Ras Al Khaimah is set to welcome the New Year in grand style on 31 December 2025, promising its most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration to date with an ambitious attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest fireworks display ever launched.

The emirate’s New Year celebrations this year are inspired by themes of strength, renewal, and progress, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s dynamic growth and future vision. A carefully choreographed fusion of innovative fireworks, illuminated drones, and laser technology will transform the night sky into a breathtaking visual spectacle, creating one of the world’s most immersive New Year’s Eve experiences.

The highlight of the celebrations will be the 15-minute midnight fireworks show on 31 December 2025, stretching across an impressive six kilometres from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. More than 2,300 drones, including pyro and laser drones, will take part in the display, forming striking aerial patterns and visuals. As the clock strikes midnight and 2026 begins, the show will culminate with the launch of the largest single firework ever seen.

Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve programme will feature two fireworks displays on 31 December 2025. The first show will take place at 8:00 PM above Corniche Al Qawasim, offering families and residents an early opportunity to enjoy the celebrations. The main midnight display will follow at 12:00 AM, lighting up the skies over Marjan Island and Al Hamra Bay with a blend of large-scale pyrotechnics and drone formations.

Adding to the festivities, the Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve Festival will be held at Al Hamra, starting from 2:00 PM on 31 December 2025. The free-entry festival will feature live entertainment, food trucks, and carnival-style activities designed for visitors of all ages. The event will include performances by DJ BobMix, known for his mix of international and Arabic hits, a live act by Indo-Canadian Bollywood singer Shweta Subram, and an international set by DJ Bia.

To ensure smooth access to the celebrations, multiple parking zones will be available around the festival area, including a dedicated zone for caravans and camping. Visitors are required to register their vehicles in advance at www.raknye.com, which is mandatory for parking access and provides important information on entry and exit routes.

For audiences around the world, the record-setting fireworks display will be streamed live on 31 December 2025 via www.raknye.com and across the @visitrasalkhaimah social media channels on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

With 13 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles achieved over the past seven years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations as it ushers in 2026 with unmatched scale and spectacle.

This festive season, the Maldives glows with renewed charm as Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and Colours of OBLU unveil a vibrant lineup of Christmas and New Year celebrations across their island resorts. Blending tropical indulgence with festive traditions, the celebrations begin ahead of Christmas and flow seamlessly into the New Year, creating a season filled with warmth, joy and island-inspired magic.

Two signature resorts, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, take centre stage with distinctive festive experiences designed to reflect the spirit of the season while staying true to their unique all-inclusive island identities.

At Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, celebrations run from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, bringing together relaxed mornings, festive evenings and lively beachside moments. Guests can start their days with sunrise yoga sessions or calm lagoon cruises, followed by cheerful gatherings around the Grand Kanifushi Christmas Tree, carol evenings and themed celebrations. Christmas Eve features Santa’s arrival, flowing drinks, upbeat music and a beachfront gala that continues into an open-air DJ party. Christmas Day offers a slower pace with a festive lunch, live music and a Cinema Under the Stars experience. The season reaches its peak with the Twilight Fantazia New Year’s Gala, where fireworks light up the beach as 2026 is welcomed in style. Complementing the celebrations is a festive offer that includes a 20% saving on a minimum four-night stay, complimentary round-trip seaplane transfers, the signature all-inclusive KANIFUSHI Plan, curated festive dining experiences, live entertainment and a New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili presents a more intimate festive escape for couples, with celebrations taking place from 22 December 2025 to 9 January 2026. The adults-only island sets a relaxed and romantic tone, with days featuring lagoon adventures, wellness sessions and couples’ workshops. As Christmas approaches, the island comes alive with a tree-lighting ceremony, seasonal touches and cosy evening entertainment. Christmas Eve includes sunset cocktails, a gala dinner at Ylang Ylang and a Movie Under the Stars. The festivities culminate on New Year’s Eve with a Masquerade-themed celebration filled with music, dancing and fireworks over the lagoon. Guests can also enjoy a festive offer with up to 20% off on a minimum four-night stay, complimentary round-trip transfers, the all-inclusive LOBI Plan, Christmas tree lighting, gingerbread decorating, a festive pool party, a Christmas Eve gala dinner and a cosy movie night under the stars.

Across all Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts and Colours of OBLU properties, the festive season becomes more than just a celebration. It unfolds as a collection of thoughtfully crafted moments, blending island beauty, heartfelt hospitality and the joy of togetherness, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives.

Ellenborough Park, the luxury hotel set in the heart of the Cotswolds in England, has announced the appointment of Gareth Davies as its new General Manager. Gareth joins the property from Rhinefield House, where he successfully led hotel operations, maintained high service standards and strengthened team engagement across departments.

With more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Gareth is known for his collaborative leadership style and clear focus on creating memorable guest experiences. His professional journey includes senior management roles at well-known properties such as Rhinefield House, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, and New Hall Hotel and Spa. Across these roles, he has developed strong expertise in hotel operations, food and beverage management and guest relations, bringing a well-rounded approach to leadership.

In his new role, Gareth will work closely with the existing team to oversee all aspects of Ellenborough Park’s operations. This includes the hotel’s award-winning spa, fine dining offerings and accommodation experiences. His appointment comes at a significant moment for the property as it prepares to mark an important milestone in its journey, adding further momentum to its future plans.

Sharing his thoughts on joining the hotel, Gareth Davies, General Manager, Ellenborough Park, said, “I am honoured to join the dedicated team at Ellenborough Park and look forward to working with such a fantastic team. The hotel has an outstanding reputation for high quality service and luxury and I'm looking forward to making my own contribution to further amplify the guest experience. With the hotel celebrating its 15th anniversary next year, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate its heritage while shaping the text chapter.”

Ellenborough Park is a luxury country house hotel and a proud member of PoB Hotels. Known for its refined setting, exceptional dining, wellness facilities and bespoke guest experiences, the property continues to offer guests an elegant escape in the Cotswolds while building on its strong reputation for service and style.