Ras Al Khaimah Sets Guinness World Record with 2,300-Drone New Year Display

Emirate marks 2026 with record-breaking aerial phoenix formation

Ras Al Khaimah marked the arrival of 2026 with a 15-minute drone-and-fireworks display that set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix-shaped formation by multirotors and drones.

The centrepiece of the New Year’s Eve celebration was a large-scale drone performance that transformed the night sky above the emirate’s waterfront. A phoenix formation, symbolising renewal and rebirth, was created using 2,300 drones, including 1,000 pyro drones that illuminated the figure's wings as it appeared to rise across the skyline.

The drone sequence also featured a second formation titled ‘The Welcome’, depicting a human figure emerging from the sea with open arms. The display was positioned along the coastline to allow visibility across key viewing areas in the emirate.

Following the drone performance, a fireworks countdown to midnight took place across a six-kilometre stretch from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. The display was choreographed in timed sequences along the shoreline, with fireworks launched simultaneously across multiple points.

New Year’s Eve celebrations were held across beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival, where visitors and residents gathered to watch the display alongside live stage performances. Earlier in the evening, an additional fireworks display was held at Corniche Al Qawasim for families and residents.

Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, 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 the latest Guinness World Records title, Ras Al Khaimah adds to its portfolio of large-scale New Year’s Eve displays, continuing its focus on destination-led public celebrations along its coastline.