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A massive fire has ripped through a skyscraper in Dubai for the second time in two years.

The 1,105ft Dubai Marina Torch tower - formerly the tallest building in the world - was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Friday.

Terrifying footage showed the fire spreading up the building.

Authorities said the building was successfully evacuated as dozens of firefighters brought the flames under control.

Resident Chengyu Wang told of her escape on Instagram writing: "Tonight I'm alive, but lost everything... wish I picked up my purse and passport at least..."

Videos showed debris falling from the damaged building onto surrounding areas as terrified locals watched on.

Simon Bach who posted a clip from the scene added: "Fire completely out of control in 50 story residential building in Dubai marina "

(Image: REUTERS)

(Image: @JohnONolan /Twitter) (Image: Dubai Media Office) (Image: Dubai Media Office)

However Dubai's Media Office said in a tweet that the fire was "largely under control".

It added that "no casualties have been reported so far."

The tower, which remains one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, was also hit by a fire in February 2015.

Witness John O' Nolan described the horrifying scene as he filmed the blaze from across the marina.

He wrote on Twitter: "Massive fire just started in the skyscraper opposite us in Dubai Marina.

(Image: AFP)

"Fire in Dubai marina getting bigger and spreading up building. Lot of debris. Can’t tell which tower it is. Not many sirens.

"2nd fire now started at base of tower - growing very rapidly.

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(Image: @JohnONolan /Twitter) (Image: @JohnONolan /Twitter)

"Power has been cut to surrounding buildings now.

"Fire at top seems to have moved to the inside, while lower floors still blazing."

As news of the fire spread, people took to Twitter to express their shock and share footage of the blaze.

Cara Spillane tweeted: “Terrifying to see Torch Tower, in the area I live in (Dubai Marina) on fire now.

“Hope everyone gets out OK.”

(Image: @JohnONolan /Twitter) (Image: @JohnONolan /Twitter)

Claire Hopkin added: “One of the skyscrapers near me is on FIRE!! Looks like Princess?? #dubai #dubaifire God! Hope everyone can get out. Scary seeing it!”

The Dubai Civil Defence said in a statement online: "Firefighting teams in the civil defense in Dubai are currently dealing with a fire incident in one of the towers in the Marina area. Four centers were moved to control the incident and limit its spread."

A huge fire broke out in an under-construction building about 18 miles north of Dubai, in Sharjah earlier today.

According to the witnesses, the fire started at the top of the building and spread to one of the floors of the nearby buildings which is also undergoing construction.

In 2015 the Torch tower went up in flames reportedly after a grill located on one of the building's balconies caught alight.

Ten residents suffered from smoke inhalation and small abrasions, an official said. No major injuries or deaths were reported.

It left 101 apartments uninhabitable abut Dubai Municipality confirmed there was no damage to the structure.

In the wake of this disaster, the Dubai Civil Defence announced it would be purchasing several Martin Jetpack vehicles to assist in managing high-rise fires.

The incident also comes just over a year after a 75-storey luxury apartment at the Dubai Sulafa Tower in Dubai Marina, also went up in flames.