Al Wathba is gearing up to host one of the UAE’s—and the region’s—largest New Year’s Eve celebrations, as the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival completes preparations for an exceptional programme featuring an unprecedented 62-minute fireworks show, the world’s largest drone performance, and a rich array of cultural and heritage showcases presented by participating countries, sponsors, and strategic partners. The celebration further strengthens the festival’s reputation as a global hub for culture, entertainment, and community engagement.
The festival is set to deliver a landmark fireworks display aimed at breaking five new Guinness World Records. The show will be presented in five phases throughout New Year’s Eve, starting at 8 pm and concluding at midnight with the main 62-minute continuous fireworks spectacle.
Utilising state-of-the-art launch systems and precision synchronisation, the fireworks will transform the Al Wathba skyline with a dazzling display of scale and innovation.
Visitors will also experience a ground-breaking drone show featuring 6,500 drones in a single 20-minute performance. The show will include nine massive aerial formations debuting globally for the first time, synchronised with a digital countdown and integrated seamlessly with the fireworks, creating a fully immersive visual production that highlights the festival’s advanced entertainment technologies.
This year’s New Year’s Eve programme will see extensive participation from official sponsors and strategic partners, each contributing distinctive elements within their dedicated areas across the festival grounds.
These contributions include interactive cultural exhibits by government partners celebrating Emirati heritage and identity; technical support from specialised collaborators in lighting, lasers, and drone systems; and artistic, cultural, and musical performances offered by participating nations.
This collective effort underscores the crucial role of partnerships in elevating national celebrations and reinforcing the festival’s status as a premier global cultural destination.
In addition to the major aerial shows, the festival will present a wide range of traditional Emirati performances, including Al Ayala, Al Razfa, and Al Nadooba, featuring hundreds of performers, along with international artistic groups that consistently draw strong public attendance.
Participating countries will also host carnival-style parades, musical shows, and cultural presentations throughout the evening.
Families will enjoy a dedicated programme that includes children’s performances at the Kids’ Theatre and a variety of activities at Wonderland, the new entertainment city launched in December 2025, which has quickly become a favourite attraction for New Year festivities.
The Higher Committee announced enhanced operational measures to accommodate significant visitor numbers, including additional entry and exit points, expanded walkways, strengthened safety and medical support services, and the deployment of specialised teams to ensure smooth visitor flow. The committee confirmed that entry will close once full capacity is reached to ensure public safety.
The public is encouraged to follow the festival’s official channels and secure tickets early to guarantee entry and make use of available services.
These preparations embody the Sheikh Zayed Festival’s commitment to presenting one of the region’s most extraordinary New Year celebrations an experience that blends heritage, innovation, and world-class entertainment to welcome 2026 in an unforgettable atmosphere.
(Inputs from WAM)
