Life & Style | Leisure
80 skydivers to break record in Al Ain
Eighty skydivers will try to set a new world record for the largest free fly formation at the Al Ain Aerobatics Show starting January 11. The only Arab female skydiver will join the attempt.
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
Eighty skydivers will try to set a new world record for the largest free fly formation at the five-day Al Ain Aerobatics Show starting January 11.
The divers come from 32 countries but many of them are from the United States, said a spokesperson of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, organisers of the show.
The team holds the existing world record of a 50-man free fall formation. They will attempt to break this record at 1pm on the opening day.
Apart from this attempt, the World Free Fly Team will also perform every day, creating patterns in the sky.
It consists of 83 people including 73 free fly participants, three FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) judges, three camera flyers, two ground controllers, and two packers.
The FAI is a Switzerland-based governing body of the worldwide air sports.
The spokesperson said the free fly team is made up of several well-known groups such as Free Fly Clowns, Flyboyz, Babylon Free Fly Team, Chemical Brothers, Arizona Flight Club, and others.
Nadia H. Adam Ali, a Yemeni, is the team co-ordinator. Organisers said she is the only Arab female skydiver in the world. She has been skydiving since 1998 and has nearly 900 jumps under her belt.
Night flights
In another first for the region, pilots will fly their gliders and propeller aircraft in the night during the Al Ain Aerobatic Show. Organisers said this will be the first night-flying show in the Middle East.
Fireworks have also been planned for the aerobatics show that seeks to put the garden city on the world tourism map.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said this year the aerobatics show has attracted new participants from around the world.
The new teams come from countries such as Canada, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and the United States. The UAE Air Force will participate, as will hundreds of solo pilots, he added.
"In order to attract thousands of visitors, we are working hard to make the show an ideal family holiday activity, particularly since it falls during the Eid Al Adha holidays," he said.
Heritage and art exhibitions, along with recreation centres, have been planned alongside the aerobatics show.
More from Leisure
More from Life & Style
Covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Ten simple ways to love yourself
Just a few small changes to your day can make a big difference
-
Style story: Make waves with beachwear
Life's a beach in this summer's gorgeous new swimwear
-
2012 Ford Focus: Smashingly good
The all-new Focus turned Imran Malik Hulk-green with rage at one point
