The record-setting day reflects the strategic importance of Dubai as a major international connector, linking the East and West and serving as a transit point for travelers from every continent. The surge in passenger movement highlights a robust rebound in global travel demand, with more people than ever choosing to fly for business, leisure, and connecting journeys through the emirate.
The record-setting day reflects the strategic importance of Dubai as a major international connector, linking the East and West and serving as a transit point for travelers from every continent. The surge in passenger movement highlights a robust rebound in global travel demand, with more people than ever choosing to fly for business, leisure, and connecting journeys through the emirate.
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.
Celebrating its 78th presentation in 2026, NIOSA is the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the United States—living up to its motto as a “Celebration for Preservation.” It is solely produced by and benefits The Conservation Society of San Antonio—one of the nation’s oldest and most active historic preservation organizations that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.