<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed/" target="_blank">President Sheikh Mohamed</a> sent New Year's greetings to leaders of nations around the world, wishing them continued health and prosperity in 2025. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid/" target="_blank">Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid</a>, Vice President and Ruler of <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/dubai/" target="_blank">Dubai</a>, shared similar messages, as did <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-mansour-bin-zayed/" target="_blank">Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed</a>, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The leaders also extended New Year greetings to the people of the UAE, with renewed hopes for peace and prosperity. “I extend my best wishes on the occasion of the New Year,” President Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “Together, let us pray for peace and progress in the region and around the world as we work united to foster a better future for all.” In a separate post, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hoped for “glory, pride, prosperity and stability” for the country year after year. He highlighted the “historic numbers” the Emirates has achieved in “all its indicators” in 2024. Sheikh Mohammed also wished for peace around the world and expressed hope for “humanity to advance to new horizons”. “We welcome 2025 with greater optimism, greater ambitions and a greater determination to continue the journey of growth and prosperity,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “My sincere congratulations on the occasion of the New Year and my wishes that it will be a year of progress and prosperity for our beloved country under the shadow of our wise leadership and for all countries of the world,” Sheikh Mansour said. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-hamdan-bin-mohammed/" target="_blank">Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed</a>, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, also shared his best wishes after meeting senior officials at Zabeel Majlis to discuss Dubai's achievements in 2024 and future plans. “As we welcome the New Year, we reaffirm our commitment to working as one team to solidify Dubai's status as a global leader in diverse sectors,” he said on X. “We wish everyone in the UAE, the region, and across the world a happy and peaceful New Year.” The UAE put on a series of <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/things-to-do/2024/12/31/fireworks-new-year-dubai-abu-dhabi/" target="_blank">firework displays</a> across the country to ring in the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/12/20/uae-new-years-day-holiday-confirmed-for-public-sector/#:~:text=UAE%20public%20and%20private%20sector,2025%20by%20the%20UAE%20Cabinet." target="_blank">new year</a>. More than 45 fireworks shows lit up the Dubai sky, with the most popular at Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis. The capital staged its own spectacular displays at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Bay waterfront and a record 60-minute show at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah aimed to recreate fireworks magic again after setting Guinness World Records for two years in a row. UAE workers begin 2025 with a public holiday, with January 1 marked off for federal government workers and the private sector by the government last week. Motorists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will also enjoy <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/12/28/free-parking-in-dubai-on-new-years-day/" target="_blank">free parking</a> after authorities waived fees for the public holiday.
