"A fire has been reported to have broken out in a container inside a ship anchored in Jebel Ali Port. A Dubai Civil Defense team is working to extinguish the fire," said the emirate's communications service on Twitter.

A violent explosion had been heard throughout the city. 

A fire broke out at Dubai's main port on Wednesday evening, the emirate's communications service said on Twitter, after a violent explosion was heard across the city.

"It was reported that a fire broke out in a container inside a ship anchored in Jebel Ali port. A Dubai Civil Defense team is at work to put out the fire, "the communications service said.

A violent explosion had been heard a few minutes earlier.

At least three residents in the area of ​​this incident reported doors and windows in their homes being violently shaken by the explosion.