Al Ain: Al Farsan, the UAE’s national aerobatics team, put on an impressive display, flying their machines in extreme formations over the oasis city, enthralling spectators gathered at the opening of the Al Ain Festival of Culture and Arts.
The two-week festival, organised by Al Ain Municipality, opened at Al Jahili Garden on Saturday to mark the arrival of spring. A number of organisations have joined hands with the municipality for the festival that will be organised in different gardens and shopping malls across the city until April 11.
The festival includes cultural and heritage performances, social programmes, poetry evening, music shows and a number of other activities for family entertainment. The event promises a variety of fun and entertainment for residents at the dawn of the spring season, said Abdullah Salem Hum Al Ameri, services director for the city’s southern area at the municipality.
Well-known cartoon characters, police sniffer dogs demonstrating their skills, a police parade, military band, and martial arts shows have also been arranged apart from the Al Farsan team’s aerobatic display. Leading poets will also recite their work at the municipality’s theatre. Hili Fun City, one of the largest amusement parks in the UAE, will also host a number of events.
“We hope families will enjoy and accord a spirited welcome to the spring season,” Al Ameri said.
The aerobatics team flew in various formations over the city on the opening day and people were seen watching them from the rooftops of buildings and streets. Some of the aircraft flew at low altitudes and tight formations above the city buildings.
“It’s amazing…This is the first time I have seen such an aerobatic display in Al Ain,” said Mohammad Riaz, an expatriate living in the city for the last 21 years. He said his family enjoyed the air show and cultural activities in the gardens.
