The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah rang in 2026 with a spectacular 15-minute drones and fireworks display that set a new Guinness World Records title for the ‘Largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotors/drones’. The highlight of the celebration was an awe-inspiring drone performance that transformed the night sky into a living canvas. At the heart of this display was the record-breaking Phoenix, a mythical symbol of renewal, optimism, and rebirth, echoing Ras Al Khaimah’s own transformation and ambition to continuously reimagine its future. This display was brought to life by 2,300 drones, including 1,000 state-of-the-art pyro drones that ignited the Phoenix wings in a dramatic blaze of light as it soared above Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront. The spectacle continued with another striking drone formation named ‘The Welcome’ – a human form rising from the sea with open arms, embodying the emirate’s spirit of warmth, openness, and hospitality.

New Taipei City welcomed the coming of 2026 with its flagship New Year's Eve event, Shining New Taipei 1314 Cross-River Fireworks, was held along the Tamsui River with dual main stages in Tamsui and Bali on the two sides of the river. Combining large-scale outdoor concerts with a spectacular cross-river fireworks display, the event attracted an estimated 90K visitors on December 31, marking one of Taiwan's most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations.

A fresh wave of flavour and fun hits the capital with the opening of Bayside Burger Co., the new waterside hotspot bringing easy-going beach culture, retro vibes, and seriously juicy burgers to Yas Bay. Overlooking Yas Beach, Bayside is where the everyday turns remarkable. With space for 81 guests - 31 indoors and 50 on the waterfront terrace - the venue combines vibrant retro-inspired interiors with a modern design edge and easy-breezy vibes. Think sunshine-yellow accents, playful details, a neon glow, and just the right amount of good chaos.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has announced the citywide introduction of a one-time contactless hotel guest check-in solution. This initiative sets a new global benchmark for guest convenience, safety, and innovation in the hospitality sector, and will allow guests to bypass in-person check-in procedures once implemented at the city’s hotels and holiday homes. It represents a significant step forward in achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

The Saudi Post Corporation | SPL, in collaboration with Riyadh Air, has issued a set of commemorative stamps with a denomination of 3 riyals to mark the launch of its first inaugural flights on 26 October 2025. This coincides with the start of its preparatory operational phase, “The Pathway to Perfect.”

Jou Jou Brasserie at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeriah Beach announces the arrival of Friday Barbecue Nights, a new weekly ritual that ignites the charm of open-flame dining and unites it with the Jumeirah’s cool coastal breeze. Launched this winter, the soirée celebrates the simple pleasure of gathering over good food, with great company and captivating music that sets the tone for an unhurried and relaxing evening.