From Burj Khalifa to Al Wathba, UAE welcomes New Year 2026 in spectacular style
Multi-hour celebrations unfold across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates under extensive safety plans
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates welcomed the New Year 2026 with an extraordinary nationwide celebration, transforming the skies into a vivid open-air stage of fireworks, drone formations and laser shows.
Massive crowds of residents, Emiratis and tourists gathered across all seven emirates to witness the coordinated displays that unfolded in multiple locations and time zones.
The festivities marked the culmination of extensive preparations by authorities, who implemented integrated traffic, security and crowd management plans to ensure smooth movement and public safety throughout the night.
دانة الدنيا .. وعشق ما له آخر #رأس_السنة_في_دبي #MyDubaiNewYear pic.twitter.com/uu2dNR1P8g
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 31, 2025
Seven countdowns at Global Village
In Dubai, Global Village launched the celebrations early, hosting seven separate countdown shows in one night. The first display began at 8:00 pm, welcoming the New Year in China, followed by Thailand at 9:00 pm, Bangladesh at 10:00 pm, India at 10:30 pm, Pakistan at 11:00 pm, Dubai at midnight, and concluding with Turkey at 1:00 am.
Each international countdown was accompanied by a choreographed fireworks display and drone show, featuring giant formations and symbols representing the respective countries.
Families enjoyed rides, cultural pavilions, and a wide range of cuisines, while spectators watched animated shapes such as a giant hourglass formed by drones above the venue. Global Village remained open until 2:00 am, allowing visitors to witness all seven mini New Year celebrations.
Dubai Police parade
In Downtown Dubai, a Dubai Police parade added to the evening’s excitement.
Security personnel, patrol vehicles, marine units and emergency staff ensured safety across public areas while engaging the growing crowds.
Meanwhile, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implemented road closures around Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, and surrounding Downtown districts. Metro stations at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall were temporarily closed, with commuters directed to nearby stations such as Financial Centre, Business Bay, and Emirates Towers.
Pedestrians and families began occupying pavements, bridges, and open spaces along Business Bay and JBR Promenade, with food trucks serving kadak chai, sandwiches, samosas and popcorn. Yachts and boats along the coastline provided vantage points for the skyline displays.
Midnight spectacle at Burj Khalifa
At midnight, Burj Khalifa erupted in a world-class fireworks display.
حفظ الله دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، وقيادتها الرشيدة، وشعبها الكريم، وكل من يقيم على أرضها الطيبة.#MyDubaiNewYear #رأس_السنة_في_دبي pic.twitter.com/vgehLAUpqo
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 31, 2025
The pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting sequences spanned the tower and surrounding Downtown Dubai, synchronised with the Dubai Fountain and nearby LED displays.
Other landmarks joined the celebration, including Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Frame, and Bluewaters Island, creating a citywide spectacle. The Dubai Frame, participating for the first time, illuminated with dynamic visuals alongside its own fireworks display.
Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Festival and Corniche
In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba attracted a large turnout, delivering a continuous 62-minute grand fireworks finale accompanied by 6,500 drones forming aerial images, including portraits of UAE leaders and traditional motifs. The event blended cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, creating an immersive visual and auditory experience.
Simultaneously, fireworks lit the Corniche, Saadiyat Island, and other waterfront areas, giving residents multiple viewing points. The city’s integrated logistics and safety measures ensured smooth traffic and crowd flow.
Ras Al Khaimah coastal display
In Ras Al Khaimah, celebrations unfolded along Al Marjan and Al Hamra islands, where a 15-minute fireworks and drone show spanned six kilometres of coastline. Hundreds of drones formed luminous shapes, including a swooping phoenix, while high-altitude fireworks lit up the water. Organisers managed large crowds with strategic parking, shuttle services, and traffic control.
Sharjah and northern emirates celebrations
Sharjah hosted fireworks at Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Corniche, and Khorfakkan Beach, with music and countdowns piped across the waterfronts.
Other emirates – Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah – staged simultaneous celebrations, forming a unified national moment as the UAE welcomed 2026. Each emirate balanced traditional festivities with high-tech fireworks and drone imagery, providing family-friendly viewing experiences across the country.