One of the world's tallest buildings in Dubai's Marina district caught fire Saturday as thousands of residents were evacuated from the Marina Torch and adjacent buildings.
Fire broke out on the 57th floor of the 79-storey tower at 2.00 a.m, Xinhua reported citing local media.
A witness said flames shot out from two sides of the building as glass and metal rained down from near the summit of the structure, which stands more than 336.1 metres (1,105 feet) tall.
A sandstorm aggravated the situation further.
Roads within a two kilometre radius from the tower were closed and traffic in the area was diverted.
Residents of buildings nearby, home to thousands of expatriate professionals, were also evacuated, the witness said.
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A medical response team said no fatalities were reported as yet.
Dubai authorities said the fire was extinguished.
Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).