The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia rang in the year of 2026 with spectacular light and fireworks displays at their landmarks, igniting the night sky at the stroke of midnight on Jan 1.
Amidst the countdown and cheers from the crowd, the iconic 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE illuminated the skyline with "Happy New Year" in Arabic, English, and Chinese on the tower's LED screens.
The eight-minute visually stunning show at the world's tallest skyscraper also featured drone performances and 3D projection mapping, vividly showcasing Dubai's cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology.
The New Year celebrations in downtown Dubai will be extended to eight days for the first time, running from December 31, 2025, to January 7, 2026, according to local authorities.
Australia also welcomed the New Year with dazzling fireworks in Sydney, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world to gather by the seaside to share the festive joy.
The Sydney celebration featured two separate fireworks displays – an 8-minute show at 21:00 and a 12-minute one at the midnight. Fireworks were launched from water, land, and aerial platforms at landmarks including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, spanning seven kilometers along the harbor and showcasing 40,000 different pyrotechnic effects.
This annual event in the Southern Hemisphere city is one of the world's most spectacular New Year celebrations, drawing millions of spectators every year. On Wednesday, people from across the globe arrived early at viewing locations to share this special moment with families and friends.
"We spend the time together with friends because everybody is away from their families, otherwise maybe you'll get a little bit homesick," said Hendrik, an Estonian working in Australia.
"My New Year's wish for my wife is to become healthy after I am pretty much healthy again," said Atthians, a German tourist.
UAE, Australia ring in New Year with spectacular fireworks
UAE, Australia ring in New Year with spectacular fireworks
UAE, Australia ring in New Year with spectacular fireworks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
