New Year 2026: Ras Al Khaimah sets Guinness World Record with phoenix drone and fireworks show

The dramatic drone performance in Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA

Ras Al Khaimah welcomed New Year 2026 with a breathtaking 15-minute fireworks and drone spectacle that secured a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by drones. The highlight of the celebration was a dramatic drone performance that transformed the night sky into a living canvas. At its centre was a record-breaking phoenix — a mythical symbol of renewal, optimism and rebirth — reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing transformation and future-focused ambitions. The phoenix formation was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 state-of-the-art pyro drones that ignited the wings in a blaze of light as the figure appeared to soar above the emirate’s waterfront. The show continued with another striking formation titled “The Welcome”, depicting a human figure rising from the sea with open arms, symbolising Ras Al Khaimah’s warmth, openness and hospitality. Following the drone display, a precisely timed midnight countdown triggered a six-kilometre-long fireworks show stretching from Al Hamra to Marjan Island, with hundreds of fireworks erupting in synchronised waves along the coastline. Thousands of spectators gathered across beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival, while families earlier enjoyed an early fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim. Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of the 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.”CAM/Expat Media