Countries that celebrate New Year 2026 befor UAE. As residents in the UAE wait for stunning fireworks that will light up the country’s skylines along with drones shows and other festivities, some countries will be ringing in the new year before UAE. As the final moments of 2025 approach, the world prepares to welcome New Year 2026, but celebrations will not happen everywhere at the same time. Because of global time zones, several countries will step into the new year hours before the United Arab Emirates begins its famous countdown.
The UAE, known for its grand New Year’s Eve celebrations, will welcome 2026 several hours after these countries. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to host large-scale fireworks displays, light shows, and public festivities, drawing global attention. New Year’s Eve is one of the rare occasions when the entire world celebrates the same event at different hours. As midnight moves from east to west, each country bids farewell to 2025 and steps into 2026 with hope, excitement, and fresh expectations.
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First 10 Countries to Welcome New Year 2026 Before the UAE
The following countries and territories are expected to be among the first to ring in 2026:
1. New Zealand
New Zealand will be the first country to enter the new year at 3pm UAE time, as it lies in the UTC+13 time zone, being nine hours ahead of the Emirates. The country is also currently following the daylight saving time until April.
2. Kiribati
That means, as a country, Kiribati sees New Year marked at three different times. Kiritimati (aka Christmas Island) will enter the new year at 2pm UAE time. Because it follows the UTC+14 time zone, it is 10 hours ahead of the Emirates — and, therefore, technically, the very first place in the world to welcome 2026. Its capital Tarawa, meanwhile, is UTC+12. It will, therefore, observe the new year at 4pm UAE time.
3. Australia
Australia, which will be toning down its celebrations this year after the tragic mass shooting at its famous Bondi Beach, is set to enter the new year at 5pm UAE time, as it follows the GMT+11 time zone, being seven hours ahead of the UAE.
4. Japan
Falling in the UTC+9 timezone, Japan is set to ring in the new year five hours before the UAE at 7pm.
5. South Korea
South Korea will be welcoming the New Year at 7pm UAE time as it falls in the UTC+9 timezone, the same as Japan.
6. China
China, which is four hours ahead of the Emirates, will be welcoming the new year at 8pm UAE time. The country falls in the UTC+8 time zone.
7. Philippines
The Philippines, which has a large community in the UAE, will be ringing in the new year at 8pm UAE time — the perfect time for expats to call their loved ones back home.
8. Thailand
Three hours ahead of the UAE, Thailand, known for its sparkling blue beaches, nightlife and island beauty, will be welcoming the new year at 9pm UAE time.
9. India
As the clock strikes 10.30pm in the UAE, India will celebrate the new year at midnight, with a 1.5 hours time difference between the two friendly countries.
10. Pakistan
Lastly, Pakistan will be celebrating the new year at 11pm UAE time, with a 1-hour time difference between the countries.
From the quiet islands of the Pacific to the dazzling skylines of the UAE, the arrival of New Year 2026 will once again unite the world in celebration. The earliest celebrations will take place in the Pacific region, close to the International Date Line, where midnight arrives first.