More than 120 thousand people visited the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2006

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2006 and the 23rd FAI World Grand Prix which was held from 11 to 16 January, confirmed that the big success of the show this year exceeded all expectations and would not have been achieved without the unlimited support received from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and from the patron of the show His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Worldwide participation involving 40 countries, massive crowds, high ranking organization with 100% national efforts, and extensive media coverage by local, Arab and international press proved the excellence of 'Al Ain 2006' giving Al Ain City the privilege to host the next rounds of the FAI World Grand Prix. In spite of the fluctuant weather conditions, the 23rd round of this international championship and its dazzling performances and surprises attracted more than 120 thousand visitors from all over the world during the 6-day show which all of a sudden had to be extended for one more day.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon extended his thanks and appreciation to all sponsors of 'Al Ain 2006', the worldwide reputed event that had a good number of sponsors and supporters giving them a great opportunity to promote their business. Providing the Higher Organizing Committee with all kinds of support, sponsors contributed to making the show a big world event thanks to the complete cooperation with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Force and Air Defense, and the coordination with all concerned departments: Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Police and Traffic Police, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, Emirates Media, and the Civil Aviation Authority, who offered well-planned precise work and quick response.

Due to the worldwide good reputation of Al Ain Aerobatic Show, the 2006 round attracted 19 national and international sponsors. Platinum sponsors included ADNOC Distribution, Etihad Airways, and Sorouh, while Gold sponsors included Al Jaber, Pilatus, Dassault, Thales, Al Rumaithy, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, First Gulf Bank, and Etisalat, and Silver sponsors were Al Arabiya Al Swissriya, Omnix, Tabreed, Al Ain Mall, Rolls-Royce, Al Jaber, GAMCO, and Abu Dhabi Duty Free.

"This air show is the most important event of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the entire Middle East. It has become a valuable opportunity to show to the world the wide-ranging prosperity of the United Arab Emirates and its capability to host the biggest world competitions and activities with distinguished organization standards provided by well-trained and highly responsible national man power in a way that highlights the civilized image of Abu Dhabi Emirate and the entire country. The next rounds will even include more activities and surprises, as making the current location of the show permanent would help develop the show in the future and would positively affect planning and organization."

Sheikh Sultan stated.

Al Ain Aerobatic Show has become an annual international sport tradition and a landmark in Al Ain City; especially that it is the only event of its kind that is held in the world at this time of the year. The 2006 round was distinguished by the very extensive media coverage. A large number of world media, news agencies, newspapers and TVs took part in covering the event's activities, and hundreds of journalists, reporters and photographers came to the UAE for this purpose. Innumerable eye-catching photos were taken during the show, which would contribute to attracting more visitors from all over the world when these photos are brought out in major world press branches.

The Higher Organizing Committee succeeded to turn the show into a big family carnival for all family members, considering that it concurred with Al Adha Holiday. Many cultural, social, recreational and heritage-related activities for all tastes were held, and family areas, kids' village, and all necessary facilities and services were provided.

Emirates Media, in collaboration with the Higher Organizing Committee, set up a special photo gallery displaying more than 10,000 photos for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God bless his soul). These rare photos showed the amazing development of the country in all fields, and were as the best tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE.

During 'Al Ain 2006' night air shows were performed for the first time in the Middle East, and the crowds enjoyed watching the world's largest radio control model aircraft with the logo of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, flying in Al Ain sky, in addition to the spectacular 'wing-walking' displays and the attempts to break many Guinness world records, such as the jump of Nasr Al Nayadi, UAE champion skydiver, carrying the world's largest flag, cutting 9 ribbons (5 meter high) with the propeller of an inverted aircraft, and making the world's largest free fly formation by 54 skydivers from the world free fly team which represented 35 countries. A paralyzed pilot from USA met special needs people and proved to them that nothing can make ambitions and hopes impossible no matter what are the challenges.

The UAE participation in 'Al Ain 2006' was very distinguished and much bigger than it was in the previous rounds of the show. It included displaying the F-16, the show surprise, the stunning solo Apache display, and the effective participations of the Armed Forces Technical Studies Institute, the Emirates Aviation Society, and the UAE Jet Team.

The huge worldwide participation made an extremely thrilling show, and the crowds were lucky to enjoy the strong competition and breathtaking displays performed by the world's finest pilots and aerobatic teams. On the last day of the show the results of the 23rd FAI World Grand Prix were announced after a very powerful competition. In formation for jets the 'Russian Knights' were first, the French Breitling Jet team second, and the South African Sasol Tigers team third. In formation for pistons the Royal Jordanian Falcons were first and the South African Mazda Zoom Zoom team second. Al Ain 2006 Freestyle Champion was Jurgis Kairys from Lithuania, while Klaus Schrodt from Germany was second and Zoltan Veres from Hungary third.