Goodbye 2025! First 10 Countries to Welcome New Year 2026 Before the UAE

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Goodbye 2025! First 10 Countries to Welcome New Year 2026 Before the UAE

As the UAE gears up for a spectacular night filled with dazzling fireworks, drone shows, and grand celebrations, several countries across the globe will be welcoming New Year 2026 hours before the Emirates. While residents await the midnight countdowns lighting up Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Abu Dhabi Corniche, the first sunrise of 2026 will appear far earlier elsewhere — starting from the Pacific islands and sweeping westward across Asia.

Here’s a look at the first 10 countries that will ring in the new year before the UAE.

1. Kiribati (Kiritimati Island)

The central Pacific island nation of Kiribati — specifically Kiritimati (Christmas Island) — is the first place in the world to welcome 2026, doing so at 2pm UAE time. Located in the UTC+14 time zone, it celebrates with community gatherings, church services, and family feasts featuring local foods like coconut and fresh fish. The celebrations are simple yet heartfelt, focusing on gratitude and reflection.

2. New Zealand

At 3pm UAE time, New Zealand ushers in the new year from UTC+13, marking one of the world’s earliest and most vibrant celebrations. Cities like Auckland and Wellington host spectacular fireworks over the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge, alongside summer beach parties and open-air concerts.

3. Australia

Australia, at 5pm UAE time, celebrates from UTC+11, with Sydney’s Harbour Bridge fireworks among the most iconic global countdowns. This year’s celebrations, however, are expected to be subdued following the tragic Bondi Beach mass shooting, with moments of silence and tributes lighting up the bridge to honor the victims.

4. Japan

Japan enters the new year at 7pm UAE time in the UTC+9 time zone. While Tokyo’s Shibuya Station has canceled its traditional countdown due to safety concerns, the nation’s celebrations focus on spiritual renewal — with shrine visits, purification rituals, and family feasts marking the beginning of 2026.

5. South Korea

Also at 7pm UAE time, South Korea welcomes 2026. Major attractions such as Lotte World Tower and Dongdaemun Design Plaza host countdowns, while the Bosingak Bell in Seoul rings to symbolize new beginnings. The celebrations are filled with fireworks, music, and K-pop performances.

6. China

China, in the UTC+8 zone, rings in the new year at 8pm UAE time. Although Western-style celebrations include fireworks and countdowns, the country’s main focus remains the Lunar New Year, celebrated later in January or February with traditional feasts and ancestral tributes.

7. Philippines

Also at 8pm UAE time, the Philippines welcomes 2026 with vibrant festivities blending Chinese, Spanish, and local traditions. Families gather for midnight feasts featuring 12 round fruits symbolizing prosperity, wear polka dots for good luck, and light fireworks to drive away negativity — making it one of the liveliest celebrations in Southeast Asia.

8. Thailand

At 9pm UAE time, Thailand rings in the new year from UTC+7, with beach parties in Koh Phangan, fireworks in Bangkok, and street festivals in Pattaya. As a popular tourist destination, Thailand’s celebrations blend spirituality, nightlife, and tropical festivity.

9. India

At 10:30pm UAE time, India enters 2026. From Mumbai’s Marine Drive to Goa’s beaches, cities come alive with parties, concerts, and fireworks. The country’s vast diversity means celebrations vary widely — from club events in metros to traditional gatherings and prayers across states.

10. Pakistan

Just one hour before the UAE, Pakistan welcomes the new year at 11pm UAE time. Major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad hold fireworks, musical nights, and countdown events, while others observe the occasion with prayers and family gatherings.

A Global Wave of Celebration

From the Pacific Islands to East Asia and South Asia, the new year travels westward before finally reaching the UAE at midnight, where iconic landmarks — including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, and Yas Bay — will light up with world-class shows.

As the world bids farewell to 2025 and ushers in 2026, these celebrations serve as a reminder of shared hope, renewal, and unity across borders and time zones.