Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, 1 January 2026: The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah rang in 2026 with a spectacular 15-minute drones and fireworks display that set a new Guinness World Records title for the ‘Largest aerial display of phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’.
The highlight of the celebration was an awe-inspiring drone performance that transformed the night sky into a living canvas. At the heart of this display was the record-breaking Phoenix, a mythical symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, echoing Ras Al Khaimah’s own transformation and ambition to continuously reimagine its future. This display was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 state-of-the-art pyro drones that ignited the Phoenix wings in a dramatic blaze of light as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront.
The spectacle continued with another striking drone formation named ‘The Welcome’ – a human form rising from the sea with open arms, embodying the emirate’s spirit of warmth, openness, and hospitality.
Following the drone show, a precisely timed fireworks countdown to midnight ignited a six-kilometre-long fireworks display stretching from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in perfectly choreographed waves, cascading along the coastline in a dazzling symphony of color, sound, and light.
Thousands of spectators across Ras Al Khaimah’s beachfront resort and at the New Year’s Eve Festival were treated to an array of live stage performances and vibrant festivities, making it a truly memorable night for everyone in attendance. Earlier in the 1st January 2026 Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve Drone And Fireworks Display Sets A New Guinness World Records Title evening, families and residents of the emirate also enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.
With 14 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles achieved with its New Year’s celebrations over the past seven years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to set the standard as one of the world’s leading destinations for New Year’s Eve spectacles.
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Other: Note To Editors
Event’s website: raknye.com
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is known for its nature, rich history and progressive vision under HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Committed to sustainable development, economic prosperity, social development and innovation, RAK is an ideal place to live, work and invest. Strategically located – with one third of the world’s population within a four-hour flight – RAK is a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its economy is diverse, with no sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP.
The Emirate offers a business-friendly environment with competitive operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax and low corporate tax. It is home to 50,000+ companies, with RAKEZ and Innovation City supporting growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a future-focused economy validated by ‘A’-range credit ratings. Its 0.4 million population comprises 150+ nationalities, each appreciating RAK’s high quality of life and accessible luxury living. Its bold hospitality projects involve luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton. RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, while RAK’s the Emirate’s natural beauty (UAE’s highest mountain, beaches and deserts) and rich heritage further enhance its appeal.
With year-round sunshine, simple business set-up, a competitive cost of living and great lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities.
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. To achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.
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For further information, please contact: news@raktda.com
Source: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
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Shows: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, NYE
0:00 – 1:29 GVs: Guinness World Records Largest aerial display of phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’before midnight. Crowd watching display. ‘The Welcome’ formed before midnight. Crowd watching display.
1:29 GVs: Aerial and ground vision of fireworks. Crowd watching display
2:52 GVs: Guinness World Records certificate presentation with Phillipa Harrison and Emma Brain.
Interview with Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
3:21 “Tonight, Ras Al Khaimah has once again made history with its most spectacular New Year’s celebration to date.
Breaking the world record for the “Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by drones” this achievement marks the fourteenth Guinness World Record the emirate sets on this occasion.
The show highlighted themes of renewal, progress and warmth imagined through spectacular drone formations.
Over 2,300 drones were dancing through the sky to create stunning visuals, including a legendary Phoenix in flight and a Guardian welcoming the world with open arms.
These iconic moments reflect our commitment to creating high-quality experiences for our residents and visitors.
2025 was a year filled with great achievements for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about bringing the community together and ushering in a prosperous new year.
As we step into 2026, we look forward to creating even more incredible moments that bring joy to our visitors and pride to everyone who calls Ras Al Khaimah home.”
Interview with Emma Brain, Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator
4:26 “On behalf of Guinness World Records, it gives me great pleasure to confirm that Ras Al Khaimah and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has achieved the Guinness World Records title for the 'Largest Aerial Display of Mythical Creature Formed by Multirotors / Drones'and the mythical chosen was the Phoenix. Congratulations, Ras Al Khaimah! You are officially amazing!”
4:52 GVs: Light, pyro and laser drones being prepared and tested prior to the display.
5:34 GVs: Fireworks being prepared and loaded onto barges.
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31 December 2025
