Abu Dhabi Flying regional aerobatics flag says Red Bull Air Race chief

“This is my first time to Al Ain and what has surprised me is how many of the international aerobatics community’s big names there are competing or displaying this weekend. This Championship has some cream-of-the-crop pilots, and for such a young event, it is extremely well-known internationally – it has put Al Ain on the map,” said Searle.

As well the season opening Abu Dhabi leg of the Red Bull Air Race series, Red Bull is displaying a pair of branded remote control jets and the amazing BO-105 Red Bull Helicopter throughout the Al Ain show in what Searle calls Red Bull’s “commitment to Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning aerobatics portfolio.“

“Abu Dhabi is not far from Europe, and there is the opportunity to bring in a variety of great acts. I see nothing but a positive vector for the Al Ain event – it is getting bigger and bigger and it can become a really important part of the international circuit.

“The Al Ain Championships and the Abu Dhabi Red Bull Air Race - which is an exciting head-to-head ‘air racing’ event based on speed, precision and skill, where some of the world’s most talented pilots navigating a challenging sky race course - epitomise the thrill of excitement, and are high-octane events perfectly aligned with our brand values.

“We look forward to playing our part in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning aerobatics portfolio, and are fully committed to the emirate as it emerges as a regional and global aerobatics capital.”

The four-day Al Ain extravaganza – which boasts teams from a host of countries, including, Sweden, the USA, Italy, the UK, Turkey, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Austria, and Romania - has attracted over 110 aircraft and is expecting 130,000 spectators.