Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Festival plans largest New Year celebration with 6,500-drone show
The fireworks show aims to break five new Guinness World Records
ABU DHABI – Al Wathba is preparing to host one of the UAE’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations, as the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival finalises an extensive programme to welcome 2026.
The event will feature a 62-minute fireworks display, the world’s largest drone performance and a wide range of cultural and heritage events contributed by participating countries, sponsors and strategic partners. Organisers note that the scale of this year’s plans reflects the festival’s standing as a global cultural and entertainment destination.
The fireworks show aims to break five new Guinness World Records. It will be presented in five stages throughout New Year’s Eve, commencing at 8pm and leading up to the main 62-minute display at midnight.
The show will use advanced synchronisation and launch technologies designed to illuminate the Al Wathba skyline on an unprecedented scale.
6,500-drone show
Alongside the fireworks, visitors will witness a drone show featuring 6,500 drones performing in a single 20-minute sortie. The programme includes nine large-scale aerial formations being presented globally for the first time, synchronised with a digital countdown and integrated with the fireworks to deliver an immersive visual experience.
This year’s New Year’s Eve line-up includes extensive participation from official sponsors and strategic partners. Each will present dedicated experiences across the festival grounds, ranging from cultural activations highlighting Emirati heritage and identity to technical contributions supporting lighting, laser and drone technologies. Participating countries will also stage musical performances, carnival-style parades and heritage demonstrations.
Cultural showcase
The evening will feature an extensive roster of traditional Emirati performances, including Al Ayala, Al Razfa and Al Nadooba, involving hundreds of performers. International groups will add to the programme, offering shows that traditionally attract strong public interest.
Families will find a wide selection of attractions, including children’s performances at the Kids’ Theatre and activities at Wonderland, the entertainment city launched in December 2025 as a major family attraction during the festival season.
Crowd measures
The Higher Committee announced expanded operational measures to manage anticipated large crowds. These include additional entry and exit gates, wider pedestrian routes, enhanced safety and medical services and the deployment of specialised field teams to ensure smooth visitor movement. Entry will close once the site reaches full capacity.
The committee has encouraged the public to follow official channels and secure tickets early to benefit from available services and avoid last-minute congestion.