Red Arrows to soar over UAE skies

KARIM SAHIB / AFP [for illustration]

The iconic Red Arrows are all set for a flying visit to the UAE next month.

The aerobatic team will represent the UK at Expo 2020 Dubai with a spectacular 20-minute display and flyby to celebrate the first week of the event with visitors.

They will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds with a display of astonishing precision and teamwork at 4:00 pm on October 8.

It is part of a wider visit to the UAE, to help celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary and to look forward to the next 50, which will also include a display at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche at 4:30 pm on October 5.

In Dubai, the performance will support the UK’s wider role at the Expo and highlight the exciting programme of events and exhibitions.

Before the display, engineers and pilots will support a STEM engagement event to showcase the mixture of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths that are involved in servicing the aircraft on the ground and flying them with such precision.

Following the display, team pilots will also be appearing at the UK Pavilion to meet the public.

"This year we are displaying some of the biggest shapes in our inventory, including formations called Swan and the Big Vixen Roll with all nine jets just six feet apart, while rolling upside down," said Squadron Leader Tom Bould, the Red Arrows’ Team Leader, who flies at the front of the nine-aircraft formation as Red 1.

Laura Faulkner OBE, UK Commissioner for Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "They’ve thrilled audiences all over the world since 1965 and there’s no bigger event to appear at this year than Expo 2020 Dubai. We’re looking forward to an incredible display and it’s a great way to celebrate and highlight the UK Pavilion and our exciting programme of events."

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