Authorities reported that at least 16 people were killed and an additional nine were injured when a fire engulfed an apartment block in an older section of Dubai
The fire on Saturday in Dubai's historic Deira district's Al Murar neighbourhood destroyed an apartment that is thought to have been shared by several people
a common practise for the workers who drive the country's economy in this city-state better known for its tall skyscrapers.
However, the cramped spaces, which are frequently divided by improvised partitions made of plywood, plasterboard
plasterboard or shower curtains, present a significant risk in the event of a fire.
The number of fatalities was revealed in a statement released by Dubai Civil Defence by the city-state's media office.
The Associated Press' questions were not answered by the authorities.