Mohammed lauds civil services operation

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday praised the efforts of firefighters, policemen and paramedics for their all-out efforts in containing the massive fire which raged through The Address Downtown Dubai hotel on New Year's Eve.

"You have held our heads high and proved your competence to the world,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. "Thanks to the sincere sons of the UAE.”

He also voiced his appreciation to the guests who had descended on Dubai to watch the dazzling fireworks that ushered in the spirit of New Year. "We are honoured to have such guests in the UAE. With you, despite last night's events, Dubai continued to shine with positivity & modernity,” Sheikh Mohammed said in the tweet.

The massive fireworks display kicked off near the world's tallest tower, while plumes of smoke still billowed in the air from the fire raging at the nearby tower.

The fire took almost 14 hours to tame, said Major-General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence. He said the security authorities concerned are investigating the cause of the fire.

Source: Khaleej Times