Firefighters have brought under control a fire that broke out at a residential tower in the United Arab Emirates.

Reports from the Sharjah government media office says seven people were treated for minor injuries from the fire in the 48-storey building and taken to hospital for treatment.

The fire brigade grappled with extinguishing the flames, which were clearly visible in purported photos and videos on social media. Authorities offered no immediate cause for the blaze.

Local authorities said the Sharjah Civil Defence teams were quick to avoid the situation from escalating.