All the World Records Abu Dhabi Set for New Year 2025

Abu Dhabi kicked off 2025 in style with a dazzling New Year’s Eve showcase that didn’t just light up the skyline—it lit up the record books too. From the longest fireworks display to mind-blowing drone choreography, here’s how they pulled it off.

A Night to Remember: The 2025 Spectacle

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba treated spectators to a jaw-dropping 53-minute non-stop fireworks display, shattering previous durations and claiming six Guinness World Records in one go. That’s nearly an hour of pyrotechnic brilliance rolling into the first moments of the New Year.

But that was only half of it. Launching way above, a vast fleet of 6,000 drones took flight, orchestrating a 20-minute synchronised show that included the largest aerial word formation and fan-shaped structures the world has ever seen.

Smashing the World Records

Abu Dhabi didn’t just reuse past accolades—they reset the bar. The six Guinness titles included:

- Longest continuous fireworks display (53 minutes)
- Most repeated firework image formations in a minute
- Highest quantity of fireworks in 24 hours
- Largest aerial formation via drones (3,000+ drones)
- Largest aerial word (“HAPPY NEW YEAR”)
- Longest full-colour drone show

Previously, the venue had held records with a 40-minute display in 2023 featuring 5,000 drones and an aerial logo.

Setting New Records in Pyrotechnic Entertainment

Every year, Abu Dhabi—and the UAE in general—go beyond spectacle by combining fireworks, lasers, fountains, music and drones into unified performances. This year raised the game again: the fireworks, drone artistry, laser beams, inflatable fountains and balloon releases wove together into a multi-sensory extravaganza .

This isn’t just pyrotechnic bravado—it’s a full-on production designed to leave you breathless.

What It Took to Achieve This Feat

Think it’s just fireworks and drones? Think again. Pulling off a 53-minute show requires meticulous planning, tonnes of explosives and kilometres of wiring. The drone performance? Thousands of units flying in perfect synchrony—requiring FAA-style clearances, charging stations, pre-programming, and safety nets.

Then there's the team behind it: event planners, fire crews, drone operators, electricians and technicians—coordination on an epic scale.

Epic Displays, Epic Inspiration

For anyone who runs firework shows—or dreams of one—this is next-level ambition. It’s new proof that pyrotechnic entertainment isn’t just about the 'bang': it’s the design, storytelling, engineering and flair. That’s something we live by here at Epic Fireworks, too.

Celebrating UAE Creativity

By pushing boundaries and smashing world records, Abu Dhabi reaffirmed its position at the top of the fireworks hierarchy—and raised the bar for pyrotechnic events worldwide. The seamless blend of fireworks and drone choreography has opened doors to fresh thinking, fresh storytelling, and fresh dreams.

How It Compares to UK Displays

We may not do hour-long spectacles (yet!), but the UK’s firework events share the same DNA—carefully choreographed shows, musical sync, spectacular choreography. While our displays tend to be more regional, they still capture hearts and times millions of online views each Bonfire Night.

If Abu Dhabi shows what’s possible, UK organisers create moments of community awe across gardens, shows and festivals year-round.

About the Sheikh Zayed Festival

Every December 31, Al Wathba’s Sheikh Zayed Festival brings together fireworks, lasers, concerts, cultural programmes and record-breaking ambitions.

Inspired Yet?

If you’re fired up by these record-breaking feats, why not bring a touch of that ambition back home? Our Epic Fireworks range can help you create impressive, tightly choreographed displays—albeit on a smaller scale. 

We stock the UK’s biggest and best selection of consumer fireworks — from garden fountains to thumping multi-shot barrages and full display kits that make your bonfire night look like Southport on a Saturday. And if you're new to the game, our ready-made display packs are ideal for taking the guesswork out of building your own show.

We might not hand out world records, but we do help you light up your own patch of sky — safely, legally, and spectacularly.

Shop our full range of fireworks today