Manama, Bahrain — As midnight struck on New Year’s Eve, Bahrain marked the beginning of 2026 with the largest drone show ever staged in the kingdom, lighting up the skies across multiple cities in a display that blended cutting-edge technology with festive fireworks.
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) orchestrated the spectacular finale for its Celebrate Bahrain Season 2025, bringing drones, lights and fireworks together at eight strategic locations including The Avenues, Seef District, Bahrain Harbour, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain World Trade Center, Bahrain Bay Beach, and the bridges between Shaikh Hamad and Shaikh Isa bin Salman.
In an era when global destinations are scaling up New Year celebrations, Bahrain’s visual feast stood out for its scale and innovation. Observers online shared glimpses of the drone choreography, while cities such as Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi also unveiled record-breaking events in the region.
The centerpiece of Bahrain’s aerial spectacle was a 2,500-drone formation, including around 1,100 “pyro drones” soaring up to 400 meters, choreographed alongside traditional fireworks that reached heights of 250–300 meters. The 10-minute show featured dynamic patterns and light formations that captivated both residents and visitors.
New Year’s Eve celebrations globally this year also drew crowds with high-tech spectacles and safety planning, from the record-breaking drone and fireworks shows in the UAE to family-friendly events with food festivals and live performances.
Tourism officials noted that this year’s expanded show reflects Bahrain’s ambition to reinforce its reputation as a premier regional destination for culture and entertainment, emphasizing infrastructure readiness and crowd safety.
With the biggest drone show ever marking the start of 2026 in Bahrain, officials and attendees alike expressed optimism that the kingdom’s festive innovation will draw even larger crowds and international attention in the years ahead.
