Fun-filled UAE National Day weekend for families on-the-ground and in-the-air

Abu Dhabi, UAE. November 28, 2013:  Four elite military teams, seven daredevil aerobatic teams, two solo fighter-jet displays, a jet school bus and the famous indigenous Fazza skydiving team are all set to thrill and excite visitors to the 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), on November 30th-December 2nd at Al Ain International Airport.

This year's show, the biggest-ever since its inception 10 years ago, promises to keep the whole family occupied with something to do every second over the 42nd UAE National Day weekend.

The show will be a total sensory upgrade as several aero-themed interactive activities will keep visitors and families engaged. A wide range of aircraft displays, interactive event partner stands, runway demos, a new public food court, a dedicated kids zone, a family flight deck, in addition to roving entertainers and performers will bring Al Ain to life for a weekend of activity and fun.

Several static on-the-ground attractions including stilt walkers, jugglers, face painters, pilot bear and pit-lane walk throughs, busker signing performances, balloon and swing rides, Meet-the-Pilot signing sessions and hot air balloon rides will deliver a weekend experience that makes the aero-show a fabulous family getaway.

Al Ain residents and visitors from neighbouring emirates and other GCC states are expected to attend in large numbers.

The response to the 10th anniversary event has been overwhelming. TCA Abu Dhabi's partners and sponsors have been equally appreciative of this special occasion and are helping take the show to new heights.

Gold sponsor Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) is putting on a range of family activities, including a paper airplane workshop complete with 'runway test' to see how well the planes fly, in addition to a 'shoot the goal' football game and photo opportunity boards.  ADIB will also be giving away thousands of flags for spectators to wave and show their appreciation for all the great acts on display and to celebrate National Day while ADIB's mascot Darhoum will entertain kids.

Etihad too is returning as Gold sponsor.  On December 2nd an Etihad Airways A346 plane will fly over the venue.  The airline will be challenging visitors to take part in their multi-sports activity at Etihad Soccer Nets that features Manchester City target shots, where the speed of a kick will be measured by radar, and rugby passing skills be will tested as visitors try to hit the targets to win spectacular prizes.

First-time Gold sponsor Huawei will showcase the Huawei P6 Ascend smartphone, which will be on display in the public exhibition area.  Its stand will feature a range of interactive games and it will be giving away a number of P6 Ascend smartphones daily.  Huawei has also lent its name to the Twister Duo flying team.

Other high-flying attractions are the Games Zen Zone, a giant swing, archery, golf, a climbing wall, a mobile-wave installed by Wadi Adventure, Gyroscope, the Zoo outreach, a Cultural Village, a family park area and a kids soft play area. 

Meanwhile, other Al Ain stakeholders have planned special visitor activities. The Al Ain Zoo will host a morning Breakfast with the Pilots session on the eve of the National Day weekend event on Friday, November 29 where guests will have the opportunity to get involved in a Hot Air Balloon activity at the Picnic Area.

To encourage visitors and families to stay longer and make the most of their time in Al Ain, the organisers introduced the ‘FLY PASS' package that bundles together two aerobatic show day tickets, two entry tickets to Al Ain Zoo, including ‘Feed The Giraffe' passes, two tickets for the adrenalin packed Wadi Adventure white water rafting and surfing park and a 30% discount on all facilities at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club for just AED 125.

BAE Systems, the show's Silver sponsor will have a full-scale static display of World War II's Supermarine Spitfire Aircraft adding retro-glamour to the sky high line up at Al Ain International Airport. Abu Dhabi National Hotels, another Silver sponsor is providing hospitality support to the show.

Eastern Motors, the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Al Ain and automotive member of Al Fahim Group, and the official vehicle sponsor of the show, will have two Mercedes AMG vehicles performing twice daily at the show on December 1 and 2. Professional drivers will be drifting, speeding, making circles and burning the tires. One of the high performance AMG vehicles will be the Mercedes-Benz SL 63 and will be branded for the UAE National Day. During the event Eastern Motors will have a stand where visitors can talk to sales consultants and get more information on new features and new models.

The 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show has something for someone of all ages and the long weekend visit to the Oasis City will give every family wholesome entertainment, whether at the show or in and around Al Ain.

General Admission Tickets bought in advance cost AED 40 for Adults and AED 20 for youths aged 12 years and under.

Tickets and the ‘FLY PASS' can be bought online at www.ticketmaster.ae or via the toll free number, 80086823 or the international number +9714 3662289. The tickets are also for sale at the venue.

AL AIN AEROBATIC SHOW 2013 AERIAL DISPLAY LINE-UP*
November 30-December 2
12:00  RC AIRCRAFT DISPLAY
12:40  AL FURSAN
13:15   BREITLING WINGWALKERS
13:36  SAUDI HAWKS
14:10  HUAWEI TWISTERS DUO
14:24  F-16
14:41  MATADORS
14:55  RED ARROWS
15:32  MISS DEAMEANOUR
15:46  ROYAL JORDANIAN FALCONS
16:08  SHAHEEN 11
16:25  GOODYEAR EAGLES
16:40  JET SCHOOL BUS
16:52  GOODYEAR EAGLES SKYDIVERS
17:02  TYPHOON
17:19  ZOLTAN VERES & FAZZA
17:31  F-16 OR MIRAGE
17:42  HUAWEI TWISTERS DUO

Meet the Pilots Signing Sessions*:
12:00-12:25
13:00-13:25
14:00-14:25
15:00-15:25
16:00-16:25
17:00-17:25
*Please note that timings are subject to change.

About Al Ain Aerobatic Show:This is the world's only aerobatic festival that combines military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions, cultural and family activities. Some of the world's top aerobatic pilots compete in three disciplines of air racing at the show's venue – Al Ain International Airport. Airplanes, helicopters, gliders and wingwalkers display their amazing aerial skills. Other show features include entertainment, restaurants, cafes and merchandise stalls.
The show is jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and the UAE Air Force and is supported by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).
The 2013 edition of the three-day event is the 10th anniversary show which culminates on the 42nd UAE National Day on December 2 and promises to take the number of aerials displays, entertainment and educational activities to new heights.