*More than 30 hot air balloons from 13 countries are participating in this one-of-its-kind global event
Dozens of hot air balloons in various shapes, designs, and colours will decorate the skies of Aspire Park at Qatar’s first Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place from December 7 to 18, organisers have announced.
Speaking at a press conference recently, Safe Flight Solutions CEO, Captain Hassan al-Mousawi told reporters that some 33 hot air balloons from 13 countries are participating in this one-of-its-kind global event.
Apart from the majestic scenery at the venue, he said the family-friendly festival will also feature side events for people to enjoy, ranging from live performances and children’s entertainment to a variety of local and international cuisines on offer.
“While Safe Flight Solutions is the key organising body, this event would not have been possible without our strategic partner Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), our official airline partner Qatar Airways, our venue partner Aspire Zone Foundation, our ground transportation partner Hertz and our hospitality partner Aura hospitality,” Captain al-Mousawi noted.
“With the continued support of our partners, we envisage to turn this into an annual global event with more countries participating,” he added.
The festival, according to Captain al-Mousawi, has been scheduled to coincide with three other major events: the 24th edition of Arabian Gulf Cup tournament (November 26 to December 8); the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup (December 11 to December 21); and Qatar National Day celebrations (December 18).
He said the teams will be arriving in Qatar on December 5 and 6, and the different activities, which include “the balloon night glow”, will commence in December 7.
Abdulla Aman al-Khater, director of Events and Facilities at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We, at AZF, have the pleasure to present this exciting event as a new addition to our entertainment events calendar organised at Aspire Park that appeal to the whole family members.”
He noted that this festival will also be a new addition to Qatar's tourism agenda.
“As we work to diversify Qatar’s calendar of festivals it is a pleasure to see our private sector partners taking the lead in building novel and attractive offerings. We’re excited to be a part of this event, which introduces a brand new tourism product to Qatari visitors and residents,” said Jawaher al-Khuzaei from Qatar National Tourism Council in a press statement.
Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Salam al-Shawa said: “Being in the air is something we’re quite used to; however, this is different, and we’re delighted to be a part of this historical first for our nation.”
