New Year's Eve 2019: Ras Al Khaimah shatters two world records with fireworks display

Earlier this year, it was announced that Ras Al Khaimah would attempt to break two world records with its fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

And on Tuesday, December 31, the emirate made history when it achieved the titles of “Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for launching Fireworks Simultaneously” and “The Longest Firework Waterfall”, in the presence of official adjudicators from Guinness World Records.

The first record was attained with the use of 173 pyrodrones, which executed a seamless firework display simultaneously. The fireworks ushered in the year by illuminating the number ‘2020’ in the sky, followed by an elegant chandelier draped with a cascade of pyrotechnic sparks, ending with the recreation of the monuments of Ras Al Khaimah.

 

The second record for the “Longest Fireworks Waterfall” spanned a length of 3,788 metres. The record was previously held in Fujuoka, Japan, which had fireworks for a length of 3,517 metres. The spectacular display served as the grand finale of the New Year's Eve event.

Scroll through the gallery above to see more from the Ras Al Khaimah fireworks display.

The 13-minute-long show was viewed by a crowd that had gathered at Al Marjan Island, as well as from viewing decks at Al Hamra. The event was also broadcast through live feeds to viewers around the world.

With this display, the total number of Guinness World Records held by Ras Al Khaimah reached five in the last three years. For New Year’s Eve last year, the emirate broke two Guinness World Records for the longest chain of fireworks and the longest straight line of fireworks. The 2018 display set a record for the largest aerial firework shell.

“Ras Al Khaimah is in the global spotlight with the New Year’s Eve Gala, which has added to the reputation of our nation and welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests for one of the most spectacular events to usher in 2020," said a spokesperson from the organising committee. "The event underlines the vision of Ras Al Khaimah’s leadership to position the emirate as one of the world’s first choices for New Year’s Eve celebrations. It is a message of peace and harmony from the UAE to the world, and aims to inspire positivity and happiness among people."

Ras Al Khaimah also hosted a New Year’s Eve gala dinner that was headlined by singer-songwriter Najwa Karam, and celebrity singer Waleed Al Shami.