Several people were injured on Monday when a gas cylinder exploded inside a restaurant in the United Arab Emirates' capital Abu Dhabi, police said, adding that civil defense was trying to contain the ensuing fire.

Several shops were damaged, four buildings were evacuated, police added.

Pictures published by local media showed glass debris and some rubble strewn along the sidewalk. The restaurant is located in Khaldiya, a district close to the sea front.

(Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli)