Dubai Hotel on Fire on the eve of New Year Fireworks

A huge fire has engulfed a 63-storey hotel in central Dubai on the eve of  a New Year’s Eve firework display.

Despite the blaze at the  hotel, the display at the nearby Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, commenced as planned at midnight.

Officials say the fire has been brought largely under control and 16 people suffered minor injuries.

It is unclear what caused the blaze, which broke out as large crowds had gathered to ring in the New Year.

People were asked to leave the area around the Address Downtown Hotel, which was evacuated.