From fireworks to public holidays: How UAE will ring in 2026 on New Year's Eve

As UAE prepares to welcome 2026, residents and visitors are making their plans for New Year's Eve — and they have plenty of options from which to choose.

Every year, people from all over the world flock to the Emirates for its spectacular, larger-than-life celebrations. From record-breaking fireworks to carefully laid out security plans, the UAE cuts no corners when it comes to creating the perfect New Year's Eve experiences.

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Here are some of the ways in which the country will ring in 2026:

Holidays

January 1, 2026 has been declared a public holiday for both public and private sector employees. This announcement not only allows residents to spend time with family and loved ones, but also to get some rest before they jump into the New Year.

Public employees have an added benefit — they can work from home on January 2, if their roles permit them to do so.

Fireworks

The anticipation for the world-famous Burj Khalifa fireworks is in the air, with residents of the tallest tower in the world reporting that preparations are underway every night. In the weeks leading up to December 31, residents can hear music and catch glimpses of the laser show that will captivate thousands across the world.

However, it is not only the Burj Khalifa that will put on a dazzling show on New Year's Eve. Fireworks are set to go off around the UAE, with over 60 locations ready to light the sky with bright colours and designs.

7 countdowns

Instead of one celebration, why not seven? Dubai's Global Village has announced that it will welcome 2026 with seven countdowns — each for the New Year in a different country.

Guests will get to see both fireworks and drone shows marking the New Year in: China at 8pm, Thailand at 9pm, Bangladesh at 10pm, India at 10.30pm, Pakistan at 11pm, Dubai at midnight, and Turkey at 1am.

The destination’s three gates will be open for extended hours — from 4pm to 2am — on New Year's Eve.

Breaking world records

Speaking of extravagant celebrations, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi will be the site of a landmark firework display that aims to break five new Guinness World Records. The unprecedented celebration will feature a 62-minute firework show, cultural events and even a groundbreaking drone show featuring 6,500 drones performing in a single 20-minute sortie.

Drone shows

The skies of Dubai too will light up with intricate drone shows. The Frame has announced that it will host drone shows for the first time on December 31.

JBR and Global Village will feature drone shows of their own to usher in the New Year.

Security plans, traffic flow

When the scale of the celebration is so large, one might worry about safety and security at the event. However, authorities across the emirates have been preparing for weeks, ensuring solid security plans are in place. These plans not only ensure safety for residents and visitors, but also help ease traffic congestion on December 31.

Abu Dhabi Police earlier revealed that they had prepared a security plan, and urged motorists to follow certain guidelines to ensure safety. Dubai's RTA will implement phased road closures to make sure traffic flows smoothly on New Year's Eve.

8-day event with a Bollywood touch

For the first time ever, the New Year celebrations at Downtown Dubai will run for eight days, from December 31, 2025 to January 7, 2026.

Emaar earlier announced that the celebrations will involve live performances, fireworks, light shows, immersive installations and a grand parade that will move through the heart of Downtown. Burj Park's ticketed experience will even feature a Bollywood spectacle curated by famous Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan.