DUBAI, 22 January 2007 — Fortune Investment Group yesterday announced an ex gratia relief package and incentives to those affected by the blaze at their tower near Jebel Ali last Thursday.

The inferno killed four people and injured 57, most of them low-paid Asian workers.

“For those who have died, the group will pay 12 years’ salary and those who are affected by permanent disability will get an amount equal to 10 years’ salary. Workers who suffered major injury will get a year’s salary,” said Syed Muhammad Ali, chief executive officer of the Fortune Group.

“For those who escaped with minor injuries, the relief will amount to three months’ salary,” he added.

“We know that monetary relief is not a replacement for lost human lives, but we hope that our support will help reduce some of the pain and suffering of the bereaved families,” he said.

Ali said the package was announced as part of delivering their social commitment to help those affected by the accident.

“We will also coordinate trauma counseling with relevant bodies for those affected,” Ali said.

The relief package is over and above legal insurance claims and any compensation that will be paid by the contractors of the Fortune Tower, he said.

Ali said once the tender for construction was awarded, the project development is within the responsibility of the contractor and other relevant parties. “As developers of the project, our decision on relief initiatives was driven by true empathy with those who suffered,” he said.

Commenting on the compensation from contractors Ali said: “We will also ensure that all those who suffered from this unfortunate incident are duly compensated by the relevant contractors.”

Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire that broke out around in the 37-story Fortune Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road. Some local media reports said the fire started in electrical or sewage lines in the upper floors, trapping some of the estimated 300 mostly Chinese, Pakistani or Indian construction workers near the upper deck.

The fire is likely to spur intense debate regarding Dubai’s preparedness in fighting fires in the numerous coastline high-rises that have become the city’s trademark. The fire broke out in the same week that Dubai authorities formed a special team to come up with better emergency response plans.

The tower, which was nearing completion, is one of hundreds currently under construction in the city.