By Sports Reporter/Doha
Away, away from the madding crowds of Dubai and the frantic pace of Abu Dhabi, about one-and-a-half hour’s drive from the two bustling metropolises, lies the sleepy city of Al Ain.
The historic place, also known as the ‘Garden City’, is like a breath of fresh air, an oasis in the middle of the desert. There’s plenty of greenery, there are historic forts, museums, a one-of-its-kind zoo that houses several endangered species, an ultra-modern stadium, malls, hotels, gardens, archaeological parks.
Come December and the sleepy city of Al Ain will wake up to the roar of the aero engines and fighter planes when it hosts the Al Ain Air Championship. The three-day event, scheduled from December 17-19, is a brainchild of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), with the UAE Air Force (UAEAF), Abu Dhabi Airports (ADAC) being the other big partners for the region’s longest-running aerobatic spectacle for the public.
The 11th edition of the event will feature a new championship competition format which will see the world’s leading pilots vie for the trophy at the Al Ain International Airport. This year’s event will also feature one of the region’s largest entertainment villages which will include an all-new array of activities for visitors of all ages.
“We are delighted to officially reveal the full programme of this year’s Al Ain Air Championship with all the exciting new activities and experiences made to the event, which we trust will attract a larger number of visitors and residents alike,” said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director at TCA Abu Dhabi at a media briefing in Abu Dhabi last week .
“One of the region’s largest and most thrilling events will feature a new championship format, eight of the world’s best aerobatic pilots and teams, ticket and travel packages for all visitors and more to enjoy,” he added.
Al Ain Air Championship (previously known as Al Ain Aerobatic Air Show) has earned its spot on the sporting calendar as a ‘must-see’ event. This unique extravaganza combines the thrill and action of some of the world’s best aerobatic performers together with impressive spectator-friendly environments.
TCA Abu Dhabi also is working closely with key partners including Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain Club, Strata Manufacturing, Wadi Adventure, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, and Etihad Airlines to deliver an unforgettable experience for all the family with event activations and the best deals and packages around for hotels and attractions.
This year’s championship will see one of the world’s top aerobatic pilots, the UK’s Richard Goodwin, throwing his hat in the ring for the first time ever, where he will be going head-to-head with seven of the world’s most fearless daredevils including, Breitling Wingwalkers from the UK, Patrouille Reva from France, RedBull Firestars from China, and Glider FX Aerobatics from the UK.
“Al Ain Air Championship has always been on my list of ‘must-do’ events so I’m really excited to compete against some of the world’s best pilots in an extraordinary setting. Al Ain sounds like a paradise city so I am also eager to explore during my stay this December,” said Goodwin.
The format sees an invited mix of teams from around the world that includes elite military pilots and civilian daredevils. Eight of the world’s teams will come together to compete for the title of ‘Grand Champion’ by a panel of expert and celebrity judges. Teams will be awarded points based on four style categories: Power, Grace, National Pride and ‘Wow’ factor.
The new championship format will also allow fans and families to get closer to the action and the world’s best pilots. Fan voting is introduced this year in an effort to create a more interactive event where visitors get the chance to vote for their favourite team and performance on the day through an interactive mobile app.
Along with daredevil pilots, gravity-defying wing walkers, parachutists and a new-to-the-region aircraft line-up, the Al Ain Air Championship will feature the show’s biggest-ever range of family entertainment. The massive Championship Village will offer a wide range of aircraft displays and runway entertainment shows such as musical performances, drifting competitions and daredevil motorcycle displays.
Fans can also visit the Championship Pit Lane, meet the pilots and see some of the world’s best aerobatic aircrafts up-close. The Village will also feature a dedicated family area and a new line-up of popular food trucks, providing all-day family fun for tens of thousands of visitors.
Al Dhaheri added: “Al Ain is quickly becoming a ‘must-see’ destination for many regional and international visitors and our aim is to offer them a great experience and encourage them to see the city for themselves. We have worked together with our partners to create a unique all-encompassing holiday for Al Ain Air Championship visitors keen to see more of Al Ain, the city of beauty.
“Through these promotional offers, visitors can take advantage of Al Ain’s stunning selection of hotel offers and impressive array of tourist attractions supported by Al Ain stakeholders and turn their weekend break into an unforgettable holiday with family and friends.”
Tickets to the Al Ain Air Championship are available for sale and can be purchased from www.tixbox.com, with prices starting from AED 30 per day for general admission, which give fans access to a packed schedule of race action and entertainment. Reserved seating is available in the grandstand with tickets for AED 60 per day and a limited number of VIP passes for AED 150 per day, which give ticketholders access to the best viewing seats at the show.
Children below six years of age will be given free admission.
