President Sheikh Mohamed sent New Year's greetings to leaders of nations around the world, wishing them continued health and prosperity in 2025.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shared similar messages, as did Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The leaders also extended New Year greetings to the people of the UAE, with renewed hopes for peace and prosperity.
“I extend my best wishes on the occasion of the New Year,” President Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “Together, let us pray for peace and progress in the region and around the world as we work united to foster a better future for all.”
In a separate post, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hoped for “glory, pride, prosperity and stability” for the country year after year. He highlighted the “historic numbers” the Emirates has achieved in “all its indicators” in 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed also wished for peace around the world and expressed hope for “humanity to advance to new horizons”.
“We welcome 2025 with greater optimism, greater ambitions and a greater determination to continue the journey of growth and prosperity,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“My sincere congratulations on the occasion of the New Year and my wishes that it will be a year of progress and prosperity for our beloved country under the shadow of our wise leadership and for all countries of the world,” Sheikh Mansour said.
New Year's Eve fireworks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai - in pictures
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also shared his best wishes after meeting senior officials at Zabeel Majlis to discuss Dubai's achievements in 2024 and future plans.
“As we welcome the New Year, we reaffirm our commitment to working as one team to solidify Dubai's status as a global leader in diverse sectors,” he said on X. “We wish everyone in the UAE, the region, and across the world a happy and peaceful New Year.”
The UAE put on a series of firework displays across the country to ring in the new year. More than 45 fireworks shows lit up the Dubai sky, with the most popular at Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis.
The capital staged its own spectacular displays at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Bay waterfront and a record 60-minute show at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah aimed to recreate fireworks magic again after setting Guinness World Records for two years in a row.
UAE workers begin 2025 with a public holiday, with January 1 marked off for federal government workers and the private sector by the government last week. Motorists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will also enjoy free parking after authorities waived fees for the public holiday.
New Year celebrations around the World - in pictures
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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4.10pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
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5.55pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Dolman, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
The biog
Prefers vegetables and fish to meat and would choose salad over pizza
Walks daily as part of regular exercise routine
France is her favourite country to visit
Has written books and manuals on women’s education, first aid and health for the family
Family: Husband, three sons and a daughter
Fathiya Nadhari's instructions to her children was to give back to the country
The children worked as young volunteers in social, education and health campaigns
Her motto is to never stop working for the country
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'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
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The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
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Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
