As countries around the world prepares to usher in 2026, new year, the feeling of celebration and hope cuts across borders, cultures, languages and beliefs. The only real difference is timing: the exact moment each country steps into 2026.
While residents in the UAE look forward to fireworks, drone shows and festivities lighting up city skylines, several countries will ring in the New Year hours earlier due to their time zones.
Here are 10 countries that will welcome the New Year before the UAE.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand will be among the first countries to enter the New Year at 3pm UAE time, operating on the UTC+13 time zone during daylight saving.
The country marks the occasion with major fireworks displays in cities such as Auckland — around the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge — and Wellington, alongside beach parties, concerts and family gatherings. With summer in full swing, celebrations often begin early.
2. Kiribati
Kiribati holds a unique place on the global time map, as it spans three time zones across its 33 coral atolls.
Kiritimati (Christmas Island), which follows UTC+14, will welcome the New Year at 2pm UAE time, making it technically the first place in the world to enter 2026. The capital, Tarawa (UTC+12), follows at 4pm UAE time.
Celebrations are typically modest and community-focused, featuring church services, traditional singing and dancing, shared meals and small fireworks. Kiribati is also known for hosting the world’s first sunrise of the New Year.
3. Australia
Australia will step into the New Year at 5pm UAE time (UTC+11).
Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge fireworks will go ahead, watched by millions globally, though celebrations have been toned down this year. Authorities have announced increased security, moments of silence, and symbolic lighting displays in honour of victims of a recent tragedy.
4. Japan
Japan will ring in the New Year at 7pm UAE time, operating on UTC+9.
While Tokyo’s famous Shibuya countdown has been cancelled this year due to crowd control concerns, traditional celebrations will continue nationwide. These include shrine visits, purification rituals, buying lucky charms, and enjoying festive food stalls at locations such as Meiji Jingu and Fushimi Inari.
5. South Korea
Also on UTC+9, South Korea will welcome the New Year at 7pm UAE time.
Festivities include countdowns at landmarks like the Lotte World Tower and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, as well as the traditional ringing of the Bosingak Bell in Seoul. Fireworks, K-pop performances and street celebrations are common.
6. China
China, four hours ahead of the UAE, will enter the New Year at 8pm UAE time (UTC+8).
While the Western New Year is marked with countdowns, dinners and light shows, the country’s main celebration remains the Lunar New Year, which takes place later in January or February and centres on family reunions and cultural traditions.
7. Philippines
The Philippines will celebrate the New Year at 8pm UAE time, a moment many Filipino expatriates in the UAE use to connect with loved ones back home.
Celebrations are loud and colourful, featuring fireworks, family feasts, twelve round fruits for prosperity, polka-dot clothing, and noisy traditions meant to ward off bad luck.
8. Thailand
Thailand, three hours ahead of the UAE, will welcome the New Year at 9pm UAE time (UTC+7).
The country is known for large-scale parties and fireworks in Bangkok and Pattaya, as well as beach celebrations such as Koh Phangan’s famous Full Moon Party.
9. India
India will ring in the New Year at 10.30pm UAE time, reflecting the 1.5-hour time difference between the two countries.
Major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Goa host concerts, parties and fireworks, drawing large crowds.
10. Pakistan
Pakistan will be the last on this list to welcome the New Year, celebrating at 11pm UAE time, one hour ahead of the Emirates.
New Year’s Eve in Pakistan typically features public countdowns, fireworks in cities like Karachi and Lahore, private gatherings, and special prayers to mark the start of the year.
The post First 10 countries to ring in New Year 2026 appeared first on Vanguard News.
