New year 2018 is being celebrated across the world today. New Zealand became the first country in the world to usher in the new year. Tens of thousands of New Zealanders took to streets and beaches, as the new year dawned in this southern hemisphere nation, fireworks boomed and crackled above city centres and harbours.<br/>Australia rang in the New Year with a spectacular display of rainbow-coloured fireworks cascading from Sydney Harbour Bridge, as partygoers marked the nation's legalisation of gay marriage amid tight security.<br/>Hong Kong saw in 2018 in spectacular style as the southern Chinese city staged a stunning fireworks display over its famous Victoria Harbour. In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, hundreds of couples attended a free mass wedding.<br/>Celebrations also held in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. As clocks prepared to strike midnight in Europe, London and Paris were awash with people despite the winter cold.<br/>A storm warning and drizzle failed to dampen spirits on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, where thousands gathered for a light show and a fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe. More than one lakh ticket-holders witnessed London's firework display from the banks of the River Thames.<br/>Moscow was likewise into a new year and a new day with major boulevards and 36 key sites decked out.<br/><br/>Dubai held its main midnight fireworks with a laser show on the world's tallest tower, the 828-metre Burj Khalifa. Major boulevards and squares will be decked out to welcome the new year in Moscow, with fireworks to light up 36 key sites. <br/>In Africa, Cameroon President Paul Biya used the occasion to remind his citizens of their "duty" to "maintain republican order" as well as "social peace and national unity".The festivity will finally move to the Americas. New York's Times Square celebrations are set to go ahead despite the Arctic chill gripping much of the central and northeastern United States and Canada.<br/>