The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates lit up with a spectacular light, water and fireworks display as the city counted down the arrival of New Year 2026. Videos of the event show the world’s tallest building glowing in shades of blue as the celebrations gathered pace.
A dance and aerobics show was also performed on the streets of Dubai. Also catch New Year 2026 LIVE: Fireworks light up the night sky as Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia ring in the New Year
While some countries wait for the New Year 2026, midnight has already arrived on the islands closest to the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Tonga and New Zealand.
Sydney, Australia welcomed the New Year with its traditional fireworks display with around 40,000 pyrotechnic effects across the harbour, including a waterfall from the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
This year it was held with an increased police presence. Just weeks ago, two gunmen killed at least 15 people on Sydney’s Bondi Beach as a crowd gathered to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday. Also read | From ‘kya hogaya’ to ‘don’t control me’ – See the 5 funniest moments from Parliament in 2025
Organizers held a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack at 11pm local time, with the Harbor Bridge lit up white and a menorah – a symbol of Judaism – projected on its pylons.
Ahead of the fireworks, Sydney Mayor Cover Moore said: “After a tragic end to the year for our city, we hope New Year’s Eve provides an opportunity to come together and look forward to a peaceful and happy 2026.”
South Korea also welcomed the New Year. Thousands of people gathered at the Bosingak Bell Pavilion where the bronze bell was struck 33 times at midnight.
In China, there were celebrations and a drum performance at Juyong Pass, at the Great Wall of China just outside Beijing. Also read | Are you going to a New Year’s Eve party? Check out Delhi Traffic Advice around Connaught Place, India Gate, Paharganj and Saket Malls
Admirers wore headgear and waved signs that read “2026” and a horse symbol.
A massive music and fireworks event was held on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Organizers also hoped to set the Guinness World Record for the largest New Year’s Eve party for the second time, beating their own record from 2024.
There was a muted celebration in Hong Kong for the massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people.
