ABU DHABI, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The Public Prosecution of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expanded its investigation into a false report claiming explosions were heard in central Dubai, the official Emirates News Agency reported on Saturday.

Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said prosecutors had questioned the reporter involved and summoned those responsible for "preparing, approving and publishing" the report to determine whether legal and professional verification standards had been followed.

The Dubai media office on Thursday denied a Reuters report that explosions were heard in downtown Dubai. Reuters later acknowledged that the report did not meet its editorial standards as it "could not immediately determine where the sounds were coming from or their significance, and did not offer that context."

Al Shamsi said the news agency's retraction and apology would not affect the ongoing investigation, which he said would determine legal responsibility and subsequent action based on its findings.