An early morning inferno reduced Dubai's one of the oldest traditional souq- Naif Souq- into ashes, leaving hundreds of small-scale traders particularly Keralites in a limbo. Civil defense officials said the fire was under control without elaborating the damages of the fire.

No casualties were reported in the fire but a loss of millions have been reported.

The blaze caused panic in thickly populated Naïf area as thick smoke bellowed and enveloped the skies and flames started to spread around.

Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out at about 1.45 in the morning and at least 100 shops selling garments, toys and perfumes were completely gutted. Hundreds of onlookers rushed to the scene, however, police cordoned off the area and controlled the mob.

"Everybody is panicky in the vicinity. A pall of thick smoke spread in the area. Everybody was worried as the area is thickly populated," said Abdul Rahman, an eyewitness.

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