The Sheikh Zayed Festival welcomed 2026 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration that amazed visitors and made history by setting five new Guinness World Records.
More than 163,000 people attended the event in person, while over 500,000 others watched the spectacular fireworks from nearby locations. The celebrations featured the world’s longest nonstop fireworks display, which lasted an incredible 62 minutes and lit up the sky throughout the night.
The show also included record-breaking waterfall-style fireworks, along with thunder, whistle, and ring-shaped fireworks that created a breathtaking visual experience. One of the major highlights of the night was a massive drone show, where 6,500 drones filled the sky with beautifully coordinated shapes and images.
Sustainability played an important role in the celebrations as well. Around 500,000 biodegradable balloons were released, each carrying seeds of native plants. This initiative combined celebration with care for the environment, reflecting the festival’s commitment to cultural heritage, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
Overall, the event offered a perfect mix of entertainment, tradition, and sustainability, making the start of 2026 truly memorable for everyone who watched and attended.
