Dubai 13th December 2007: Star Events the events division of the USD 4 billion ETA Star Group, represents UAE at the Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007(PIBF), on occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's 80th birthday, which was being held between 8-12th of December.

This is the first time Star Events team from Dubai is showcasing their flying and ballooning skills in Thailand with 3 hot air balloons. Star Events were the first to organize the 'Dubai Balloon Festival' in the UAE, last year during which 71 balloons from across the globe participated. 

Sharing the joy and experience on being present at the Pattaya International Balloon Festival Mr. Hakim Al Bannay, CEO- Star Events said, "It feels proud to be part of this grand occasion. Our presence is marked by three of our main balloons inclusive of Emirates Airline Balloon, which are currently flying across the skies of Pattaya."

"We commenced flying these balloons at the Dubai Balloon Festival in the UAE last year, and also in 4 other balloon festivals in Europe and America, we are currently flying in Asia. It is indeed a great experience and learning. In our endeavor to fly and share the sprit of festivities and joy across the globe we also plan to take part in several balloon festivals lined up for the coming New Year 2008."

Star Events demonstrated preparation and the launch of the hot air balloon as a highlight of day one at Tammasat University Pattaya Centre in Chon Buri. The 5-day balloon fiesta which began on December 8th is being held with an aim to assemble enthusiasts from all over the world to join the Thai people in offering felicitations and expressing loyalty to HM the King on his birthday.

Ballooning is a hugely popular event in many countries and there are regular gatherings for competition on shapes and colours at various festivities. This balloon fiesta is expected to attract over 20,000 participants a day and become an annual event for the famous tourist city of Pattaya.

For further information on Star Events kindly visit www.starevents.net

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About ETA Star Group:
ETA Star Group is a multinational and diversified group established in 1973 as a joint venture under the UAE's Abdulla Al Ghurair Group. Headquartered in Dubai, ETA Star Group has built an enviable reputation for quality, excellent service and cost-effective technological capability. The group's network encompasses 140 entities and associate offices in 22 countries and employs more than 51000 people with consolidated sales in excess of USD 4 billion (about Dh14.7 billion) in 2006.

Areas of expertise under the ETA Star Group umbrella include Engineering, Contracting, Construction, Manufacturing, Trading, Shipping, Transportation, Jewellery, Travel, Consumer Electronics, Recycling and Waste Management, Automobiles, Building Maintenance, Information Technology, Human Resources Management, Real Estate and Healthcare.

For more information please contact:
Ms. Rohini Rego
Account Manager
Weber Shandwick - MENA
Phone: 04-3210077 mobile: 050-3823556
Email: rohini.rego@ws-mena.com;  

© Press Release 2007