Sydney, traditionally the first to host a major New Year's bash, kicked off the global festivities when it lit up the skies with pyrotechnics at the stroke of midnight (1300 GMT).
In image,Palestinian youths wearing masks and 2016 Santa Claus caps take a selfie as they attend the New Year celebrations in a heavy rain along the street in Gaza City.
Fireworks light the sky over Copacabana beach during New Year's Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Jakarta remained on high alert after anti-terror police foiled detailed plans for an alleged New Year suicide attack in the Indonesian capital. In photo, new year celebrations in Jakarta.
Cairo meanwhile was trying desperately to attract tourists to bolster the economy. The government this year staged celebrations in front of the pyramids near the Egyptian capital, with ambassadors, artists and intellectuals all invited. In image, a
In Moscow, police for the first time closed off Red Square where tens of thousands of revellers traditionally gather.
Fireworks were banned in towns and cities across Italy, in some cases because of a recent spike in air pollution and also because of fears that sudden loud bangs could cause panic. In image, Athens.
In Britain, Scotland Yard said around 3,000 officers were deployed across central London in what was reported to be an unprecedented anti-terror security effort. In image, fireworks above Big Ben.
Festivities went ahead as planned and crowds cheered the arrival of 2016 with bursts of light and colour in a massive fireworks show starting at the landmark Burj Khalifa skyscraper, even as smoke billowed from the nearby blaze.
More than 100,000 police were deployed throughout France to guard celebrations, as defiant Parisians turned out on the Champs Elysees to greet 2016 in the biggest public gatherings since the November 13 attacks.
More than 100,000 police were deployed throughout France to guard celebrations, as defiant Parisians turned out on the Champs Elysees to greet 2016 in the biggest public gatherings since the November 13 attacks. In image, people celebrate the New
More than 100,000 police were deployed throughout France to guard celebrations, as defiant Parisians turned out on the Champs Elysees to greet 2016 in the biggest public gatherings since the November 13 attacks. In image, fireworks light the sky
Authorities said early Friday the threat involved a suspected suicide bomb attack by the Islamic State group. A police spokeswoman said that they had "reliable information" that plot targeted festivities under way on New Year's Eve. In image,
Europe welcomed in the New Year on high security alert, with Munich stations evacuated over an imminent terror threat and fireworks cancelled in Paris and Brussels. In image, fireworks explode above the Brandenburg Gate shortly after midnight in