When midnight lasted an hour: Abu Dhabi’s unforgettable New Year fireworks

When midnight lasted an hour: Abu Dhabi’s unforgettable New Year fireworks

Abu Dhabi's New Year celebration became one of the talk of the globe when a continuous fireworks display lasting 62 minutes lit the night sky, forming part of the city's attempt at securing a clutch of multiple Guinness World Records. The extended show that unfolded in stages leading up to midnight was among the longest handheld fireworks displays ever presented anywhere and had been designed to dazzle both local residents and international visitors alike.

A marathon fireworks display

The 62-minute display of fireworks was this year's main attraction at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, an event fusing cultural heritage with state-of-the-art entertainment technologies. Organisers planned several record attempts throughout the evening: their main fireworks segment reached from early evening into the countdown. This continuous sequence created a rare and memorable sight, setting Abu Dhabi apart in the global calendar of New Year celebrations.

Drones, music, and cutting-edge technology

Along with the fireworks, Abu Dhabi showcased one of the world's largest drone performances. A fleet of about 6,500 drones took to the sky, creating giant aerial formations in sync with the New Year countdown. The combination of drone choreography and pyrotechnics was synchronized with specially composed music, making the event both technological and an artistic achievement.

Thousands turn out & festival atmosphere

Tens of thousands flocked to watch the festival at Al Wathba and its environs, while many more viewers watched the event from other emirates within the UAE. The event was filled with energy and was quite family-friendly, as there were extended celebrations covering cultural performances and entertainment both before and after the fireworks. Traditional Emirati arts and music added local flavour to high-tech displays.

Part of a wider national celebration

Abu Dhabi's record-breaking display was part of nationwide New Year's programme. Other emirates also hosted events, with Ras Al Khaimah securing its own Guinness World Record with a large formation of drones, while Dubai hosted several fireworks displays across iconic landmarks such as Burj Khalifa. Colour, light, and sound heralded the arrival of 2026 for millions of residents and tourists alike in cities across the UAE.

Why this moment matters

But this was more than just a party in Abu Dhabi. It showed the UAE's ambition to position itself as a global hub for large-scale cultural and entertainment events. By marrying tradition to innovation, the city showcased how it can hold celebrations that capture global attention and set new standards for spectacle and performance.