A series of stunning drone shows around the world welcomed the new year, with each display offering a unique spectacle. In Ras Al Khaimah, located in the United Arab Emirates, a new Guinness World Record was established for the largest aerial display featuring a phoenix, crafted by a fleet of **2,300 drones**, including **1,000 pyro-equipped units**. This breathtaking 15-minute performance showcased various formations, including a human figure rising from the sea, symbolizing renewal and triumph.
Record-Breaking Displays in the UAE
The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi also contributed to the festive atmosphere with an impressive display of **6,500 drones**. This 20-minute show was synchronized to music and featured nine grand aerial scenes, honoring the UAE’s founding fathers and its current leadership. The performance culminated in a countdown to midnight, displaying the message “Happy New Year 2026,” effectively marking the transition to the new year.
Chongqing’s Spectacular Show
The most significant drone show of the evening took place in **Chongqing, China**, where social media reports indicated the deployment of approximately **8,000 drones**. This event is believed to be the largest New Year’s Eve drone show ever held. The drones, supplied by the company **Damoda**, interacted seamlessly with the city’s lighting infrastructure, transforming the skyline into a vibrant canvas. The performance featured imaginative visuals, including a magic wand casting spells, a sand timer surrounded by emojis, and a butterfly, alongside a series of horses to celebrate the upcoming **Chinese Year of the Horse**.
In the United States, Las Vegas joined the festivities with its first integration of drones into the traditional New Year’s fireworks display. The **America’s Party** event utilized **600 drones** equipped with LED lights, which created iconic Las Vegas imagery such as the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and tumbling dice. The show concluded with patriotic imagery, commemorating the **250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence**.
The **Sphere Entertainment Co.** once again served as the official countdown venue in Las Vegas, showcasing a custom content display on the Exosphere that counted down to midnight. The innovative presentation featured the emoji character Orbi wearing glasses displaying the year **2026**.
These elaborate drone shows not only celebrated the new year but also marked a significant evolution in entertainment technology worldwide. As cities embrace this new form of artistic expression, the integration of drones into public celebrations is likely to become a lasting trend in future events.
