New Year's Eve world records broken in the UAE with fireworks and drone displays

Abu Dhabi leads the way with six Guinness World Records titles in one night

The largest aerial image of a seashell formed by multirotors/drones was set in Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

The UAE consistently goes all out with its New Year's Eve celebrations and this year was no exception, with several world records at stake.

Ras Al Khaimah set two new Guinness World Records with its drones and fireworks display. The first was for the largest aerial display of a tree formed by drones and the second was the largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drones.

The emirate staged a heritage-themed show to ring in 2025, combining traditional fireworks with 3D drone artistry that stretched across 5km of the Ras Al Khaimah waterfront.

“Securing two Guinness World Records titles with such a spectacular and meaningful display reflects the innovative spirit and cultural pride that define our emirate,” says Raki Phillips, chief executive at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

The emirate's New Year's Eve programme was fittingly called Our Story in the Sky, displaying a series of cultural symbols that tell the emirate's story, including its diverse ecosystem, pearl diving legacy and seafaring history. Organisers said more than 100,000 residents and visitors gathered to watch the show.

“It feels great to be back to Ras Al Khaimah. It is actually one of the best stages we have to perform on,” says Phil Grucci, chief executive of American company Grucci, which helps create the emirate's New Year's Eve fireworks. Organisers also brought in British company Sky Magic for the drone element, which took about four months to bring together.

The emirate has always been a big contender when it comes to New Year's Eve world records. To welcome 2024, it clinched records for the longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks, spanning 5.8km, and the longest straight-line drone display with a total length of 2km.

“This show marks the sixth year in a row that we attempted two Guinness World Records titles,” says Phillips. "Our aim is to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination that constantly pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation."

In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba drew large crowds with its 53-minute non-stop fireworks display. This was 13 minutes longer than its display last year when the venue broke four world records in terms of duration, quantity and design.

The venue set six Guinness World Records titles this time, including largest aerial formation with its use of 3,000 drones, as well as the largest aerial word formed and largest fan-shaped structure lit by candles.

Later in the evening, more than 6,000 drones were used for a 20-minute show, breaking the world record for the largest coordinated drone display. The fireworks display set the record for the most fireworks shown in 24 hours, as well as the most repeated firework image formations in a single minute.