. It is equipped to handle large container ships with gantry cranes and other state-of-the-art technology.
It is also one of the region's largest ports offering facilities to the U.S. Navy.
