Civil Defense officials said the fire of still unknown cause broke out at around 7 p.m. on the top of the 19-story building and a helicopter had to be called to help douse the blaze.

At past 9 p.m., firefighters were still fighting the blaze.

Witnesses said the fire spread rapidly because of winds, engulfing the top 10 floors of the building, which is located on King Fahd Highway between the Toyota Showroom and Al Owaise market. Civil Defense officials reported finding it very difficult to keep crowds of onlookers away.

Abdul Cader Mashoor Mowlana, an eyewitness, told Arab News that he was at Dallah Hospital at the time of the fire and he could see debris from the fire falling on to a neighboring building.

Another witness said he saw the top four floors collapsing.

Police confirmed that there were no casualties.