As the world welcomed 2025, Abu Dhabi stunned global audiences with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba set the stage for a record-breaking 50-minute fireworks display complemented by a mesmerizing 20-minute drone show featuring 6,000 drones. This breathtaking event secured six Guinness World Records, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s reputation for hosting world-class spectacles. Iconic locations like Yas Island and the Corniche added to the festivities with their dazzling displays, making the night an extraordinary celebration of light and artistry.

Abu Dhabi’s Reputation for Hosting Extravagant Events

Abu Dhabi’s commitment to hosting premier global events is unwavering, as evidenced by a remarkable 26% rise in hotel guests in 2024, attracting nearly five million visitors in just ten months. The city’s Tourism Strategy 2030 aims to further elevate its appeal, targeting 39.3 million annual visitors, generating AED 90 billion in GDP, and creating 178,000 new jobs by the end of the decade.

This meteoric rise is supported by hosting events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, NBA games, and international cultural festivals. The Sheikh Zayed Festival stands as a testament to this vision, blending Emirati heritage with world-class entertainment to create unforgettable experiences for visitors worldwide.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Innovation

The Sheikh Zayed Festival, named in honor of the UAE’s founding father, exemplifies the values of tolerance, heritage preservation, and cultural exchange. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival is a vibrant showcase of Emirati traditions and global influences.

Festival Highlights

  • Heritage Village: Visitors explore the rich cultural history of the UAE through interactive exhibits and displays.

  • Al Wathba Floating Market: Inspired by Thailand’s markets, it offers a unique dining experience on water.

  • Emirates Fountain: Laser shows and captivating 3D performances create a magical ambiance.

  • China Street: A celebration of Chinese culture with food, crafts, and performances.

  • Wildlife Secrets Sanctuary: An educational experience showcasing rare and endangered animals.

  • Fun Fair City: An array of games and activities for families to enjoy.

Running from November 2024 to February 2025, the festival blends traditional and modern attractions, including laser shows, concerts, and culinary delights from around the world.

Breaking Records: The Spectacle of Fireworks and Drones

The record-breaking midnight show at the Sheikh Zayed Festival was the highlight of the evening. Beginning with hourly fireworks displays from 6 PM, the grand finale illuminated the skies with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The accompanying drone show, featuring 6,000 synchronized drones, created breathtaking aerial art, captivating audiences with scenes of innovation and beauty.

This achievement builds on the festival’s history of record-breaking performances. In 2023, the festival’s 40-minute fireworks display earned three Guinness World Records for duration, formation, and quantity. The 2024 spectacle surpassed these milestones, setting a new global benchmark.

City-Wide Celebrations

Beyond Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks participated in the New Year’s festivities:

  • Yas Island: Fireworks at 9 PM and midnight dazzled spectators at Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina, and Yas Beach.

  • Corniche: The vibrant display, best viewed from Corniche Beach, Lulu Island, and the MOTN Festival, attracted large crowds.

  • Other Locations: Madinat Zayed Public Park, Ghayathi, Al Mughira Beach, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, and the Liwa Festival ensured celebrations extended across the emirate.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

While the event was lauded for its grandeur, it sparked discussions on environmental impacts. Viral videos on social media captured the breathtaking scenes, but some users raised concerns about pollution and its effects on wildlife. Comments critiqued the ecological cost of the celebrations, highlighting the need for balance between spectacle and sustainability.

 

Abu Dhabi’s record-breaking New Year’s Eve celebration demonstrated its ambition to excel as a global cultural and tourism hub. The Sheikh Zayed Festival’s fusion of heritage and innovation captivated audiences, leaving a lasting impression of the emirate’s dedication to creating unparalleled experiences. As Abu Dhabi continues to set new benchmarks, it paves the way for even more groundbreaking celebrations in the future.