While the United Arab Emirates spectacularly welcomed 2026 with breathtaking fireworks and drone displays, numerous nations worldwide remained immersed in the final hours of 2025 due to global time zone variations. This temporal disparity creates a fascinating, staggered celebration pattern across the planet.
Qatar, Russia, and Turkey, all operating in the UTC+3 time zone, celebrated precisely one hour after the UAE. Qatar marked the occasion with dazzling events at Lusail Boulevard and The Pearl-Qatar. Russia, for whom New Year is the most significant holiday, commenced an extended festive period from January 1st to 8th, characterized by lavish feasts, the iconic Kremlin chimes at midnight, and traditional activities like ice skating. Turkey celebrated with unique customs, including wearing red for good luck and purchasing lottery tickets, alongside large family dinners and fireworks over Istanbul.
Egypt, two hours behind the UAE (UTC+2), welcomed the new year with vibrant parties in Cairo and coastal resorts, featuring traditional dishes such as stuffed pigeon. In Europe, France and Germany, both in the UTC+1 zone, celebrated three hours after the UAE. While France scaled back some public events for security reasons, Germany continued its tradition of grand firework displays and sharing lucky charms like marzipan pigs.
Serbia, also on UTC+1, made the significant decision to cancel some public events in Belgrade due to safety concerns, particularly for children. The United Kingdom, observing UTC+0, celebrated four hours after the UAE with iconic traditions like singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the Scottish custom of ‘first-footing’.
The Americas witnessed the most delayed celebrations. Canada and the United States, operating across multiple time zones, began their festivities nine hours after the UAE. Cities like Vancouver were among the last to enter 2026. Mexico, ten hours behind, celebrated with symbolic rituals including eating twelve grapes at midnight and wearing colored underwear for luck, highlighting the diverse and rich global tapestry of New Year traditions.