A large fire broke out at the Carpet Souq in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed on Friday morning, sending thick black smoke high into the sky and drawing a rapid response from emergency crews. Firefighters, police officers, and civil defence teams rushed to the area to bring the blaze under control as residents watched smoke spread across parts of the capital.
The fire started at the well-known Carpet Souq near Zayed Port. The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have not released details about how the fire began, and an official investigation is expected once the site is declared safe.
Emergency teams arrived quickly after receiving reports of the fire. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and stop them from spreading to nearby buildings and businesses. Police officers also secured the area to help emergency workers carry out their operations safely.
Officials said the emergency response continued throughout Friday as crews remained at the scene. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the affected area and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports about the incident.
Police also confirmed that traffic in the surrounding area was not affected despite the large emergency response. Roads near Mina Zayed remained open, allowing vehicles to move normally while firefighters continued their work inside the market.
At the time of the latest official update, authorities had not reported any injuries or deaths linked to the fire. It also remained unclear whether any shop owners, workers, or visitors were inside the market when the blaze started. Officials said more information would be released after inspections and safety checks are completed.
The Carpet Souq is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-known shopping destinations. It attracts both local residents and international visitors throughout the year. The market is famous for its wide selection of handmade carpets, rugs, and textiles imported from different countries. Many family-owned businesses have operated there for years, making the market an important part of the city’s traditional shopping scene.
The market is known for its colorful displays and skilled traders who offer carpets in many styles, sizes, and price ranges. Visitors often come to browse traditional Persian, Turkish, Afghan, and handmade rugs, along with modern decorative carpets. The souq has become a popular stop for tourists looking to experience a traditional marketplace in the capital.
Large fires at busy commercial markets can cause significant damage because many shops are located close together. Products such as carpets, fabrics, and other textiles can also help flames spread quickly once a fire begins. This makes a fast emergency response important to limit damage and protect nearby businesses.
Abu Dhabi Civil Defence regularly carries out inspections and fire safety programs across commercial areas to improve public safety. Business owners are encouraged to follow safety rules, maintain firefighting equipment, and ensure emergency exits remain clear at all times. These measures help reduce risks and improve emergency responses when incidents occur.
Authorities have again reminded residents to rely only on official announcements for updates about the fire. During major emergencies, false information can spread quickly through social media, creating unnecessary concern. Officials said verified information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
The full extent of the damage to the Carpet Souq has not yet been confirmed. Fire crews continued working to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the area before investigators begin examining the cause of the blaze. Shop owners are expected to assess property losses once officials allow access to the market.
The Abu Dhabi Carpet Fire has drawn attention across the city because of the large smoke clouds seen from several neighborhoods. As emergency teams continue their work, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the cause of the fire, any damage to businesses, and whether the incident resulted in injuries. For now, officials remain focused on ensuring public safety while bringing the situation fully under control.
