New Year's Eve fireworks light up skies as world rings in 2026
A flurry of countries from Japan and China, to Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates have welcomed in 2026 with spectacular fireworks displays, ceremonial bell ringing events and world record attempts.
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The United Arab Emirates became one of the latest countries to celebrate entering into 2026, attempting to outdo other nations with a stab at a record-breaking display.
The iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the capital, was lit up to mark the new year while elsewhere the country attempted to break five Guinness World Records along six kilometres of its coastline.
One attempt saw some 6,500 drones took to the sky to attempt the "largest aerial display of a phoenix".
Another saw a two-ton shell launched in efforts to become the "largest aerial fireworks shell".
At 8pm UK time, Azerbaijan, Armenia, much of Georgia, Mauritius and the Seychelles aslo entered into 2026, with Iran following close behind.
Read more: Outrage at 'grotesque' fencing around London park to stop New Year’s Eve revelry
Australia was one of the first countries to welcome in the new year, with more than a million people attending a stunning firework display seen over Sydney.
But while a spectacular show could be seen up above, down under the mood had a reportedly sombre feeling after 15 people were shot dead at a Hanukkah event in Sydney earlier this month.
In a tribute to the victims, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up by a white light to symbolise peace, while a Jewish menorah was projected onto the bridge’s pylons in a show of solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community.
A minute's silence was held at 11pm local time as official New Year's Eve parties were briefly paused.
A heavy police presence was reported at the event, with officers seen patrolling the crowds with firearms.
Meanwhile, moods were more jubilant in South Korea and Japan.
In Seoul, the South Korean capital, a bell-ringing ceremony marked the end 2025 and welcomed in the new year.
Thousands gathered to count down from 10 and as the bell rang on the strike of midnight.
Across the border in North Korea, Pyongyang welcomed in 2026 with a fireworks display at Kim Il Sung Square.
The clock has also struck 12 in Japan, where the country celebrates with a bell-ringing ceremony known as Joya no kane.
To welcome in the New Year, temple bells rang a total of 108 times as part of the yearly tradition.
However, a countdown event in Tokyo at the city's major train station in Shibuya Ward has been cancelled over safety concerns for the sixth year in a row.