NYE in UAE: RAK fireworks, drone displays break two world records

Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the New Year with yet another record-breaking eight-minute-long firework and drone display setting two new Gunness World Record titles along a 4.5km stretch of Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront.

The two record-breaking titles include the ‘Longest chain of aquatic floating fireworks’ for a grand total of 5.8km and the ‘Longest straight-line drones display’ for a total length of 2km.

The show featured groundbreaking techniques that have never been attempted before using a combination of 1,050 LED drones, a ‘carpet’ of aquatic floating fireworks and acrobatic pyro planes display inspired by Ras Al Khaimah’s natural wonders – the desert, the sea and the mountains – all choreographed to music specially composed for the celebration.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Breaking two more Guinness titles has set stage for an unforgettable night of celebration bringing together thousands of visitors and residents. As we kick off the new year, 2023 has been an exceptional year for tourism in Ras Al Khaimah with numerous achievements and the highest ever annual number of visitors recorded, propelling the Nature Emirate further in attracting over three million annual visitors by 2030.”

Bringing the entire community together, the festivities attracted over 50,000 spectators and saw hotels across the Emirate fully booked, making it the most visited show to date. The event offered various viewing areas open for the public to enjoy, with family activities, food trucks and live entertainment. Other revellers experienced the celebrations at the ticketed event experience, SoundFest, where live bands from around the world entertained crowds the first hours of 2024.