A RECORD BEGINNING IN RAK
Almost 1,100kg of fireworks created a 1kmlong canopy of colour, making Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island one of the brightest spots on earth on New Year’s Eve (NYE). Over 390 ‘comet stars’ splashed the night in the UAE’s national colours as the extravaganza propelled RAK into the record books.
Al Marjan Island bagged the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial firework shell, as hundreds of thousands of revellers were given a night to remember.
The record trumps the 2014 title set by the Kounosu fireworks festival in Sitama, Japan, on October 11, 2014. Compared to the 464.83kg firecrackers launched then, RAK deployed over twice the amount.
The shell in RAK reached a whopping 1,100 metres from the ground to the top-end of the display; 650 metres from the ground to the centre, and measured 1km in diameter when it was launched. On a comparative note, the Kounosu record had the firecracker reaching a height of 907 metres to the top-end, 533 metres to the centre, and 748 metres in diameter.
In a fitting tribute to the UAE, the dazzling display of the 10-minute fireworks was set to action from 120 sites. The aerial shell had a diameter of 145cm. It packed 390 comet stars that flowered into white, red and green, to recreate the colours of the national flag. It took 15 seconds to reach the apex with the glittering comets changing to brilliant red tips with the centre of the flower displaying in a green shimmer.
The show was choreographed to seven chapters, and set to global music by 14 renowned composers. The certificate was presented to Abdullah Al Abdooli, managing director of Al Marjan Island, and Phil Grucci, CEO and creative director of fireworks by Grucci.
Al Abdooli said: “The fireworks was a spectacular success that welcomed visitors from around the world and cemented the reputation of the emirate as a must-visit destination for NYE galas. Adding to the pride of RAK and our nation, the event is a true testament to the joint efforts of various governmental entities, which ensured a safe and seamless celebration.
“The records title for the largest aerial firework shell, a part of the celebration, brings added joy as it highlights our commitment to offer a real extravaganza for our visitors.”
Al Marjan Island worked with government entities to create several public viewing areas across the waterfront development. More than 5,000 additional public car parking spaces were provided this year to welcome the guests.
Grucci said: “Our brief was to deliver a ‘Beyond a Journey’ design and to fabricate and display this amazing marvel in fireworks. With the event, a performance art, we wanted to highlight the feeling of harmony and peace and the excitement and celebration of what Al Marjan Island is and is set to become.”