Sheikh Zayed Festival Sets Multiple Guinness Records During New Year Celebrations

Abu Dhabi kicked off the new year in style, with its annual Sheikh Zayed Festival breaking four Guinness World Records in fireworks and drone performance during New Year celebrations.

The festival, which is being held in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba area, featured various activities, including a spectacular fireworks display and a 60-minute drone show, WAM reported.

The event attracted a massive international crowd to celebrate the New Year with various events, activities, and performances.

During the festival, the 40-minute fireworks display shattered three Guinness World Records, while over 5,000 drones created dazzling formations in the sky setting another record for the largest aerial logo.

Aside from this, the New Year also began with a unique laser show that threw vibrant colors and tranquil evening rhythms. The celebrations also included special shows at the Emirates Fountain, Glowing Towers Garden, and various pavilions, alongside folklore performances.

The festival grounds were packed with visitors from across the globe, especially Heritage Village which featured Razfa and Ayalah dances on New Year's Eve alongside special entertainment events presented at the various pavilions.

Aside from this, the festival also had activities for kids including children's theatre, fun rides, and various competitions in Fun Fair City. Furthermore, the attendees enjoyed the thrilling House of Horror, Al Forsan Sports Resort, and many other special features to provide the best experience during the New Year.

Meanwhile, authentic American, Mexican, and Ukrainian bands also performed Sparkling and Confetti shows around the Emirates Fountain for thousands of visitors.

Sheikh Zayed Festival is a yearly cultural event that is celebrated to commemorate the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known as the founder of the United Arab Emirates.

The festival will run until March 9 daily from 4 p.m. onwards to midnight on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, the festival goes on until 1 a.m., showcasing various events and activities for all age groups.

UAE is already basking in the glory of Guinness World Records. In November 2023, UAE-based students earned two Guinness World Records for having the highest number of nationalities attending a climate awareness lesson and for hosting the largest climate change awareness lesson.

These Guinness World Records were set ahead of the COP28 summit, which the country hosted in Expo City Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.