This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

On a New Year's Eve haunted by fears of terrorism, a spectacular fire in one of Dubai's tall towers captured the world's attention. With few exceptions, the celebrations rolled on, and while fire still raged, the Dubai media office declared on Twitter: "New Year celebrations in Dubai will continue as scheduled."

As 2015 drew to a close, many people were bidding a weary and wary adieu to a year marred by attacks that left nations reeling and nerves rattled.

In Bangkok, site of a deadly bombing months ago, police flanked partygoers. In Paris, residents recovering from their city's own deadly attacks prepared for scaled-back celebrations. And in Munich, police were worried about the threat of a terror attack.

A look at how people welcomed the new year:

United Arab Emirates • In the megacity of Dubai, a fire broke out two hours before midnight in The Address hotel, in the area where a massive fireworks display was being prepared.

The five-star hotel is near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. At least one person suffered a heart attack from the smoke and over-crowding during evacuation, and 14 suffered minor injuries.

Burning debris rained down from The Address building as firetrucks raced to the scene. It was unclear what caused the fire, which ran up the 63-story building.

France • The French are still recovering from the Nov. 13 attacks that left 130 people dead in Paris, and authorities were preparing for a possible worst-case scenario on New Year's Eve. About 60,000 police and troops were being deployed across the country.

French President Francois Hollande used his traditional New Year's Eve speech to warn that the terrorist threat is still at its "highest level."

"2015 has been a year of suffering and resistance," he said. "Let's make 2016 a year of courage and hope."

Thailand • Less than six months after a pipe bomb killed 20 people at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, tens of thousands of people rang in the new year at the intersection with live music and a countdown.

Philippines • Concern in the Philippines on New Year's Eve focused on the use of illegal fireworks, which last year injured more than 850 people. Shopping malls and cities organized fireworks displays to discourage people from lighting their own firecrackers.

Japan • New Year's Eve is Japan's biggest holiday, and millions of people crammed into trains to flee the cities for their hometowns to slurp down bowls of noodles, symbolizing longevity. As midnight approached, families bundled up for visits to neighborhood temples, where the ritual ringing of huge bronze bells reverberated through the chill.

Koreas • South Koreans marked New Year's Eve with traditional bell ringing ceremonies, fireworks and outdoor music and dance performances. One celebration was organized at a town near the border with rival North Korea to watch one of the ceremonies and wish for peaceful Korean unification.

Egypt • In Cairo, people put aside fears of the growing number of militant attacks throughout the country to celebrate the new year. Engineering graduate Mohamed Youssef, whose military service begins in a few months, attended a house party.

"It doesn't matter if they deploy me to Sinai or throw me in the western desert," he said. "I don't care if I lose a leg or my life. Tonight, we drink and dance!"

Germany • In Munich, police warned of an imminent threat of a terror attack as midnight approached and ordered two train stations cleared.

But up to a million revelers were expected at Berlin's annual New Year's Eve party at landmark Brandenburg Gate. Traditionally, Germans welcome the new year with fireworks, jelly doughnuts and lots of champagne and sparkling wine.

New York • Around 1 million people were expected to converge on Times Square for the annual New Year's Eve celebration. The party was to begin with musical acts and end with fireworks and the descent of a crystal ball from a flagpole.