Sheikh Zayed Festival aims to break four world records on New Year's Eve

Show involving 5,000 drones and a one-hour fireworks display aim to end the year in style

Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve fireworks show is looking to break three Guinness World Records. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Festival

Four Guinness World Records could be set at Sheikh Zayed Festival's New Year's Eve celebrations.

A one-hour fireworks display will aim to break three records, covering time, quantity and design intricacy.

A show involving 5,000 drones will attempt to break another, with officials ready to certify the attempts.

Running for nearly four months, the annual Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, is one of the country's largest cultural events, named in honour of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

New attractions this year include a camping village, a Chinese market and a Flying Cup experience, which is part ride and part restaurant, allowing diners to eat several metres above ground.

The annual Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the country's largest cultural and entertainment events. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Other returning highlights include Wildlife Secrets, a small zoo with monkeys, lions and Komodo dragons. There's also Fun Fair City, with rides, games and attractions for all age groups; Children's City with 30 types of workshops, plus face painting, VR games and talent competitions for ages up to 14; and even a Crazy Car arena fitted out with safe cars suitable for small children.

Adrenalin-seekers can visit the House of Horror, inspired by Disney's Haunted Mansion, which was released this year and stars Jared Leto and Tiffany Haddish.

Besides the fireworks and drone shows, organisers said more activities have been planned for New Year's Eve, including a massive laser show, one of the largest of its kind in the region.

Visitors will also be able to watch 100,000 colourful balloons released into the sky as they ring in the new year, while live DJs and music performers will be on hand to create a celebratory mood.

Giant screens outside the festival square will broadcast events, activities and performances of the celebration, due to the expected high turnout on New Year's Eve, organisers said.

Sheikh Zayed Festival runs daily from 4pm to midnight until March 9. Tickets are priced at Dh10 and available at zayedfestival.ae

Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023 runs at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, until March 9. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The festival offers live performances, weekly fireworks and drone and fountain shows

Culture and customs of Emirati life make up the backbone of the festival

A blacksmith at work at the Sheikh Zayed Festival

Safeefah, or palm frond weaving

The festival also has rides and games for all ages

Roaming performers keep the crowd entertained

Visitors enjoy the central water fountain

Falcons on display at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Wildlife Secrets, a mini zoo displays several animals to see and pet

Rare and endangered species are part of the sanctuary

A mime artist entertains crowds

Traditional folk dances are performed daily