ABU DHABI // The 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show will take to the skies in time for National Day celebrations after being postponed last year.
The event will be held from Saturday November 30 to Monday December 2, it was announced today.
"The show has been timed to run up to and across National Day celebrations to encourage an increased length of stay by the many guests who flock to Al Ain - our heritage heartland to mark the anniversary of our federation's founding in the UAE's most cultural setting," said Faisal Al Sheikh, director of events bureau at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), which organises the show in partnership with the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.
"There are now more reasons for visitors to begin their Al Ain break the weekend prior to National Day and join in all the show activities and then the December 2 celebrations - it all makes for a compelling reason to stay longer."
Being aligned to this year's 42nd UAE National Day celebrations, the show, which will be held at Al Ain International Airport, will pay tribute to the country's culture and heritage with a series of UAE-themed aerial displays and on-ground attractions, performances and activities, the authority said.
"Having watched the show evolve over the last nine editions, we are confident that we can make the 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show more enthralling than ever and ensure it is high on the 'must do' radar for the entire UAE community and visitors from neighbouring countries," added Mr Al Sheikh.
More than 71,000 spectators attended the ninth Al Ain Aerobatic Show in 2011 over the main two days. The show then had 24 flying teams from three continents, including a fly-past by some of the most advance fighter jets of the UAE Air Force and formation flying by national air force squadrons from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Entertainment on the ground at the 2011 show included a go-kart circuit, inflatable rides, bungee trampolines, theatre acts, and stilt walkers.
TCA Abu Dhabi has confirmed the number of aerials displays and activities, both entertaining and educational, will be taken to new heights in 2013.
Last year's event was postponed to conduct a review aimed at further enhancement and development.
ecleland@thenational.ae