Dubai: The organisers of the UAE Hot Air Ballooning Festival, which is scheduled to mark next month's 40th UAE National Day celebrations, have promised entertainment for the whole family when the event is held from December 1-3.

"Besides the main activity of hot air balloons with Meydan as its base, this festival will have various other activities that have been planned keeping the entire family in mind," Rashid Al Kamal, director of marketing at the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), told the media here on Wednesday.

Rare and unique sport

"It will be three days of special events especially for the children and families whereby people will get a glimpse of this rare and unique sport," he said.

"In addition, there will be Chinese lanterns and helium balloons on sale to make the occasion a truly memorable one. It will be one big party to mark the UAE's National Day."

Special efforts are being directed at attracting schools and social institutions to the event.

"We have been working with different schools and institutions as we want kids to come and be part of the special activities we have lined up along with the opportunity to win hot air balloon rides," he added.

The three-day event will witness activities centred around hot air balloons that will start off from the Arabian Ranches early in the morning and then along Shaikh Zayed Road in the evening.

‘Night Glow'

The second day will be held at Meydan and has been titled ‘Night Glow'.

It will see a synchronisation of lights, music and balloons.

Day three will conclude with the balloons going down Emirates Road in the morning and then along Shaikh Zayed Road in the evening.

"Each year Meydan welcomes the world here for the Dubai World Cup, but this hot air balloon event is equally special and important to us as we mark this historic occasion of 40 years of the creation of our country," Mohammad Al Khayyat, commercial director, Meydan, said.

"This is the first-ever event of this sort and it is bound to attract the attention of the world," Al Khayyat added.

Facts

What: Hot Air Ballooning Festival

When: December 1-3

Time: 7am-7:45am and 5-9pm on all three days

Where:

  • December 1- 7am-7.45 am: Arabian Ranches; 5-9 pm: Shaikh Zayed Road till Meydan for the Bulls Eye competition
  • December 2: 5-9 pm: Mega event at Meydan called ‘Night Glow'
  • December 3: 7-7.45 am: Down Emirates Road; 5-9 pm: Shaikh Zayed Road till Meydan for the Key Grab competition

Further information on: info@stadia5.com