The festival of culture and entertainment will run until March 18 at Al Wathba with a minimum entry fee of Dh5
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival welcomed more than one million visitors during New Year’s Eve celebrations at Al Wathba, where the largest fireworks display and drone show broke four Guinness World Records.
People from the UAE and abroad flocked to the festival, breaking three records during the impressive 40-plus-minute fireworks display and one during the stunning drone display. It was a nearly hour-long spectacle with as many as 3,000 drones in the sky, creating a remarkable visual experience that ushered in the countdown to 2023 while, on the other end, the much-anticipated fireworks went off at midnight.
The organizers emphasized that such a performance was the first of its kind in the region and was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Photo: Ashwani Kumar
Spectacular drone swarms forming huge messages and shapes in various colors such as “Hayakum”, “Coolest Winter in the World”, “Hello Future”, “2022-2071”, “Rashid Rover” Wait. This is the QR code for the largest multicopter formation/drone record breaking.
A record-breaking QR code is formed.Photo: Ashwani Kumar
The fireworks over 40 minutes broke three records in terms of number, formation and duration.
Official Guinness World Records judge Alwaleed Osman confirmed four records had been broken, noting that ensuring all guidelines and norms were followed in breaking all four records was a hectic process.
Photo: WAM
“I was at the drone site. I had to check that all the drones were launched correctly. Then I rushed back to see if the QR codes made by the drones could be read by a camera phone,” Osman told Khaleej Times.
When the fireworks started, he rushed to the fireworks control center to find out, then reviewed the video footage in slow motion and determined that all three records had been broken. Broke the records for most windmills launched in 30 seconds, most repetitive fireworks images launched in 30 seconds, and most girandolas launched in 30 seconds.
Osman added: “We are delighted to be part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival to witness its New Year celebrations in 2023 and we congratulate the organizers who continue to break records every year to delight the audience.”
Photo: Ashwani Kumar
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Flashing fireworks, drones and laser shows mesmerized audiences, most of whom stayed at the festival for hours.
Celebrations in participating countries include international folklore and cultural displays that roam the festival grounds and pavilions, transforming the region into a global arts destination. Visitors experienced the arts and cultures of these countries through cultural dances and live music performances on stages in various pavilions around the venue.
The Cultural and Entertainment Festival will be held in Al Wathba on March 18th. The entry fee is only Dh5.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com