2026 began with a record-breaking celebration in Abu Dhabi, which included a spectacular display of over 6,500 coordinated drones and a continuous fireworks display lasting 62 minutes. The show combined technology, scale, and choreography as part of the UAE’s larger New Year’s Eve spanning several emirates, drawing international attention and establishing new standards for midnight celebrations.

While the rest of the world was pleased with countdowns and brief fireworks, the UAE obviously had other ideas. New Year’s Eve 2026 promised a bigger, brighter, and longer showcase, and Abu Dhabi produced a celebration that seemed less like a party and more like a global performance of innovation and pure visual drama.

Record breaking New Year’s Eve — Google

Record-breaking 2026 welcome in Abu Dhabi

The main festivities in Abu Dhabi were held in Al Wathba, where the organisers showcased an amazing 62-minute fireworks display that has since gone viral online.

According to Gulf News, the show combined advanced launch systems, visual synchronization technology, and sweeping formations that lighted the desert skyline.

Abi Dhabi breaks record with 62- minutes fire work and 6,500-Drone Show — Google

More than 6,500 coordinated drones filled the skies, producing sweeping animations, including a magnificent phoenix figure that seemed to rise, change, and illuminate throughout the night, just as the fireworks seemed unbeatable.

The display emphasized months of engineering, programming and coordination, timed down to the second. Clearly, the goal was to push boundaries and set several Guinness World Records in one memorable evening rather than just celebrate.

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K‑pop fans in the UAE are in for an unforgettable experience as Chung Ha and Onew, the legendary SHINee vocalist, prepare to perform at Dubai Festival City Mall on January 3, 2026. This one-night-only concert is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and will be held at the iconic Festival Bay waterfront, offering a spectacular backdrop of the “IMAGINE” water and light show.

Photo Credit: KoreaCrate

The performance is part of the “e& DSF Nights” series, which brings free, live entertainment to the public throughout the festival. Fans can expect an electrifying evening featuring the powerhouse vocals and stage presence of Chung Ha. She first gained attention as a member of I.O.I and has since become a solo star, delivering hits such as ‘Gotta Go’ and ‘Snapping”. Joining her is Onew, SHINee’s leader and main vocalist, whose solo work including “O (Circle)” and his latest album Percent has cemented him as a standout performer in K‑pop.

Phot Credit: W Magazine

The show kicks off at 8:30 PM and is free for everyone, welcoming fans of all ages. Organizers recommend arriving early for the best views, as the event is expected to draw large crowds from across Dubai. While parking is available at the mall, fans are encouraged to use public transport because a large crowd is expected.

Photo Credit: NME

This K-pop showcase is just one highlight of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival, which runs from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, which features live music, fireworks, shopping treats, and family-friendly entertainment. From Arab pop stars to children’s stage shows, Festival City is set to be a hub of excitement this winter. K‑pop fans in Dubai will get a rare opportunity to see Chung Ha and Onew perform live.

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Hollywood star Will Smith will be a guest speaker at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 In UAE, expect his trademark wit and hard-earned lessons at the event. The 44th edition of SIBF will begin on November 5 to 16 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, and according to the organizers Smith is scheduled to take the main stage on November 14 at 8pm.

SIBF has grown into one of the region’s most distinguished cultural gatherings, bringing thousands of publishers and hundreds of events that span literature, film, music and education. The Sharjah Book Authority named this year’s theme to be “Between You and a Book,” bridging the gap between creators and readers from across the world.

Will Smith —Instagram

Smith’s session promises to be more memoir than lecture: press previews suggest he will reflect on a three-decade career that spans music, cinema, entrepreneurship and recent writing projects, sharing candid stories about creativity, resilience and reinvention. Fans can expect a mix of humor, personal anecdotes and practical advice for anyone building a creative life.

The fair promises to be an eventful experience, as over 1200 activities will be conducted, author signings, children’s programming and specialist panels that aim to create cross-cultural conversations. Thanks to the organizers transportation and logistics that will handle the expected rush of visitors have been put in place.

Will Smith — Instagram

Also, this year’s program will host a remarkable roster of global literary figures, including Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Italian physicist and bestselling writer Carlo Rovelli, Irish novelist and Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, and Indian content creator Prajakta Koli. Prominent Arab and Emirati names such as poet and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, historian Dr. Hamad bin Seray and renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass will also participate.

Whether you come for a chance to hear an icon speak or to hear the voices of other literary experts and meet new people, Will Smith’s presence adds an artistic moment to a festival that remains, at its heart, a celebration of books and the stories that shape us. Tickets and session details are available via the Sharjah Book Fair website and social channels, expect demand and limited seating for Smith’s appearance.

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