UAE rings in 2025 with spectacular fireworks, dazzling lights, drone displays

Welcoming 2025 in the UAE, locals and visitors from around the world came together to celebrate the New Year with dazzling light displays, laser shows, and fireworks at the world’s tallest building in Dubai, as well as breathtaking fireworks and a captivating drone performance in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's northernmost emirate.

As the clock struck midnight in Dubai, a spectacular nine-minute performance themed 'Beyond Dreams' officially began at the world’s tallest building -- the Burj Khalifa. The show featured a mesmerizing blend of light displays, lasers, and fireworks.

Over 15,600 firework elements and more than 200 laser beams lit up the city, infusing vibrant colors and electrifying energy into the New Year celebrations.

Another 36 fireworks display sites across Dubai also lit up simultaneously, brightening the Dubai skyline.

Thousands of tourists from around the globe gathered near the iconic building to revel in the spectacular night and make their New Year wishes.

"For me, lose a couple of pounds. That's the usual thing. And to travel more. Travel more and see the world," said Carlos Fong, an American tourist.

"Obviously doing our best, being the greatest that we can be, and looking forward to another year," shared Maryam, an Australian tourist.

"Work, good work, make money. That's my goals for the year 2025," noted Elias Manjui from Germany.

"For everyone, have a good year, stay happy, keep smiling," added Zeeshaan, a tourist from the UK.

"We wish for all people health, this is very important, and everybody must be happy together," said a Slovak tourist.

At the same time, Ras Al Khaimah bid farewell to 2024 and welcomed the New Year with a dazzling spectacle of drones and fireworks.

Set against the stunning 4.5-kilometer seafront, vibrant fireworks and a fleet of 1,400 drones illuminated the night sky. The drones artistically formed shapes such as the UAE's national treasure -- the falcon -- and iconic palm trees, among others.

Tourism officials emphasized that no effort had been spared in preparing for the grand show.

"We have been preparing for the fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah for years. This is something that continues, and usually, when we finish the last firework, we start automatically preparing for the next year because this is one of our biggest shows of the year," said Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

The performance drew over 100,000 on-site spectators, many of whom expressed their admiration.

"I've traveled over, probably easily over 18 countries, and I had New Year's in so many countries. And I've seen fireworks, a lot of it. This was probably one of the best ones I've seen," said Myra Jacques, a tourist from Fiji.

UAE rings in 2025 with spectacular fireworks, dazzling lights, drone displays

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.

Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.

"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.

"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said. 

Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process