International City in Dubai. ARCHIVE
A petrol-like smell reached Dubai’s International City on Thursday morning (October 22), as residents in several parts of the UAE reported an unusual odour for a fourth consecutive day.
One International City resident told Expat Media the smell was noticeable but did not immediately cause alarm, as reports of the unusual odour had already been circulating on social media.
“It’s the first time I’ve encountered this in International City. The smell was like petrol, although I wasn’t alarmed because people have been commenting on social media about encountering it in other parts of Dubai,” the resident said.
Reports of the fuel-like smell have emerged from several Dubai neighbourhoods, including Deira, Al Nahda, Mirdif, Al Mizhar, Mudon, Al Quoz and Satwa. Residents in neighbouring Sharjah and Ajman, as well as Abu Dhabi, have also reported unusual odours.
Descriptions have varied, with some residents comparing the smell to petrol, diesel, kerosene or cooking gas.
On Wednesday (October 21), the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said it was coordinating with relevant local authorities to monitor the situation and investigate the nature and sources of the smell.
In a statement, the ministry reassured residents that initial assessments had found no indications of concern. “Response efforts and field monitoring remain ongoing to reduce the odours and accelerate their dissipation,” the ministry said.
It added that the public would be informed and given guidance if developments required precautionary measures. “The ministry urges everyone to follow updates and obtain information through official authorised channels,” the statement said.
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Sharjah Police also addressed the reports on Tuesday, saying the situation was under control and did not pose a threat, according to the information provided.
Authorities have not identified the source of the odour in the information available. Investigations and field monitoring are continuing. CAM/Expat Media
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