Ras Al Khaimah has set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones during its New Year’s Eve celebration.
The emirate marked the arrival of 2026 with a 15-minute display that combined drones and fireworks above its waterfront.
The centrepiece of the celebration was a phoenix created using 2,300 drones. The formation included 1,000 pyro drones that illuminated the phoenix’s wings, creating a flame-like effect as the figure appeared to move across the sky.
Record-breaking drone phoenix lights up Ras Al Khaimah skies as emirate welcomes 2026
The drone sequence also included a second formation called “The Welcome,” which depicted a human figure rising from the sea with open arms.
As midnight approached, the drone show transitioned into a fireworks countdown. The fireworks display stretched six kilometres along the coastline from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks were launched in synchronised waves.
Thousands of residents and visitors gathered across beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival to watch the celebrations. The event included live stage performances and entertainment throughout the night. Earlier in the evening, families in the emirate watched a fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim.
“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,” Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said in a statement.
Harrison said the event was an opportunity to reflect on the emirate’s development and to welcome the year ahead with optimism.
