Today's Edition
YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is set to light up the sky across the emirate with vibrant fireworks displays this New Year’s Eve with Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba planning a special treat for revellers, as the UAE capital aims to break six Guinness World Records with its breathtaking fireworks, laser shows, fountain, light and drone displays.
According to posts on the festival's official social media pages, 'the biggest New Year celebration' will be a 50-minute spectacle featuring 'world's largest fireworks display' and a 6,000-drone show on the night of December 31.
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As the clock strikes midnight and the New Year 2025 begins, a grand fireworks show will light up the sky for an unprecedented more than 53 minutes, breaking records for duration, continuity, and creative formations.
Ahead of the grand fireworks finale, 6,000 drones will deliver breathtaking performances for 20 minutes beginning at 11:40 pm.
These displays will feature dynamic, artistic visuals, including a record-breaking 3,000 drones forming the largest image ever created and a celebratory message of "HAPPY NEW YEAR" to mark the occasion.
The Emirates Fountain stage, equipped with 4,000 nozzles, will host an extraordinary laser and light show.
Using 80 advanced laser systems, the displays will illuminate Al Wathba's skyline with harmonious lights and colours set to music.
Adding to the spectacle, the festival will release over 100,000 balloons into the sky.
Starting at 2 pm, traditional bands will perform in the Heritage Village Square, the Department of Culture and Tourism Pavilion, and across other festival venues.
The world records attempt:
- Largest fireworks display with over 53 minutes of continuous fireworks.
- A 20-minute aerial display involving 6,000 drones.
- Creating the world’s largest aerial image using more than 3,000 drones.
- A synchronized display of 3,000 drones spelling out “Happy New Year” - a world first.
- 3,000 drones set new world record for largest synchronised music-drone display.
- Largest fireworks display in terms of quantity, design, and duration.
Fireworks shows will start every hour at 6pm with the grand finale at midnight. Entry to the event will cost Dh50, and can be booked via the festival’s website.
The organising committee has announced that the festival gates will open at 2 pm.
Visitors are encouraged to book and purchase tickets in advance. The gates will close once the venue reaches capacity.
For those unable to enter the venue, large outdoor screens will broadcast the New Year's celebrations live.
(with inputs from WAM)
