Dubai Balloon Festival set to soar with spectacular night glow of balloons

The press conference was attended by Mr. Hakim Al Bannay, President of Dubai Balloon Festival and General Manager for Corporate Affairs at ETA Star, Mr. Ibrahim Saleh, COO of the Dubai Shopping Festival, Mr. Goulam Amarsy, Consultant of Dubai Balloon Festival, Mr. Ahmed bin Ali, Manager of Corporate Communications, Etisalat and Mr. Mohammed Abu Baker Farea, Director Aviation Safety & Security, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.

The first of its kind in the Middle East, the Dubai Balloon Festival, is a joint venture of the Al Ahli Group and ETA-Ascon's Group and the event is executed by Star Events. As the launch event of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai Balloon Festival has signed up with Etisalat as title sponsor and co-hosted by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The Dubai Balloon Festival, which commences on 20 December 2006, will showcase around 75 colourful balloons from around the world. Taking off from the Global Village, two mass flights will be held at 7 am and 3.30 pm on 21, 22 and 23 December and the following week on 28, 29 and 30 December.

Commenting on the debut event, Mr. Al Bannay, said: 'Our aim is to bring a never seen before family entertainment event to Dubai and we are happy that preparations are well underway with the support of our esteemed partner Dubai Shopping Festival and sponsors, Etisalat and DIFC.

Having received the highest number of pilot registrations ever recorded for a first time ballooning event in the world, we are confident that Dubai Balloon Festival will light up Dubai, not only within the Middle East, but across the globe.'

Entry to the Dubai Balloon Festival is free and open to all ages. The event will also be supported on the ground with a host of entertainment activities including music, food and beverage kiosks, games and other leisure activities geared to provide full entertainment to families.

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Saleh, said: 'Over the past decade, the DSF has evolved constantly and grown into an international event boasting an impressive repertoire of world-class events. DSF 2006-2007 poised to be bigger than ever, encompasses 'A World of Festivals' which is in line with the theme of One World, One Family, One Festival.'

Added Mr. Saleh, 'We view the Dubai Balloon Festival as one of the most important international events being held this DSF, and we are very pleased that the Dubai Balloon Festival will be a major part of the opening ceremony of DSF which is a clear indication of the status the festival enjoys in the world.'

Mr. Saleh also pointed out the private sector's support to the Dubai Balloon Festival as he said, 'Dubai offers a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to the close cooperation between the Government and the private sector which lays the foundation of several large scale events spearheaded by the DSF in the region and the world. A perfect example of that is the Dubai Balloon Festival.'

Mr. Ahmed bin Ali, Manager of Corporate Communications, Etisalat: 'Sponsoring this event merely reflects Etisalat's commitment towards giving back in many ways to the society in which it operates. Etisalat is well known for its contributions to festivals and activities that assist in developing the UAE society.'

He added: 'The role of the corporation in supporting the first ballooning event of its kind in the region and the second largest in the world falls in line with the leaderships' vision in continuously enhancing the UAE's image in the international arena.'

Highlights of the Dubai Balloon Festival at the Global Village include:

• Night glow of balloons on 20, 23, 28, and 29 December from 7.45pm onwards and culminating with an exciting firework display. The night glow will showcase the mammoth hot air balloons, some as high as a nine-storey building, glowing against the dark. The balloons will stay on the ground through this spectacle.

• Children's carnival commencing on the 21 December, will feature a variety of workshops and competitions on art, music, painting and other areas. This is open for children up to 14 years old.

Mr. Al Bannay added: 'The Dubai Balloon Festival is an outcome of years of research and planning and the technical expertise of professionals from the world's largest balloon festival held annually in the city of Albuquerque, USA. With such professional expertise and the high international appeal that the city of Dubai has, we believe the Dubai Balloon Festival is poised to be a big success.'