Al Ain 2006 starts off

HH Sheikh Tahnoon expressed his happiness and admiration for organizing this international event under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. "We in the UAE are proud of receiving such a crowd of the world's finest pilots and teams, which proves the significance of the UAE in the world of exhibition and show industry, and the ability of both civilian and military establishments to make a highly successful organization for the event. This success would not have been achieved without the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which has placed the UAE on top rankings in this field," Sheikh Tahnoon stated

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon, HH Sheikh Hazzaa bin Tahnoon, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon, His Excellency Lieutenant General Hamad M. Al Rumaithy - Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces, HE Major General Pilot Khalid A. Al Bu'ainain - Air Force and Air Defense Commander, HE Ahmed H. Al Mazrouei - Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company, HE Ahmed Al Bloushi - General Manager of Emirates Media, and a number of VIPs and diplomats also attended the inauguration.

HH Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan visited the show stands, and was so pleased with the good organization and preparation for this major international event. He extended his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his unlimited support to all activities held in the country, and also to His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, for his generous patronage for the Show, which has motivated the Higher Organizing Committee to seek more excellence and success in the future rounds.

'Al Ain 2006' started with standing for a minute as a mark of respect to the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashed Al Maktoum (may God bless his soul). Spectacular radio control model aircraft displays opened the Show with participation of the world's finest pilots in this field, and then the World Free Fly Team performed a superb display, decorating the sky with their multi-colored parachutes before making an impressive landing.