Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the UAE has become famous for New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebrations that combine fireworks, lasers and drone technology. The emirate’s tourism authority has been setting Guinness World Records since 2018 – the 2025 show used 1,400 drones and broke world records for the largest aerial image of a tree and a seashell. These record‑breaking displays, along with family‑friendly festivals on Al Marjan Island, have turned RAK NYE into one of the biggest NYE spectacles in the region.
For 2026, official information is still being released; however the RAKNYE website and Ras Al Khaimah tourism sites give a good idea of what to expect. Below is a simple explanation of the locations, timing, tickets, registration and where to watch, plus a look at last year’s programme and records.
Ras Al Khaimah New Year fireworks 2026 locations?
- Main waterfront show – The flagship fireworks and drone show will take place along the waterfront between Al Marjan Island (📌Google Map Location Link) and Al Hamra Village. This area offers sweeping views over the Arabian Gulf.
- Secondary city‑centre show – In addition to the midnight display, there will be a fireworks show in Ras Al Khaimah city centre. According to the RAKNYE website, this show will take place opposite Julphar Towers (📌Google Map Location Link) on 31 December at 8 PM. Spectators can watch from Manar Mall or the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche.
Ras Al Khaimah New Year fireworks 2026 timing?
- Evening start – Festivities typically start in the afternoon. The 2026 events page lists the New Year’s Eve celebration on 31 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 from 2 PM to 1 AM.
- City‑centre fireworks – The city‑centre display opposite Julphar Towers will begin at 8 PM.
- Main fireworks – According to the RAKNYE FAQ, the fireworks and drone show begin shortly before midnight. Visitors are encouraged to arrive between 2 PM and 5 PM to secure parking and avoid traffic, because roads to the island close at 11 PM.
Ras al Khaimah New Year 2026 tickets?
RAK NYE is a free public event. The FAQ states that no registration is required to attend. and that entry is free. While some resorts and restaurants offer paid gala dinners and rooftop parties (often with early‑bird packages), the main festival and fireworks can be viewed without a ticket. The city‑centre fireworks opposite Julphar Towers are also free to watch.
RAK NYE registration
There is no general registration to attend the celebration. However, vehicle registration for parking is required to manage traffic flow on Al Marjan Island. The official site says that visitors driving to the event must register their vehicles and that parking is free but limited. Hotel guests and diners on Al Marjan Island will receive a registration link from their venues. Details of the registration portal and any 2026 updates have not yet been announced, so keep checking RAKNYE.com for the latest information.
Where to watch RAK NYE 2026 fireworks?
- Al Marjan Island & Al Hamra waterfront – The waterfront between Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra Village offers front‑row views of the drone and fireworks show. Resorts such as Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort sit along this stretch and will “be at the heart of the action”.
- Jais and Yanas parking zones – These official parking zones on Al Marjan Island provide 6000 spaces each. and are situated near the festival grounds. According to the FAQ, fireworks are visible from both Jais and Yanas lots.
- Manar Mall & Corniche – The city‑centre fireworks at 8 PM can be seen from Manar Mall and the RAK Corniche.
- Hotel rooftops and beach resorts – Visit Ras Al Khaimah recommends Al Marjan Island hotels like Mövenpick Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Pullman Resort, Radisson Resort and Rixos Bab Al Bahr for panoramic views. Many of these properties host gala dinners and rooftop parties.
- Festival grounds – A free, family‑friendly festival area near Al Marjan Island provides live music, food trucks and kids’ zones. The exact location for 2026 will be announced later. The festival grounds also offer good viewing points for the midnight show.
Rak NYE parking price, free, map, registration
- Parking is free – The RAKNYE FAQ clearly states that parking is free for everyone, but prior registration is required. Visitors should arrive by 8 PM to access the parking areas.
- Limited spaces – Two large parking lots, Jais and Yanas, provide about 6,000 spaces each. In previous years, additional zones such as Julphar, Rams and Dhaya were opened, bringing total capacity to over 20,000 cars. It is unclear if these extra zones will be available in 2026.
- Registration – Vehicle registration helps control traffic. In 2025 attendees registered via the RAKNYE website or via links sent by hotels. For 2026, registration details have not yet been released.
- Parking guidelines – Visitors are asked to follow directions from event staff, avoid leaving engines running, keep the area clean and park within designated zones. Barbecues, open fires and fireworks are prohibited in parking areas. Arriving early (2 – 5 PM) is advised to secure a spot and to avoid road closures at 11 PM.
RAK NYE programmes and records
Typical festival programme
Although the official 2026 programme has not yet been announced, previous years provide a good idea of what to expect. During NYE 2025 the RAK NYE Festival ran from 3 PM to 2 AM. Highlights included:
- Live entertainment – International DJs, Arabic rap artist Al Mukhtar and Bollywood band Fahmil Khan performed on stage.
- Family zones – Dedicated play areas kept children entertained. Separate sections for families and bachelors ensured comfortable viewing.
- Food trucks – Visitors enjoyed local and international cuisine from numerous vendors.
- Camping – Complimentary camping areas near the fireworks (Rams and Dhaya parking zones) welcomed tents, caravans and RVs.
- Schedule – Gates opened at 3 PM, musical performances ran from 8 PM to 1:30 AM, and the event closed at 2 AM.
Similar offerings are expected in 2026, with live DJs, children’s activities and food stalls creating a festive atmosphere. Exact performers and timings will be announced closer to the date.
Record‑breaking displays and past highlights
Ras Al Khaimah has become known for its Guinness World Record‑setting fireworks and drone shows. In 2025 the emirate set two world records for the “Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multirotor drones” and the “Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by multirotors/drones”. The show used 1,400 drones, lasers and synchronized fireworks to tell stories about RAK’s landscapes and maritime heritage. The display stretched over five kilometres of coastline and drew over 100,000 spectators.
Earlier years also saw record‑breaking feats, such as the world’s longest chain of fireworks and tallest straight‑line fireworks. These achievements have put Ras Al Khaimah on the map as a premier NYE destination.
What to expect for RAK NYE 2026
While the full schedule for 2026 is yet to be published, here are some key points based on current information:
- Fireworks in two locations – A city‑centre show at 8 PM and the main drone-and-fireworks display just before midnight.
- Free entry – There are no tickets to watch the fireworks. Registration is only necessary for parking.
- Limited parking – Free but pre‑registered parking on Al Marjan Island; guests should arrive early and follow parking guidelines.
- Festival and live entertainment – A day‑long festival with DJs, family activities and food stalls similar to last year is expected. Official details will be announced soon.
- Accessibility and safety – The event is designed to be inclusive, with wheelchair‑accessible paths and dedicated parking for people with disabilities. Pets are not allowed. and attendees should dress comfortably and prepare for outdoor weather.
Conclusion
Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve celebrations have grown from a local fireworks display to an internationally acclaimed spectacle. The 2026 event will once again illuminate the skies above Al Marjan Island and the city centre, promising a blend of cutting‑edge drone technology, vibrant fireworks and lively festival vibes. While some logistics like registration portals and programme line‑ups are yet to be announced, the key details above should help you plan your visit. For the most up‑to‑date information, regularly check RAKNYE.com and the Ras Al Khaimah tourism calendar.
