Dubai Marina fire: How golden retriever trapped for 27 hours in flat was rescued

Heroic efforts of rescue team and volunteers ensured Maya made it out

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN Features Writer

On the evening of June 13, Ali Roozitalab took Maya, his golden retriever, for a walk as usual. He then left her in his apartment and popped out to get some groceries. Within an hour, everything changed.

"When I returned, all the roads were closed and the building was on fire," he said. I begged the authorities to let me go inside to save my dog, but they were evacuating the building and no one was allowed in. I stood there hoping someone would save my dog.”

It was the night when a massive fire tore through a high-rise residential tower in Dubai Marina, forcing the evacuation of over 3,000 residents. More than 14 pets trapped inside the smoke-filled building were rescued by the Dubai Police Search and Rescue team.

Roozitalab, a coach at Dubai Athletics Cheer, lived on the 36th floor. “Through a pet camera in my apartment, I could see Maya, terrified and alone,” he said.

Golden Retrievers group