The United Arab Emirates welcomed 2026 with a sweeping series of New Year’s Eve celebrations that blended cutting-edge technology, large-scale public events and world-record ambitions across several emirates.
In Ras Al Khaimah, organisers once again leaned into spectacle, securing a new Guinness World Records title during a 15-minute coastal show staged between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Island. The emirate confirmed it set the record for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones, as thousands of drones, fireworks, lasers and pyrotechnics combined to illuminate the shoreline. Choreographed to specially composed music, the display drew an estimated crowd of more than 120,000 spectators, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s growing profile as a destination for record-setting New Year productions.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi hosted one of the country’s longest celebrations at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Festivities began early in the evening and continued through midnight, with organisers attempting to secure five Guinness World Records across different segments of the programme. The night concluded with a 62-minute continuous fireworks display, one of the longest ever staged in the UAE. Adding to the spectacle was a massive drone performance involving 6,500 drones, which filled the sky with large-scale animated scenes over a 20-minute sequence synced with music and fireworks.
In Dubai, celebrations were spread across the city rather than focused on a single record attempt. A total of 48 fireworks displays were staged at 40 locations, including landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Global Village, Expo City Dubai and Hatta. As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, Bluewaters Island and The Beach at JBR hosted what organisers described as the region’s largest narrative drone show, featuring brighter drones, faster formations and added fire effects.
Other emirates also joined the nationwide celebrations. Sharjah held 10-minute fireworks displays at Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach, while Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain hosted community-focused events that drew residents and visitors to accessible public celebrations.
Across the country, the coordinated mix of fireworks, drone technology and large public gatherings underscored the UAE’s continued push to redefine New Year’s Eve celebrations on a global scale, as millions welcomed 2026 under illuminated skies.
