Towering flames and thick plumes of smoke have engulfed a warehouse district Wednesday near the Jebel Ali port, about 15 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of central Dubai.

The area is separated from the vital port by a major highway linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There appeared to be no direct threat to port operations.

The Jebel Ali port and free zone is a major hub for Gulf shipping and is near a new airport complex that Emirati officials hope to make a global cargo and transport center in the coming decade.