Ras Al Khaimah didn’t just welcome 2026 — it made an entrance. The kind where you stop mid-sentence, forget your phone password, and just stare at the sky thinking, “Okay… wow.”
As 2026 rolled in, the emirate delivered a jaw-dropping 15-minute drone and fireworks spectacle that didn’t just impress crowds — it made history, earning a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors/drones. No pressure for next year… but also, huge pressure.
The Phoenix That Stole Everyone’s Breath
The highlight of the night was a drone show so powerful it felt emotional (yes, fireworks can do that). The night sky transformed into a massive glowing Phoenix, symbolising renewal, optimism, and rebirth — a perfect metaphor for Ras Al Khaimah’s unstoppable momentum.
This wasn’t a simple light show. It was powered by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 advanced pyro drones that ignited the Phoenix’s wings in a dramatic blaze of fire and light as it soared above the waterfront. Phones were up, jaws were down, and the crowd? Completely mesmerised.
“The Welcome”: A Message Written in the Sky
Just when people thought it couldn’t get more emotional, the drones formed “The Welcome” — a human figure rising from the sea, arms wide open. Subtle? No. Powerful? Very. It perfectly captured Ras Al Khaimah’s warmth, hospitality, and big-hearted energy.
Midnight Magic Along Six Kilometres of Coastline
As the final seconds of 2025 ticked away, the energy built — and then midnight hit.
What followed was a six-kilometre-long fireworks display, stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in perfectly timed waves, cascading along the coastline in a dazzling symphony of colour, sound, and light. It wasn’t just fireworks — it was choreography.
A Celebration Shared by Thousands
From beachfront resorts to the buzzing New Year’s Eve Festival, thousands of spectators across Ras Al Khaimah soaked in the celebrations. Live stage performances, festive vibes, and waterfront views turned the night into a full-scale celebration for visitors and residents alike.
Earlier in the evening, families also enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim, making sure even the youngest celebrators got their share of sparkle.
A Night About People, Not Just Records
Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, highlighted what truly mattered — bringing people together and creating shared memories.
While the Guinness World Records™ title is an incredible milestone, the real win was celebrating a year of progress and welcoming 2026 with optimism, excitement, and a sense of community.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Legacy of Bigger, Bolder New Year’s Eves
With yet another Guinness World Records™ title under its belt, Ras Al Khaimah continues to prove one thing: when it comes to New Year’s Eve, this emirate doesn’t just celebrate — it tells a story in the sky. And honestly? We can’t wait to see how it tops this.
