UAE rings in the New Year with record-breaking displays

The UAE pulled out all the stops for its New Year's Eve celebrations, with Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi hosting awe-inspiring events that set new standards for innovation and grandeur.

Ras Al Khaimah secured two Guinness World Records with a breathtaking display of fireworks and drones. The first record was for the largest aerial image of a tree formed by drones, and the second for the largest aerial image of a seashell. These feats were part of a heritage-themed show titled Our Story in the Sky, celebrating the emirate’s rich culture and history, from its pearl diving legacy to its vibrant ecosystem.

The event combined traditional fireworks with cutting-edge 3D drone artistry, spanning 5km of the waterfront. Over 100,000 spectators gathered to witness the spectacle, which was made possible with the collaboration of the American fireworks company Grucci and British drone specialists Sky Magic.

“Securing two Guinness World Records with such a meaningful display reflects the innovative spirit and cultural pride that define our emirate,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. This marks the sixth consecutive year the emirate has attempted—and succeeded in—breaking Guinness World Records for its New Year's Eve celebrations.

In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba captivated crowds with a 53-minute continuous fireworks display, surpassing last year’s 40-minute record-breaking event. The festival has a history of ambitious pyrotechnic achievements, including breaking records for the most firework pinwheels and spiraling fireworks.

This year, the festival aimed to set six new records. At the time of writing, confirmation of the achievements was pending. The event exemplified Abu Dhabi’s commitment to delivering world-class celebrations that blend cultural traditions with modern spectacle.

With these extraordinary displays, the UAE continues to position itself as a global leader in unforgettable New Year's Eve celebrations, combining innovation, heritage, and record-breaking ambition.