How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026
New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the biggest nights in the UAE, thanks to the record-breaking fireworks and drone show over Al Marjan Island. It is about an hour’s drive from Dubai, the beach resorts make it easy to stay the night, and the show is free to watch. Here is how to plan New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026.
The Al Marjan Island fireworks and drone show
Ras Al Khaimah’s headline show takes place at midnight along the coast from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Last year it ran for 15 minutes across about 6 km of coastline, with more than 2,300 drones, and it set a Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by drones. More than 120,000 people came to watch. The 2026 to 2027 show has not been officially announced yet, but Ras Al Khaimah has held a record attempt almost every year, and details are usually released in November or December.
Early fireworks for families
Last year there were also family fireworks at 8pm at Corniche Al Qawasim and opposite Julphar Towers in the city, which is a good option if you have young children or want to avoid the crowds on Al Marjan Island. Check this page nearer the date for the 2026 times.
Resort galas and parties
The best way to see the Al Marjan show is from a beach resort with a view of the island. Last year hotels such as Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, Rixos Bab Al Bahr and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah promoted New Year’s Eve dinners and parties with fireworks views, with packages from a few hundred dirhams to several thousand per room. For 2026, Rixos Al Mairid has announced a New Year’s Eve gala with a live performance by INNA, a DJ after-party and a kids’ countdown. We will add each event to this page as bookings open.
Getting there, parking and road closures
Ras Al Khaimah is about 95 km from Dubai, roughly an hour by car. On New Year’s Eve the roads to Al Marjan Island close in the evening (from 8pm last year) and traffic on the island peaks in the late afternoon, so go early or stay on the island. Last year parking was free but needed online registration for cars arriving after 2pm, with tens of thousands of spaces off the main road and free shuttle buses to the viewing areas. Expect similar arrangements in 2026, and check the official announcements in December.
Where to stay
Hotels on Al Marjan Island and in Al Hamra sell out early for New Year’s Eve, and many include the gala dinner in a room package. If you are booking a staycation, look for a sea-facing room on the island side for a view of the fireworks, and book by early December for the widest choice.
Prefer the city? See our guide to New Year’s Eve in Dubai, or explore more things to do in Ras Al Khaimah over the holiday.