Dubai fire: Sixteen killed in blaze at Al Ras apartment building

Sixteen people are dead and nine others injured after a fire at a residential building in Dubai. local media report.

The blaze happened in the Al-Ras area, one of the oldest parts of Dubai. It is home to many migrant workers and traders.

The fire broke out of the fourth floor of the five storey building, according to local media reports.

Dubai Civil Defence said it was caused by a lack of compliance with building security and safety requirements.

Fire crews arrived on the scene at 12:41 local time (9:41 GMT) on Saturday.

The Al-Ras area is near the city's gold and spice markets, which are popular tourist attractions.

Dubai Civil Defence told UAE newspaper The National that an investigation into the deadly blaze was under way.

It said it was important that "residential and commercial building owners and residents" fully comply "with security and safety requirements and guidelines to avoid accidents and protect people's lives".

No one has yet been arrested as part of the investigation.