Saudi Hawks swoop into Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship

The four-day Al Ain extravaganza, which runs from January 24-27, is being held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and has attracted over 110 aircraft from all over the world.

Formed in 1998, the Saudi Hawks performed for the first time in 1999 on Saudi Arabia's 100th National Day, an occasion when the team - consisting of six Saudi pilots - drew their county's national emblem, a palm tree and two swords, in the sky with colour smoke columns.

In a routine which incorporates 24 different formations, the Saudi Hawks are the only team to have ever lifted consecutive gold awards in Al Ain, with their 2004 and 2005 triumphs gaining the team worldwide popularity.

'The Saudi Hawks have a well-documented history of entertaining the Al Ain crowds. In a year which marks the tenth anniversary of our team's formation, we are thrilled to be returning to the region's premier aerobatics championship,' said Col Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Baraheem, Team Leader, Saudi Hawks.

The Saudi Hawks join an impressive list of performers for this year's event, with a host of pilots and teams from a collection of countries, including Sweden, the USA, Italy, the UK, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Jordan, Austria, and now Saudi Arabia, set to woo spectators.

The Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship 2008 has attracted a high-profile sponsorship line-up including Etihad Airways and ADNOC Distribution as Platinum sponsors; Pilatus, Etisalat, Al Ain Mineral Water and Abu Dhabi National Hotels as Gold sponsors, and Al Ain Mall as Silver sponsor.