For the first time, CNN will deliver multi-hour live coverage from Abu Dhabi as part of its annual global New Year’s Eve broadcast, which culminates in CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.

Coverage kicks off at 4:10pm GST on 31 December, as anchor and Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi Becky Anderson welcomes New York City-based CNN anchor John Berman on his first visit to the emirate, and reveals that she has arranged a series of challenges and adventures for him to experience during his trip.

In the lead up to midnight, the pair will embark on a series of high-octane activities. They visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island to take on the ‘Formula Rossa’, the world’s fastest roller coaster, before heading to the Yas Marina Circuit – which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – to try out the real thing, in Formula 3000 cars, live on air.

They dive into the Liwa Festival to take on a whirlwind of cultural challenges – everything from dune bashing to falconry – and Berman even takes on a scavenger hunt across Abu Dhabi’s cultural icons. Joined by a local guide, he’ll uncover artifacts at the newly opened Natural History Museum and Zayed National Museum, as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena.

From 9pm to 11:45pm GST, Anderson and Berman host a special live show from the iconic Saadiyat Nights. They’ll be joined virtually by CNN correspondents around the globe as well as special guests – including dancing robots and local artistic talent. The show will also include live check-ins with the Sheikh Zayed Festival, which is attempting this year to break the Guinness World Record for the longest fireworks display.

The program will complement CNN’s broader multi-platform coverage of New Year’s Eve across the globe, which kicks off in earnest at 4pm GST, offering audiences a front row seat to the world’s biggest moments as they unfold globally.