Ras Al Khaimah ushered in the New Year with a spectacular 15-minute drone and fireworks display, setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors or drones. The grand celebration once again positioned the emirate as a global leader in large-scale, emotionally engaging New Year’s Eve experiences.

The highlight of the evening was an awe-inspiring drone performance that turned the night sky into a living canvas. At the centre of the display was a majestic phoenix, a powerful symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s own journey of transformation and its ambition to continuously reimagine the future.

The record-breaking spectacle was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 advanced pyro drones that dramatically illuminated the phoenix’s wings as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The visual story continued with another striking formation titled ‘The Welcome’, depicting a human figure rising from the sea with open arms, symbolising the emirate’s warmth, openness, and spirit of hospitality.

Following the drone show, a precisely synchronised fireworks countdown to midnight lit up a six-kilometre stretch of coastline from Marjan Island to Al Hamra. Hundreds of fireworks erupted in choreographed waves, creating a stunning display of colour, sound, and light along the shoreline.

Thousands of spectators gathered across beachfront resorts and at the New Year’s Eve Festival, enjoying live stage performances and vibrant celebrations throughout the night. Earlier in the evening, families and residents also witnessed a special fireworks display at Corniche Al Qawasim, making the festivities inclusive for all age groups.

Commenting on the achievement, Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “New Year’s Eve in Ras Al Khaimah is about bringing people together. With this year’s show, we wanted to create a celebration that could be shared by our entire community and everyone visiting Ras Al Khaimah at this special time. While achieving a new Guinness World Records title is great, what truly matters are the memories created for those who celebrated with us. 2025 was a year of significant progress for Ras Al Khaimah, and tonight was about celebrating that and welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement for what is to come.”

With this latest Guinness World Records achievement, Ras Al Khaimah continues to build its legacy of record-breaking celebrations, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most innovative and memorable destinations for New Year’s Eve festivities.

Shangri-La Group has announced the signing of a luxury resort in Bodrum, Turkey, further strengthening its presence in the European and Mediterranean leisure markets. The group has entered into an agreement with United Bodrum Turizm AS to manage the property, marking Shangri-La’s second hotel in Turkey.

The signing ceremony took place at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, and was attended by senior leadership from both organisations. The new resort will be located in Yalıkavak, an exclusive enclave on the northwest end of the Bodrum Peninsula, close to the internationally renowned Yalıkavak Marina.

Shangri-La Bodrum will feature 70 guest rooms and 10 private villas, along with a private beach and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Designed to blend Shangri-La’s timeless Asian hospitality with contemporary elegance, the resort will be complemented by Bodrum’s natural beauty, cosmopolitan culture, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Commenting on the development, Chee Wui Chua, Executive Director and Chief Finance Officer of Shangri-La Group, said, “Bodrum’s spectacular natural setting, international appeal, and rising recognition as a global luxury hub make it an exceptional addition to our portfolio. We are delighted to bring Shangri-La’s timeless hospitality and contemporary sophistication to this remarkable corner of the world.”

Gungor Cepni, Chairman of United Bodrum Turizm AS, added, “We are proud to collaborate with Shangri-La Group on a project that will redefine luxury hospitality in Bodrum. This resort will set a new benchmark for refined living and elevate Bodrum’s global standing as a destination of distinction.”

Building on the success of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, the new Bodrum resort reflects the group’s vision to expand its luxury portfolio across Europe and the Middle East, offering elevated design, bespoke experiences, and world-class service in one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after destinations.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has announced the launch of dedicated India-focused social media pages on Instagram and Facebook, marking a strategic step towards strengthening engagement with the Indian market. The initiative reflects KTB’s long-term commitment to India as a key source market for inbound tourism.

The India-specific pages will act as a central platform for destination education, market-relevant updates, curated itineraries, and product-led storytelling. Content will be tailored for Indian tour operators, travel agents, MICE planners, media, and industry stakeholders, supporting both leisure and business travel planning.

India continues to be a high-potential growth market for Kenya, with recent travel trends showing a shift towards longer stays, private safaris, customised journeys, and multi-experience itineraries. This move from volume-led travel to value-driven demand has reinforced the need for closer, more consistent market engagement.

Through the new digital platforms, KTB will share destination updates, Signature Experiences, seasonal highlights, and India-specific content that can be directly used by travel partners while designing itineraries. The pages will also serve as a communication channel for training programmes, webinars, and trade initiatives, helping partners stay aligned with Kenya’s evolving tourism offerings.

While Kenya is globally recognised for its wildlife safaris, the destination is increasingly being positioned in India as a multi-experiential holiday choice. The narrative now extends to culture and heritage, coastal and island escapes, wellness in nature, soft adventure, golf tourism, celebrations, and bespoke luxury travel, reflecting changing Indian traveller preferences for depth, flexibility, and personalisation.

The India-focused social media pages are designed to complement on-ground B2B engagement rather than replace it, ensuring that digital inspiration is supported by informed selling and strong trade relationships. Through this initiative, Kenya Tourism Board aims to remain visible across the traveller decision-making journey, from inspiration to itinerary planning.

Kenya Tourism Board has invited Indian travel trade professionals, media, and industry partners to follow the new India pages for destination updates, product insights, and curated content aligned specifically with the Indian market.