Nobody does celebrations like the UAE, and nobody breaks records like Abu Dhabi. This time, they’re doing it with the ‘world’s largest drone performance’ at Sheikh Zayed Festival!
The capital will end 2025 in style at Al Wathba on New Year’s Eve.
While the festival has consistently stunned with stunning fireworks and drone displays, this year’s they’re going for not one, but five Guinness World Records. To welcome 2026, Sheikh Zayed Festival is pulling out all the stops with a performance featuring 6,500 drones that will light up the sky for 20 minutes.
The festival also has an unprecedented 62-minute fireworks show on the agenda. Occurring in five stages throughout the evening, it will culminate in a midnight display that’s going to illuminate Al Wathba like never before!
Using the latest launch and synchronisation technologies, the display is set to be a true spectacle that will blanket the Al Wathba skyline in colour and sound.
The drone performance will feature nine giant formations, seamlessly integrated with the fireworks and a digital countdown to create a fully immersive aerial experience.
What else is happening at Sheikh Zayed Festival this year?
Of course, there’s so much more happening at the festival! Think cultural and artistic events delivered by government partners, international performers, and major sponsors.
Enjoy traditional Emirati performances, including Al Ayala, Al Razfa, and Al Nadooba alongside global acts, carnival-style parades, and music and dance shows from around the world.
There’s lots for children and families to enjoy too! Don’t miss out on the Kids’ Theatre and activities at the newly launched Wonderland entertainment city.
To keep things going efficiently, visitors can now access expanded entry and exit gates, widened pedestrian walkways, and boosted safety, medical, and support teams.
Entry will close once full capacity is reached, so it’s basically first-come, first-served. Of course, you could always book your tickets online to avoid the long queues on New Year’s Eve.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court – the Sheikh Zayed Festival has been a landmark cultural and heritage event on the capital’s calendar.
Details:
Date: Wednesday, 31 December Location: Al Wathba
Tickets: TBC, visit SZF
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