As the New Year approached, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, extended his greetings to the people of the UAE and the world, wishing everyone a year filled with hope, unity, and prosperity. In his message, he emphasized the importance of collective effort and shared responsibility in building a better future for all.
Other UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, also issued New Year messages, describing the year ahead as an opportunity for economic growth, sustainable development, and stronger international cooperation. The Crown Prince of Dubai likewise highlighted the importance of unity and shared values in shaping a brighter future for coming generations.
These messages were released just hours before the New Year celebrations began. Spectacular fireworks lit up the skies of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to public spaces. Major concerts, including performances by John Legend in Abu Dhabi and Maroon 5 at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, were among the night’s most prominent events.
In Dubai, city authorities implemented extensive plans for one of the busiest nights of the year. Measures included early road closures, extended metro operating hours, and the deployment of nearly 10,000 police officers, emergency responders, and medical staff. A fully equipped field hospital was also set up in the Burj Khalifa area.
The tourism sector experienced a strong surge as well. Many restaurants, bars, and hotels in Downtown Dubai and Business Bay were fully booked days in advance. Hotels reported a noticeable increase in demand, particularly from European and Russian visitors, with longer average stays compared to previous years.
January 1 has been declared a public holiday for both the public and private sectors, while Friday, January 2, will be a remote working day for federal government employees, excluding essential services. In addition, the Friday prayer time has been officially set at 12:45 PM from this date onward.
The UAE enters 2026 with a message of optimism, large-scale celebrations, and a city fully prepared to welcome millions—reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading winter destinations.
