The Sheikh Zayed Festival’s Higher Organising Committee, presently hosted at the Al Wathba showgrounds in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled an exciting New Year’s special program. This festive lineup includes a variety of events, shows, traditional performances, and international art exhibitions designed to usher in the New Year in a culturally rich and entertaining environment, drawing millions of visitors, residents, and tourists from across the globe.
The New Year’s celebrations will feature an extensive firework display, lasting over 60 minutes and breaking four Guinness World Records in terms of quantity, duration, and design intricacy. Additionally, a groundbreaking drone show utilizing over 5,000 drones will illuminate the Al Wathba skies with intricate patterns, setting a new regional record.
Adding to the spectacle, the New Year’s extravaganza will showcase a grand laser show, a first-of-its-kind event, along with special presentations by the Emirates Fountain, Glowing Towers Garden, and various pavilions at the Festival. The festivities will include diverse cultural and civilizational performances from around the world.
Fireworks: Breaking three new Guinness World Records for quantity, duration, and formation, the Sheikh Zayed Festival presents a 60-minute continuous firework display, offering visitors a unique experience as they welcome 2024 with a record-breaking show.
Drone Shows: In a groundbreaking moment, the Festival will feature over 5,000 drones hovering over Al Wathba skies, creating dazzling formations and setting a new Guinness World Record. Visitors can also enjoy an unprecedented laser show and music performances at the Emirates Fountain, setting the perfect mood for all age groups to ring in the New Year.
Art and Entertainment Shows: As part of the New Year’s Eve celebration, 100,000 colorful balloons will fill the sky, complemented by a DJ and live music show, adding an unforgettable element to the day’s entertainment. The Festival is organized to ensure that visitors can create lasting memories with family and friends.
The Festival’s Organizing Committee has set up giant screens outside the square to broadcast events, activities, and performances to accommodate the expected high turnout for the New Year’s Eve celebration.
Various Celebratory Features: The Heritage Village within the Festival offers New Year celebrations with Al Razfa and Ayala dances. Numerous institutions and government bodies participating in the Festival host entertaining celebratory events at their pavilions, along with special activities for children, ensuring a joyful and memorable experience for all.
Pavilions from participating countries celebrate the arrival of 2024 with carnival shows, folkloric performances, and traditional cultural celebrations associated with New Year’s Eve. The World Civilizations Parade, featuring lively folkloric performances, adds to the festive atmosphere.
Foods and Shopping: During the 2024 New Year celebration, visitors can enjoy discounts and surprises while shopping from a wide range of products and shops in all pavilions and Festival areas. Numerous local and international restaurants cater to various tastes, creating a joyful and festive setting for the public as they welcome the New Year.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival welcomes visitors daily until March 9, 2024, from 16:00 to midnight on weekdays and until 01:00 during weekends and public holidays, offering an opportunity to share joyful moments with family and friends in the Festival’s outdoor setting, complete with events, activities, and competitions suitable for all age groups.
