By Rafiq Vayani
RAS AL KHAIMAH: 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 a 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 resorts 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 evening, families and residents of the emirate also enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.
Commenting on the achievement, 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. With this year’s show, we wanted to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and everyone visiting Ras Al Khaimah at this special time. While achieving a new Guinness World Records title is great, what truly matters are the memories created for those who celebrated with us. 2025 was a year of significant progress for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about celebrating that and welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement for what is to come.”
With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah adds to its impressive legacy of record-breaking displays, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for innovative and emotionally resonant New Year’s Eve celebrations.
