Dubai Balloon Festival set to light up DSF 2006

As part of the official announcement of Dubai Balloon Festival (DBF), which was announced in Dubai on Thursday, 4th May, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, organisers ETA-ASCON and DBF hosted a gala dinner last night at the magnificent Jumeirah Beach Hotel Conference Centre to thank the delegates, dignitaries and guests who were present at the event.

Present on the occasion was Mr. Mohamed Khammas, CEO of DBF and the Al Ahli Group, and Mr. Saeed Al Naboudah, CEO of DSF/ DSS. Also part of the grand evening were ministers, dignitaries, top multinationals, advertising agencies, media houses and local companies.

Addressing the august gathering, Mr. Khammas thanked HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his patronage for the DBF 2006. 'Such an event of this magnitude would not have been possible without his benevolence and magnificence', he added.

According to Mr. Khammas, the Dubai Balloon Festival is going to be an official event for Dubai Shopping Festival and will kick-off during the start of DSF 2006 on 20th December.

'The Dubai Balloon Festival is in line with the vision set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in creating world class attractions to develop the tourism industry for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates - to become the world's most favourite tourist destination',

Mr. Khammas said.

Those present for the dinner were treated to an exciting audio-visual presentation of hot-air balloons in action. Later, harpist Shelly Frost and Ogle on the saxophone lifted the mood of the diners with their heavenly music.

Slated to become an annual event for the next ten years, the DBF will reciprocate similar international feel, with the participation of over 100 balloons from across the world. In addition, there will be family entertainment, contests, events for the public, photo contests, music, food and beverage outlets, and other delightful events for families and youngsters to enjoy.

Initiated by the joint venture of the Al Ahli Group and ETA-ASCON, the festival is funded by the $3 billion (AED 11 billion) ETA-ASCON Group, and brought to the UAE by DBF. Organising the event will be a team of professionals from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

The event will unite balloon enthusiasts from across the world, including the launch of this exciting festival in this part of the world. The official site for the festival will be the Dubai Outlet City (DOC) in Dubailand.