Abu Dhabi celebrated the arrival of 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve extravaganza, captivating audiences with an extraordinary 50-minute fireworks display and a stunning 6,000-drone show. The event, held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, shattered six Guinness World Records and showcased the city’s commitment to delivering unforgettable celebrations.
The fireworks illuminated the night sky with vibrant colors, dazzling patterns, and intricate designs, culminating in a breathtaking finale at midnight. Complementing this visual marvel, the drone show captivated onlookers with intricate aerial art that narrated stories and formed striking imagery, lasting over 20 minutes.
A Night of World-Class Celebrations
This year’s festivities continued Abu Dhabi’s tradition of surpassing its own records. At the Sheikh Zayed Festival, hourly fireworks displays began at 6 p.m., building anticipation for the grand finale. Iconic locations like Yas Island and the Corniche joined in with their own pyrotechnics, creating a city-wide celebration.
Yas Island hosted dazzling displays at 9 p.m. and midnight, with prime viewing spots at Yas Marina, Yas Bay Waterfront, and Yas Beach. The Corniche, a favorite gathering spot, offered stunning views of its fireworks from Corniche Beach and Lulu Island.
Videos of the celebrations flooded social media, with Instagram capturing the event’s vibrancy and scale. The hashtag #AbuDhabiNYE2025 trended globally as residents and visitors shared clips of the record-breaking displays.
Beyond Fireworks
The Sheikh Zayed Festival offered more than just fireworks and drones. Since its opening on November 1, 2024, the festival has featured laser shows, cultural performances, concerts, and family-friendly attractions. Running until February 28, 2025, the event celebrates Emirati culture and heritage, drawing visitors from around the world.
Other locations across Abu Dhabi, including Madinat Zayed Public Park, Ghayathi, Al Mughira Beach, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, and the Liwa Festival, also hosted their own vibrant fireworks displays, adding to the New Year’s festive spirit.
A Legacy of Excellence
Abu Dhabi’s New Year’s Eve celebrations have consistently earned global acclaim. In 2023, the Sheikh Zayed Festival’s 40-minute fireworks show set three Guinness World Records, including achievements in time, formation, and quantity. Last year, the festival broke another record by creating the world’s largest aerial logo with over 5,000 drones.
As Abu Dhabi rang in 2025, it continued to demonstrate its prowess in hosting world-class events, cementing its reputation as a global hub for innovation, culture, and celebration.
Sources By Agencies
