As 2025 draws to a close, Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome 2026 with an extraordinary celebration that promises to redefine New Year’s Eve entertainment on a global scale. Tonight, the UAE capital will host a spectacular drone and fireworks show at Al Wathba, setting the stage for what organisers are calling one of the most ambitious celebrations ever attempted in the region.
Part of the renowned Sheikh Zayed Festival, the event is designed not just to entertain but to make history. With record-breaking ambitions, cutting-edge technology, and deep cultural roots, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as one of the world’s premier destinations for unforgettable New Year celebrations.
Aiming to Break Five Guinness World Records
This year’s New Year’s Eve showcase is not just about visual grandeur. The Sheikh Zayed Festival team is officially attempting to break five Guinness World Records in a single night, a feat that reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation for hosting world-class, large-scale events.
At the heart of these record attempts is what is expected to be the world’s largest drone performance. An astonishing 6,500 drones will take to the skies above Al Wathba, performing a meticulously choreographed aerial display lasting 20 minutes. Each movement has been carefully programmed to ensure precision, scale, and visual storytelling on an unprecedented level.
The drones will form nine massive shapes in the sky, seamlessly shifting from one formation to another. These aerial visuals will be perfectly synchronised with music, fireworks, and a digital countdown, creating a fully immersive experience that blends technology, creativity, and celebration.
A 62-Minute Fireworks Show Like No Other
If the drone display sets the tone, the fireworks are set to take the night to another level entirely. Abu Dhabi’s New Year celebration will feature a jaw-dropping 62-minute fireworks show, unfolding across five carefully planned stages throughout the evening.
Rather than a single midnight burst, the fireworks will build momentum over the course of the night, leading up to a dramatic finale as the clock strikes twelve. Each stage will introduce new colours, patterns, and rhythms, transforming the Al Wathba skyline into a canvas of light and sound.
Using the latest launch and synchronisation technologies, the fireworks will be precisely timed with the drone formations, ensuring that the sky remains alive with movement, colour, and emotion. The result promises to be a sensory spectacle unlike anything previously seen in the UAE.
Al Wathba Transformed into a Celebration Hub
Al Wathba, already known as a cultural landmark during the Sheikh Zayed Festival, will be transformed into a vibrant New Year celebration hub. Thousands of visitors are expected to gather at the venue, creating an electric atmosphere that combines anticipation, excitement, and festive joy.
From early evening until well past midnight, the area will buzz with energy as families, friends, and tourists come together to mark the start of 2026. With expansive viewing areas and thoughtfully designed layouts, attendees will have multiple vantage points to enjoy the aerial performances and fireworks displays.
The choice of Al Wathba reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to hosting large-scale events in spaces that can safely accommodate high visitor numbers while delivering a memorable experience for all.
Cultural Performances at the Heart of the Festival
While the sky will undoubtedly steal the spotlight, the celebrations on the ground are just as impressive. The Sheikh Zayed Festival is known for celebrating Emirati heritage, and this year’s New Year’s Eve programme stays true to that mission.
Traditional performances such as Al Ayala, Al Razfa, and Al Nadooba will take centre stage, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into the UAE’s rich cultural traditions. These performances, marked by rhythmic movements, poetry, and music, create a deep connection between the past and the present.
Alongside local traditions, international performers will bring a global flavour to the event. Music, dance shows, and carnival-style parades from around the world will ensure that the celebration feels inclusive, dynamic, and truly international.
Family-Friendly Entertainment for All Ages
One of the defining features of the Sheikh Zayed Festival is its focus on family-friendly entertainment, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Children and families will find plenty to enjoy throughout the evening, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
The Kids’ Theatre will host a full schedule of interactive shows, performances, and activities designed to keep younger guests entertained and engaged. From storytelling sessions to live entertainment, the programme has been curated to spark imagination and joy.
Adding to the excitement is the newly launched Wonderland entertainment city. This immersive area offers rides, games, and themed attractions that extend the festive experience beyond the main stage and sky displays, ensuring that children remain part of the celebration from start to finish.
A Carefully Planned Experience for Large Crowds
With tens of thousands of visitors expected, organisers have taken extensive measures to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone attending the event.
Entry and exit gates at Al Wathba have been expanded to reduce congestion, while pedestrian walkways have been widened to allow for better crowd movement. Additional safety, medical, and support teams will be deployed across the venue, ready to respond to any situation swiftly and efficiently.
Clear signage, trained staff, and coordinated crowd management plans are all part of the behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure that guests can focus on enjoying the celebration without unnecessary stress or delays.
Visitors are advised to arrive early, as entry will close once full capacity is reached. Organisers have strongly encouraged attendees to secure tickets in advance and stay updated through official channels for real-time information and guidance.
Sheikh Zayed Festival: A Celebration of Heritage and Unity
The New Year’s Eve celebration is part of the wider Sheikh Zayed Festival, one of Abu Dhabi’s most significant cultural and heritage events. Held annually, the festival honours the legacy and vision of the UAE’s founding father while showcasing the nation’s values of unity, innovation, and cultural pride.
The festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court.
This leadership support underscores the importance of the festival as more than just an entertainment event. It is a platform that brings people together, celebrates Emirati identity, and presents Abu Dhabi as a global cultural destination.
Why Abu Dhabi Is the Place to Be This New Year
As cities around the world prepare to welcome 2026, Abu Dhabi stands out for its ambition, creativity, and attention to detail. The combination of record-breaking drone technology, extended fireworks displays, rich cultural programming, and family-friendly attractions creates a celebration that appeals to a wide audience.
For residents, it is a chance to celebrate close to home with pride and excitement. For visitors, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the UAE’s culture, hospitality, and innovation all in one unforgettable night.
From the glowing skies above Al Wathba to the lively performances on the ground, every element of the celebration has been designed to leave a lasting impression.
A Night That Promises to Make History
As the final moments of 2025 tick away, all eyes will turn to the skies above Abu Dhabi. With 6,500 drones ready to soar and fireworks set to light up the night for over an hour, the capital is poised to deliver a New Year’s Eve celebration that will be remembered long after the final spark fades.
Whether the Guinness World Records are officially confirmed or not, one thing is certain: Abu Dhabi’s New Year celebration at the Sheikh Zayed Festival is set to be a powerful symbol of progress, culture, and collective joy as the city steps confidently into 2026.
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