Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits people who were wounded in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi on August 31. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits people who were wounded in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi on August 31. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Three people died and several more were wounded in the blast at a KFC and Hardee's restaurant. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Three people died and several more were wounded in the blast at a KFC and Hardee's restaurant. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Sheikh Khaled ordered a review of safety measures for transporting gas and its storage. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Sheikh Khaled ordered a review of safety measures for transporting gas and its storage. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Sheikh Khaled visits people who were admitted to hospital following the gas explosion. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Sheikh Khaled visits people who were admitted to hospital following the gas explosion. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office
Workers board up a building on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 1, a day after the deadly gas blast. The National
Workers board up a building on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 1, a day after the deadly gas blast. The National
Workers began clearing debris that was flung into the street after the ground floor blast at the KFC and Hardee's outlet. The National
Workers began clearing debris that was flung into the street after the ground floor blast at the KFC and Hardee's outlet. The National
Two people died and others were injured in the accident on Monday morning. The National
Two people died and others were injured in the accident on Monday morning. The National
The area was cordoned off to the public. The National
The area was cordoned off to the public. The National
The authorities are carrying out checks in the surrounding area to ensure any gas pipe faults are found. The National
The authorities are carrying out checks in the surrounding area to ensure any gas pipe faults are found. The National
Police released this image of extensive damage to a building in central Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: AD Police
Police released this image of extensive damage to a building in central Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: AD Police
An eyewitness took this image showing the damage that the blast caused. Courtesy Naeema Baloch
An eyewitness took this image showing the damage that the blast caused. Courtesy Naeema Baloch
A nearby resident shared these images of the blast on Airport Road.
A nearby resident shared these images of the blast on Airport Road.
Abu Dhabi Police said it was thought the blast was caused by a gas leak.
Abu Dhabi Police said it was thought the blast was caused by a gas leak.
The accident left debris strewn across the street in front of the building.
The accident left debris strewn across the street in front of the building.
Abu Dhabi Police said a number of people were taken to hospital with 'minor and moderate injuries'.
Abu Dhabi Police said a number of people were taken to hospital with 'minor and moderate injuries'.

Government

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits people injured in Abu Dhabi gas explosion

The blast killed three people and injured others on August 31

The National

September 08, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visited people who were wounded in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday.

The member of the Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office visited Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and wished the wounded a rapid recovery.

He also directed Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development to attend to the patients and ensure their full recovery.

Three people died as a result of the explosion at a building on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road – known locally as Airport Road – on August 31.

Investigations showed the explosion was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings after the residential building was refuelled.

The blast instantly killed two Filipino people and fatally injured another from Sri Lanka. The blast also destroyed a KFC, neighbouring Hardee's and other shops near by.

The Sri Lankan embassy in the UAE said another of its citizens, injured in the explosion, was in the intensive care unit of a hospital.

Police reminded the public to be careful when dealing with gas connections and other energy sources.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Khaled instructed Abu Dhabi's government offices to review safety and security requirements for buildings’ gas transport and storage and to upgrade them in line with best international practice to ensure the community's safety.

Following the explosion, Emirates Red Crescent came forward to cover the cost of accommodation of more than 200 people who were left temporarily homeless.

The humanitarian organisation will provide support for 208 people living in the building who had to be relocated.

ERC said volunteers from its Abu Dhabi centre were involved in the evacuation of the building and transferring residents to hotels in the city.

How to safely use gas:

On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence issued a list of points reminding the public how to safely use gas and prevent any dangerous leaks.

Here are the recommendations for residents living in villas or flats:

  • Ensure that gas pipes supplying cookers are correctly installed using the appropriate regulator
  • Ensure the gas cooker has a safety system to prevent or warn against leaks
  • Provide adequate ventilation in the kitchen
  • Do not place the cylinder in direct sunlight
  • Install gas leak detectors

Advice for facilities and businesses:

  • Ensure gas contractors have a valid licence
  • Ensure gas maintenance and installation technicians are licensed
  • Use gas system equipment licensed by Civil Defence
  • Ensure maintenance and gas supply contractors are approved by Civil Defence
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Started: 2013

Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev

Sector: e-commerce

Size: 600 plus

Stage: still in talks with VCs

Principal Investors: self-financed by founder

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
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  • Mental well-being assistance
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  • Financial well-being incentives 
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Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
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From 5.30pm in the following order:

Featherweight

Marcelo Pontes (BRA) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)

Catchweight 90kg

Moustafa Rashid Nada (KSA) v Imad Al Howayeck (LEB)

Welterweight

Mohammed Al Khatib (JOR) v Gimbat Ismailov (RUS)

Flyweight (women)

Lucie Bertaud (FRA) v Kelig Pinson (BEL)

Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (BEL) v Regelo Enumerables Jr (PHI)

Catchweight 100kg

Mohamed Ali (EGY) v Marc Vleiger (NED)

Featherweight

James Bishop (AUS) v Mark Valerio (PHI)

Welterweight

Gerson Carvalho (BRA) v Abdelghani Saber (EGY)

Middleweight 

Bakhtiyar Abbasov (AZE) v Igor Litoshik (BLR)

Bantamweight:

Fabio Mello (BRA) v Mark Alcoba (PHI)

Welterweight

Ahmed Labban (LEB) v Magomedsultan Magemedsultanov (RUS)

Bantamweight

Trent Girdham (AUS) v Jayson Margallo (PHI)

Lightweight

Usman Nurmagomedov (RUS) v Roman Golovinov (UKR)

Middleweight

Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Steve Kennedy (AUS)

Lightweight

Dan Moret (USA) v Anton Kuivanen (FIN)

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Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

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Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO

Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke

Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke

Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO

Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision

Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision

Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO

Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)

Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)

Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision

Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke

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Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision

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Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
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UAE