Ras Al Khaimah Creates History with a Record-Breaking New Year’s Eve Spectacle
Ras Al Khaimah welcomed 2026 with an extraordinary 15-minute drone and fireworks extravaganza, earning a new Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones.
The centrepiece of the celebration was a breathtaking drone show that turned the night sky into a dynamic work of art. The record-setting Phoenix—an enduring symbol of rebirth, hope, and renewal—reflected Ras Al Khaimah’s own journey of transformation and its vision to reimagine the future continually.
The spectacle was powered by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 advanced pyro drones that dramatically illuminated the Phoenix’s wings in a blaze of light as it soared above the emirate’s waterfront. This was followed by another striking formation titled ‘The Welcome’—a human figure rising from the sea with open arms, representing Ras Al Khaimah’s warmth, inclusivity, and renowned hospitality.
As the drone display concluded, a meticulously timed countdown ushered in the New Year with a six-kilometre-long fireworks show stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks burst in synchronised sequences, cascading along the coastline in a stunning fusion of colour, sound, and light.
Thousands of spectators gathered at beachfront resorts and the New Year’s Eve Festival, enjoying live stage performances and festive celebrations that made the night truly unforgettable. Earlier in the evening, residents and families also delighted in a special early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.
Commenting on the milestone, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), said, “New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah is about bringing people together. This year, we aimed to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and visitors alike. While achieving a Guinness World Records title is an honour, what truly matters are the memories created. After a year of remarkable progress in 2025, tonight was about celebrating that journey and welcoming the New Year with optimism and excitement.”
With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah further strengthens its legacy of delivering world-class, innovative New Year’s Eve celebrations, cementing its position as a global destination for spectacular and emotionally engaging experiences.
