Daredevil pilots to light up Al Ain skies

Abu Dhabi: For the third time in a row Al Ain is hosting the World Grand Prix at the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which runs from today until Sunday.

Performances this year will be characterised by night air shows held for the first time in the Middle East. Gliders and propeller aircraft will illuminate the Al Ain sky with dazzling fireworks. UAE participation will be bigger than in previous years.

The world free fly team, representing 32 countries, will try to break the current Guinness world record for free flying (42 skydivers) and create the largest free fly formation with 70 to 80 skydivers.

The UAE's F16 aircraft will be the star of the show.

The Al Ain Aerobatic Show is the only event of its kind in the world held at this time of the year due to inappropriate weather conditions in other countries. Therefore it will be the first in 2006 worldwide.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Organising Committee, said: "This air show is the most significant sports event in the Gulf and the Middle East. "It's a rare opportunity to present the UAE's achievements in the area of development in all fields."

"I would like to seize this opportunity to warmly welcome all our guests," he added. He also thanked all the institutions which had contributed to making the event a big success, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Air Force and the air defence, as well as all the show's sponsors and supporters from the private and public sectors.

The event is being held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed forces.