The Supreme Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba has announced the program for the New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2025.
Fireworks and drone displays
This year’s festival will feature spectacular fireworks and drone displays, offering over an hour of continuous entertainment along with innovative light and laser shows. These events aim to set six new Guinness World Records.
The fireworks displays will start at 6:00 PM, with additional shows launching every hour on the hour, leading up to midnight.
Midnight grand finale
As the clock strikes midnight, heralding the arrival of New Year 2025, a stunning fireworks show will light up the sky for an impressive duration of more than 53 minutes, breaking records for length, continuity, and creative designs.
Read more | Ultimate guide to New Year’s celebrations in Dubai: Fireworks, locations and tips
Drone performance highlights
Before the grand finale, a breathtaking performance with 6,000 drones will take place for 20 minutes starting at 11:40 PM. This show will feature dynamic visuals, including a record-breaking 3,000 drones forming the largest image ever created, along with a celebratory message reading “HAPPY NEW YEAR.”
Laser and light show
Moreover, the Emirates Fountain stage, equipped with 4,000 nozzles, will host an extraordinary laser and light show, the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival revealed. Using 80 advanced laser systems, the display will illuminate Al Wathba’s skyline with a vibrant array of lights and colors set to music. To further enhance the festivities, over 100,000 balloons will be released into the sky.
Traditional performances
Starting at 2:00 PM, traditional bands will perform in the Heritage Village Square, the Department of Culture and Tourism Pavilion, and various other festival locations. These performances will include Al Ayala, Al Razfa, and Al Naddba, featuring 600 performers who will deliver lively artistic experiences throughout the day.
Country pavilion celebrations
Participating country pavilions will also celebrate the New Year with carnivals and diverse folkloric performances in festival squares and within their venues. Family-friendly activities and special events for children, including performances at the Kids’ Theater and a 130-game amusement park, will cater to visitors of all ages.
Digital screen enhancements
Additionally, 3,000 square meters of digital screens will enhance the festival’s atmosphere.
The organizing committee has further announced that festival gates will open at 2:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to book and purchase tickets in advance, as the gates will close once the venue reaches capacity.
For those unable to enter the venue, large outdoor screens will broadcast the New Year’s celebrations live for everyone to enjoy.
