Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Festival smashes five Guinness World Records on New Year’s Eve 2026
Over half a million witnessed fireworks from surrounding public areas
ABU DHABI’s Sheikh Zayed Festival concluded its New Year’s Eve celebrations with record-breaking success, reaffirming its status as a premier global event.
From the early hours of 31 December 2025, the festival welcomed over 163,000 visitors, while more than half a million spectators enjoyed the fireworks from surrounding public areas.
The celebrations attracted unprecedented international media attention, with more than 600 television networks and news agencies covering the events live. Major outlets such as Reuters and CNN broadcast directly from the festival, capturing the festivities and record-breaking achievements for audiences worldwide.
Guinness World Records
The festival set five Guinness World Records, including the world’s largest fireworks display lasting 62 continuous minutes. Highlights featured the largest number of waterfall fireworks, whistle-sound fireworks, thunder fireworks, and ring-shaped fireworks launched within 30 seconds.
#مهرجان_الشيخ_زايد???? يصنع التاريخ من جديد✨
— Sheikh Zayed Festival مهرجان الشيخ زايد (@ZayedFestival) January 2, 2026
5 أرقام قياسية تحطم وتسجل في موسوعة جينيس???? بأكبر عرض ألعاب نارية لمدة 62 دقيقة متواصلة ليلة رأس السنة ????.. ولا تزال المفاجآت والإبهار في انتظاركم.. تفتح الأبواب يوميًا 4 عصرًا pic.twitter.com/dfNDhW64GL
The celebrations also included the largest drone show globally, with 6,500 drones performing simultaneously for 20 minutes, forming nine massive aerial formations unveiled for the first time. The synchronised drone and fireworks display coincided with the New Year countdown, creating a mesmerising visual spectacle.
Focus on sustainability
Demonstrating environmental responsibility, the festival released 500,000 eco-friendly balloons, each containing seeds of local trees and plants. This initiative transformed the celebration into a meaningful contribution to future sustainability.
Visitors also experienced authentic Emirati heritage performances, including Al-Ayyala, Al-Razfa, and Al-Nadba, alongside international folk shows and country pavilions. The diverse programme offered cultural enrichment while promoting global exchange, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated tradition alongside innovation.
Families and children enjoyed a wide range of activities, from amusement parks and children’s theatre to interactive performances, ensuring an engaging experience for all age groups.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
The success of Sheikh Zayed Festival further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for international celebrations. The 2025-2026 New Year’s Eve events highlighted the city’s ability to combine authentic heritage, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable practices in one world-class festival.