Al Ain show opens eventually - and brings in record crowds

For the show’s ninth edition, which ends Saturday evening, more than 25 aircraft from three continents have been twisting, looping and defying gravity to woo enthusiastic fans.

Yet one of the most unusual acts at the 2011 Al Ain Aerobatic Show didn’t even need to leave the ground to captivate the massive crowds.

Paul Stender and his amazing Jet Truck – a fully modified 18-wheeler capable of hitting speeds of 350kph thanks to its supersonic jet-powered engine - thundered down the Al Ain International Airport runway in a cloud of smoke and flames, much to the delight of the packed grandstands.  

“With the highly unusual weather forcing us to postpone the first two days, pent up demand for this show has been massive, which is why so many people were keen to come on Friday and see our best-ever display and entertainment offering,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the show in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces and Dubai Air Show organisers F&E Aerospace..  

“It is great to see people wanting to be here at this show and superb new acts like the Jet Truck, Baltic Bees and the Turkish Stars keep the display line-up fresh and exciting.“

Gates open again on Saturday at 9am, with the displays starting at 10.30am and continuing until 6.30pm. Tickets are just Dh40 per adult and Dh20 for children between three and 12 years old, while children under three enter free. More details can be found on the Al Ain website at www.alainaerobaticshow.com , and tickets can be purchased on the gate.  

The Al Ain Aerobatic 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, and takes place at the Al Ain International Airport, which is approximately 80 minutes scenic drive from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.