VIDEO: UAE begins 2025 on a splendid note

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent New Year greetings for 2025 to Their Highnesses and Majesties, Presidents, Kings and Princes of countries around the world, wishing them continued health and prosperity for their nations.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to the leaders and prime ministers of various countries.

Sheikh Mohamed said on X, “I extend my best wishes on the occasion of the New Year. Together, let us pray for peace and progress in the region and around the world as we work united to foster a better future for all.”

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid said, “Every year, may the Emirates be in glory, pride, prosperity and stability... Every year, may the world be well and at peace... Every year, may humanity advance to new horizons...

“The year 2024 has passed, thank God, and the Emirates has achieved historic numbers in all its indicators.

“We welcome 2025 with greater optimism, greater ambitions, and a greater determination to continue the journey of growth and prosperity.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, also extended his New Year greetings.

UAE ushered in 2025 with massive fireworks and drone shows, setting world records and captivating its residents and tourists.

Dubai hosted breathtaking fireworks sharp at 12 midnight beginning the 2025 in style. Drone shows put up extraordinary displays of technological marvels across the Emirate.

In total, Dubai hosted over 45 fireworks display across 36 locations on New Year’s Eve.

Sharjah welcomed 2025 with an exceptional celebration.

It featured a 25-minute fireworks display at three destinations: Al Majaz Waterfront (five minutes), Al Heera Beach (10 minutes), and Khorfakkan Beach (10 minutes).

Each destination offered unique cultural activities catering to audiences of all ages.

Once again the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah captivated the audiences with extraordinary shows, including the massive fireworks and drone displays with laser effects.

The emirate is likely to set new Guinness World Records. The news will be announced in the coming days.

In the world over, Auckland became the first major city to celebrate 2025, as thousands thronged downtown or climbed the city’s ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point.

A light display recognized Indigenous people.

Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drops in Times Square in New York.

Conflict muted acknowledgements of the new year in places like the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine.

Fireworks blasted off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the bay. More than a million Australians and others gathered at iconic Sydney Harbour for the celebration. British pop star Robbie Williams led a singalong with the crowd.

The celebration also featured Indigenous ceremonies and performances that acknowledged the land’s first people.

Much of Japan shut down ahead of the nation’s biggest holiday, as temples and homes underwent a thorough cleaning.

The upcoming Year of the Snake in the Asian zodiac is heralded as one of rebirth - alluding to the reptile’s shedding skin. Stores in Japan, which observe the zodiac cycle from Jan. 1, have been selling snake-themed products. Other places in Asia will mark the Year of the Snake later with the Lunar New Year.

In South Korea, celebrations were cut back or cancelled during a period of national mourning following the Sunday crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan that killed 179 people.

Gulf Today/ Agencies