Saudi Hawks to head to UAE's 'Oasis City' with new manoeuvres display

A headline display of the seventh and largest Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which runs at Al Ain International Airport from January 27th - 30th January the Saudi Hawks will feature 24 impressive and unique patterns into their performance over Abu Dhabi's second largest city using BAE Hawker 65 trainer jets.

The new-look routine though will retain the colourful drill which represents the Hawks' Kingdom homeland's national emblem - a palm tree and two swords. It is the only team in the world that draws its national emblem in such a manner.

The Saudi Hawks' new approach is part of a reinvigorated Al Ain Aerobatic Show - the seventh and largest in the annual series with a record 22 international teams taking part.

"The Saudi Hawks new routine adds to a hugely diverse programme in which 70% of the aircraft taking part this year are new to the show, many of the teams are newcomers and performers are planning to demonstrate new manoeuvres and also record-breaking aerobatic attempts. The line up and programme is truly of world-class standard," said Faisal Al Sheikh, Head-Major Events Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which presents the Al Ain Aerobatic Show.

The Al Ain event is the world's only aerobatic spectacle that combines military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions. Set against the backdrop of one of the world's oldest desert oasis settlements, the show is 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.

The Saudi Hawks operate from King Faisal Air Base, Tabuk, in the north west of Saudi Arabia, close to the Jordanian border. All Saudi Hawks display pilots have flown as part of the front-line squadrons of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and must have attained a minimum of 800 hours in a jet. The team's support staff is drawn from a wide variety of RSAF backgrounds and plays a crucial role in keeping the Saudi Hawks flying.

The 2010 Al Ain Aerobatic Show features some of the world's top pilots from Bahrain, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, the UK and the USA.

The event is hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company, organised by ADTA and the UAE Air Force and is supported by an extensive list of sponsors including gold sponsors, Etihad; Pilatus; Al Ain Water and Abu Dhabi National Hotels along with silver sponsors Mubadala Aerospace; ADAT; Al Ain Municipality and Panasonic.

Costa is the official retailer which will partner with The National, a leading UAE English language daily newspaper, to create 'The National Costa Coffee Lounge' - a relaxed venue to grab a coffee and paper. Mercedes Benz meanwhile will provide the official vehicles.