Dubai police say a major fire broke out in a high-rise building under construction near the world's tallest skyscraper, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The blaze Saturday sent a column of gray smoke over the cluster of towers surrounding the landmark Burj Khalifa spire.

A statement by Dubai police says a short circuit apparently touched off what it called a "huge fire." The police say more than 20 workers were evacuated and the flames were brought under control.

In November, a fire forced the evacuation of a 34-story residential tower in Dubai.