The family-friendly shows happening across all emirates on December 31 consist of festivals (such as Christmas) celebrating the UAE’s cultural heritage, combined with musical entertainment from artist selections throughout the world, such as DJ sets and live performances. Each emirate offers its unique showcase of commemorative silver streaks and colourful explosions created from some of the finest pyrotechnics manufactured around the globe.
Each emirate will host numerous shows during the year, such as Abu Dhabi hosting an outdoor show showcasing local talent on January 1; Ras Al Khaimah will also celebrate the New Year with a series of fireworks. The largest displays will take place from Burj Khalifa, using innovative technology provided to support other displays.
Fireworks Spectacles Across Emirates
The UAE’s commitment to fostering safe communities through friendship, unity and understanding among its residents and guests is clearly demonstrated by the preparations now underway to deliver New Year’s safely and memorably.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival, located in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, has put together an impressive fireworks program that features nonstop displays lasting over one hour. The event takes advantage of modern technology to incorporate drones in some of its firework displays.
In addition, other emirates such as Sharjah and Ajman will offer unique and visually appealing venues to watch fireworks, such as at the Al Majaz waterfront in Sharjah and Ajman Corniche. These viewing areas will be family-friendly and have additional festival zones that provide food and music, as well as an entertainment atmosphere.
Planned Public Events and Extended Festivities
As the UAE authorities have officially declared January 1, 2026, as a public holiday, this will allow residents and visitors to continue celebrating into the New Year hassle-free. In Dubai, the celebrations will go on until after midnight with parks and recreational facilities remaining open late. Many of these facilities will offer extended hours so families and visitors can enjoy firework displays, light shows and entertainment from drone technology.
The Downtown Dubai area will continue to have a week-long festive atmosphere beyond New Year’s Eve. This will include cultural parades and light displays every night, along with food zones where visitors can celebrate as a community with their family. The Downtown Dubai area will transform into an open-air festival location from January 1st through January 7th.
For music fans, there will be a variety of live performances, gala dinners and DJ sets at venues of all types, from high-end waterfront locations to casual beach parties and cruise ships in Dubai.
Safety, Transport, and Celebration Planning
Public safety is being prioritised as part of the 2026 plan. Dubai’s Event Security Committee has assured total preparation and organisation of the public for the New Year celebrations, creating clear areas for organised crowd management, emergency services, and logistical support requirements.
Additionally, RTA are encouraging all visitors and residents to use public transport, which will also include expanded metro and tram services to major celebration sectors (such as Downtown Dubai and all festival-related activities). Additionally, confirmed road closures and ongoing updates to travel times for the evening should allow for a smooth flow of vehicles throughout the evening. Last but not least, free parking on January 1 will provide a convenient way to travel after events have finished on that date.
Dubai3 weeks ago
