62-minute fireworks, 6,500 drones to light up Sheikh Zayed Festival

Sheikh Zayed Festival is gearing up to host one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the UAE and the wider region, taking place at Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba.

The event will feature a spectacular 62-minute fireworks display, alongside the world’s largest drone show and a vibrant mix of cultural and heritage performances.

The highlight of the night will be a landmark fireworks show designed to set five new Guinness World Records.

The display will unfold in five stages, starting at 8:00 pm and building up to the main midnight show, with fireworks running continuously for more than an hour and lighting up the Al Wathba skyline using advanced launch and synchronisation technologies.

Visitors will also experience an unprecedented drone performance, with 6,500 drones flying in a single 20-minute show.

The display will feature nine giant aerial formations debuting globally, synchronised with a digital countdown and integrated with the fireworks for an immersive visual experience.

Traditional Emirati performances such as Al Ayala, Al Razfa and Al Nadooba will take place alongside international acts, carnival-style parades, musical shows and cultural demonstrations.

Family-friendly entertainment includes children’s shows at the Kids’ Theatre and activities at the newly opened Wonderland entertainment city.

To accommodate large crowds, organisers have expanded operational preparations, including additional entry and exit gates, wider pedestrian pathways, enhanced safety and medical services, and specialised field teams to manage visitor movement.

In order to ensure public safety, entry will close once capacity is reached.