Latest: Aluminium cladding blamed as authorities to probe towers across Sharjah
As flames spread through the Abbco Tower in Al Nahda on Tuesday night, residents have described their escape from the 48-storey apartment block.
Syrian Fadlallah Hassoun, 30, who lives on the 15th floor, said he heard the alarms but thought it was a drill.
"Then when I heard sirens and screams I looked outside and saw neighbours running down the stairs from the emergency exit," he said.
Mr Hassoun ran back into his flat and rescued his cat, which was hiding under the bed.
“I had to break the drawer under my bed to get her out, then picked up my mobile phone and ran down the stairs,” he said.
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Sharjah Abbco Tower blaze
Full story: Huge fire breaks out at Sharjah apartment block
Fire engulfs Sharjah's Abbco Tower - in pictures
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
