A huge fire has torched a high-rise hotel in central Dubai ahead of a New Year's Eve firework display.
Burning debris could be seen falling from the 300m-tall (1,000ft) building as firefighters tackled the blaze.
The display at the world's tallest skyscraper, the nearby Burj Khalifa, started as planned as midnight arrived in the Gulf state.
Officials say the fire is now under control and 16 people suffered mostly minor injures. The cause is not known.
Up to two million people were expected in central Dubai for the festivities. Crowds were asked to leave the area around The Address Downtown hotel, which has been evacuated.
Flames appeared to rapidly engulf much of the building, a five-star hotel and apartment complex with more than 60 storeys, within 10 minutes.
The Dubai government tweeted that 14 people had suffered minor injuries, one moderate injuries and one heart attack case due to "overcrowding and smoke at the fire site".
14 minor injuries,1 moderate&1 heart attack case reported due 2 over-crowding&smoke at the fire site,all received prompts medical assistance
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 31, 2015
The fire had started on the 20th floor, officials said.
The display is a huge prestige event for Dubai, and authorities want the images that people look back on next year to be of the fireworks - and not of the blaze.
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