Watch: How 6,500 drones took off on NYE to form stunning images of UAE leaders

As the UAE welcomed the New Year with dazzling fireworks and breathtaking drone displays, millions watched in awe as the skies lit up across the country.

What most people don't see, however, is the immense planning, precision, and round-the-clock teamwork required to deliver a spectacle of this scale — one that captures global attention far beyond the UAE.

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A glimpse behind the scenes was recently shared by the Sheikh Zayed Festival on social media, revealing the enormous effort that goes into creating the show. The post showed more than 6,500 drones being prepared to take flight, highlighting the level of coordination and technical expertise powering the celebration.

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Check out the video below:

Khaleej Times earlier reported how Sheikh Zayed Festival was preparing to host one of the largest New Year's Eve celebrations in the UAE.

The event featured a 62-minute continuous fireworks display, the world's largest drone performance, and a rich mix of cultural shows presented by participating countries, sponsors, and strategic partners.

Delivering a continuous fireworks display that lasted over an hour required thousands of shells, extensive wiring networks, and multiple launch platforms strategically positioned across the site to ensure optimal visibility while strictly adhering to safety standards.

Alongside the fireworks, the New Year’s Eve show also featured approximately 6,500 drones operating with advanced technology to create three-dimensional light formations in the sky above Al Wathba. Mohammed Al Marzooqi, a member of the festival organising committee, earlier told Khaleej Times that the drone sequences were carefully designed to complement the fireworks, presenting a visual narrative inspired by Emirati heritage and national identity, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and precise synchronisation.

Check out the video below:

Mohammed added that hundreds of professionals from various disciplines ranging from engineers and technicians to security and emergency teams are involved in the preparations. All systems were connected to a central control room that enables real-time monitoring and was supported by backup power and communication systems to ensure uninterrupted performance.

In the weeks leading up to New Year’s Eve, nighttime rehearsals were conducted after the festival closes to the public. These sessions focus on fine-tuning timing, sequencing, and smooth transitions between scenes. Weather conditions are also closely monitored, given their direct impact on visual performance.

The final hour

Around an hour before midnight, launch zones were secured, and final safety checks were completed. Every detail was reviewed once more, from testing communication channels to reassessing weather conditions, with all teams operating on a minute-by-minute schedule.

Once the show began, systems ran according to pre-programmed sequences, with continuous monitoring and the ability to intervene immediately if required. As the final fireworks faded and applause echoed across Al Wathba, crews then began to quietly dismantle equipment, already looking ahead to the next celebration.

Take a look at final prep ahead of the big moment:

(Inputs Arwa Almazrouei)

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.