Dubai property giant to restore hotel damaged in fire

The hotel is seen engulfed by fire near the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. PHOTO: REUTERS

DUBAI (AFP) - Dubai property giant Emaar Properties promised on Saturday to restore its luxury 63-storey hotel in the emirate, which was damaged in a spectacular fire on New Year's Eve.

"We are determined to restore it to all its glory, and even surpass the splendid architectural standards," said chairman Mohamed Alabbar.

"Further timelines and plans will be shared as they are finalised," he said.

A huge fire engulfed The Address Downtown hotel three hours before midnight on Thursday, but only 16 people were injured.

Alabbar did not give any information on the cause of the fire.

"Security services are investigating the causes and circumstances of the fire," Dubai authorities said on Friday.

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