Air Show Permanent Higher Organizing Committee discusses preparations

The meeting was attended by Maj.Gen Pilot Khalid bin Abdullah Bu Ainain, Commander of the Airforce and Air Defense and Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

The meeting discussed preparations of the hosting this important international event to be hosted by Al Ain from January 11 to 15, 2006, during Eid Al Adha holidays.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun thanked President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan or the tremendous support he extends to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and his unlimited support for the organization and hosting of such international events, which boost Abu Dhabi Emirate and the UAE in general as a tourist attraction.

Sheikh Sultan underlined the importance of hosting of this international event by Al Ain and the UAE which is being organized under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed stresses that Al Ain Air show should be one of the major international events in this field.

He extends full support to the championship, which aims at promoting the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the best venue to host such major international events. The championship also helps lure visitors from all over the world to the Emirate and Al Ain city which is home to natural and historical landmarks and state-of-the-art services facilities and infrastructure which meet international standards.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun said the success achieved by the event among audience and in the media in previous editions was the motivation behind the relentless efforts to make a quantum leap in terms of participation and attendance.

Sheikh Sultan lauded the valuable efforts put in by the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture, Al Ain Municipality, to expand the event's venue for the new edition. The Department also carried out all necessary works including construction of roads and designing new gates to ensure smooth mobility of visitors. It also carried out beautification and landscaping on the venue, transforming it not only to a venue for an official international event but a place showcasing heritage, cultural, and art activities which suit all family members.

Maj.Gen Pilot Khalid bin Abdullah Bu Ainain, Commander of the Airforce and Air Defense and Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee said all sub-committees were fully prepared for the launch of the event which would have a tourist and economic revenue for Al Ain city and the UAE in general.

He stressed that the key factor behind the success of the championship is the collaboration and efforts of both Government and private institutions, to make sure that the event is organized in a way that would help present the country's civilization to the world. He pointed out that the Government's support was not limited to providing services but goes along way in upgrading the event and its activities, in line with the national duty which makes it compulsory for all to dedicate their time and effort.

The meeting discussed the agenda of the organizational activities. The meeting reviewed participation of teams, which will come from 40 countries. It also reviewed the media and promotion campaign, which is being intensified everyday and the sponsors of the event who reached 19 this year.

The Organizing Committee discussed all issues related to organization and final preparations for the championship, which will be held during Eid Al Adha holiday.

The show will be staged on a doubled space of the 2005 edition.

Discussions also covered the volume of the show over the next 15 years and the need to chalk out an integrated plan, taking into consideration the promotional and organizational aspects, to turn the show into an annual event which attracts participants and visitors from all over the world.

The meeting also reviewed the media campaign, which will be intensified for the 2006 edition of the show and the key role expected to be played by the Emirates Media and Abu Dhabi TV.
A documentary film on the air show produced in 2005 will be distributed to all local TV channels in the UAE to be telecast before the event. The film has won several prestigious awards.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Sharif, Under-Secretary the Department of Municipalities and Agriculture, Al Ain Municipality, H.E. Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, H.E. Brig. Pilot Omar Ahmed AL Bittar, Commander of Khalifa bin Zayed Air College, H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Bloushi, Director of Emirates Media, H.E. Ahmed Humaid Al Mazroui, Director-general of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company,H.E. Staff Col, Pilot Mahsh Al hameli, Head of Security Committee, H.E. Lt-Col Hamad bin Ailan Al Amimi, Director of Al Ain Police Directorate, H.E. Fares Salim Al Mazroui, Director of Al Ain International Airport, H.E. Lt-Col Hamad Saeed bin Trais Al Dhahiri, Director of Police Operations at Al Ain Police Directorate.