Traffic comes to a halt as motorists watch British pilots thunder overhead Two more days to go for the airshow
Residents got their first taste of what is in store from the Dubai Airshow yesterday when the British Red Arrows zoomed over the city.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team took off and circled the Burj Al Arab after a press conference to publicise the 10th annual event that will begin on Sunday.
Traffic in several parts of the city almost came to a standstill as shocked residents watched the British pilots thunder overhead.
This year's airshow has been completely sold out for vendors and several lastminute applications from the UAE and American companies to display their products had to be rejected.
Over 850 exhibitors from 50 countries will take part in the aerial extravaganza - the third largest in the world after Le Bourget in France and Farnborough in the United Kingdom.
"The scale of growth in the show over the past two years reflects the massive growth the Middle East's aviation industry is experiencing across all segments," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.
Flight displays are set to thrill spectators each day from 1.30pm to 4.30pm during the five-day event.
Three of the world's top aerobatics display teams are set to take off this year, including the Patrouille de France, Dornier Alpha Jet, and Spain's Patrulla Aguila, which is making its Gulf debut in the Casa C-101 Aviojet.
Meanwhile, traffic officials have warned motorists against slowing down or stopping their cars on the roads to watch the flying displays.
"It's going to be a marvellous display but motorists should concentrate on driving and not try and look up at the sky," said a traffic official.
Security at the Dubai International Airport Expo has been beefed up for the show, with hundreds of policemen already patroling, as several high-ranking military and government representatives are expected to visit the venue.
More than 60 paramedic personnel from the Dubai Police will also be stationed around the event to handle medical emergencies.
By Joseph George
© Emirates Today 2007
