KABUL: With the arrival of 2026, millions of people across various regions celebrated the New Year through fireworks, concerts, and special ceremonies. From the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East and Europe, major cities hosted spectacular displays of lights and music, while security measures and messages of goodwill added a vibrant touch to this global celebration. In London, near the banks of the River Thames, nearly 100,000 people gathered to witness the fireworks show. As the clock struck midnight on December 31st according to GMT, many areas of the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Mauritius, and Seychelles welcomed the New Year. Dubai presented one of the largest fireworks displays at the world’s tallest building, followed by a captivating show of lights, fountains, and music. London celebrated the New Year at 9 PM GMT, coinciding with midnight in several countries, including Russia, Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Madagascar, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, and Yemen. In contrast, a fireworks display in Moscow’s Red Square was canceled due to heightened security measures, with access to the area restricted until 8 AM on January 1st. Notably, in the United Arab Emirates, the New Year was welcomed half an hour before the celebrations in London, marking the final moments of 2025 according to Afghan time. Meanwhile, in neighboring Pakistan, the New Year arrived just before the celebrations in Afghanistan, and half an hour after India and Sri Lanka, with festivities held in Karachi.
