25. March 2025
Abu Dhabi To Shine Bright With Worlds Largest Drone Light Show
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with drone show company Nova Sky Stories to create the largest fleet of drones ever seen in a single performance. This ambitious project aims to promote Abu Dhabi as the home of innovation in culture and entertainment, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and values to the world.
Nova Sky Stories, founded by Ascending Technologies in 2007, has been pushing the boundaries of drone technology and entertainment since its inception. The company has undergone several transformations over the years, including an acquisition by Intel and a subsequent purchase by Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk. Nova Sky Stories’ enthusiasm for innovative storytelling and entertainment is evident in his statement: “Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of embracing innovation and will have the largest fleet of the most advanced light drones in the world for storytelling and entertainment.”
Nova Sky Stories’ journey to creating drone shows began in 2012, when it performed at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, marking the first-ever drone show in history. Since then, Nova Sky Stories has continued to break world records with its innovative performances, often featuring hundreds of drones working in perfect synchrony to create breathtaking visual displays.
The latest project is arguably the most ambitious yet. With a fleet of 10,000 drones set to take to the skies above Abu Dhabi, Nova Sky Stories is confident that it will surpass all previous records and push the boundaries of what is possible with drone technology. The scale of the performance is staggering, with each drone equipped with sophisticated lighting systems and computerized flight control systems.
The partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and Nova Sky Stories represents a major milestone in the mission to empower artists and musicians to bring their work to life through innovative storytelling. Kimbal Musk, CEO of Nova Sky Stories, stated: “We’re not just talking about a show – we’re talking about an experience.” His drones will be telling stories that have never been seen before, using light and sound to transport the audience to another world.
The partnership is built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, praised Nova Sky Stories’ commitment to innovation and creativity, stating: “By harnessing innovative technologies, we are finding new and immersive ways to share our vision and culture with the world.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for creativity and innovation. The government has invested heavily in various cultural and artistic initiatives, aiming to promote the city’s unique identity and values.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that drone technology is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping our cultural experiences. From festivals to events, drone shows are becoming a staple of modern entertainment. With Nova Sky Stories at the helm, Abu Dhabi is poised to take center stage as one of the world’s leading destinations for immersive storytelling and innovation.
The sheer scale of this project raises questions about what is possible with drone technology. How will these 10,000 drones be coordinated? What kind of story will they tell? And what impact will this have on our understanding of art and entertainment?
As we await the launch of this ambitious project, anticipation is building among fans and enthusiasts alike. With Nova Sky Stories’ track record of innovation and creativity, there is little doubt that the Abu Dhabi drone shows will be an unforgettable experience.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene is about to undergo a dramatic transformation with the introduction of drone shows. These performances promise to take our understanding of art, entertainment, and storytelling to new heights, offering a unique and immersive experience for audiences worldwide.