Spectacular Displays and Massive Attendance on the First Day of the Saudi Aviation Show

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club, officially inaugurated the Saudi Aviation Show, Sand and Fun 2024, at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh today. The event, which began on Tuesday, was attended by His Excellency Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, alongside several officials, ambassadors, and aviation enthusiasts from the region and around the world.

The show coincides with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosting the General Meeting of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which brings together delegates from 90 countries and over 160 participants for three days of pivotal discussions about the future of general aviation.

Upon Prince Sultan’s arrival at the event, the Saudi national anthem was played, followed by an impressive aerial performance by the Saudi Falcons aerobatic team. The show also featured unique aerial displays by club members. Workshops began shortly thereafter, and Prince Sultan toured the exhibitor pavilions, reviewing the latest aviation technologies, projects, and future plans.

Prince Sultan expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s ongoing care and development in various fields. He emphasized that hosting this show reflects Saudi Arabia’s expansion in the aviation sector and reiterated the Saudi Aviation Club’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s position regionally and globally in aviation, in line with Vision 2030.

Diverse Activities on the First Day

The opening day of Sand and Fun 2024 featured extraordinary aerial displays from renowned global teams, including the Saudi Falcons and the Phoenix Paramotors team from Poland. The “SkyVentures” team presented thrilling aerobatic maneuvers, setting the stage for a week filled with lively performances and interactive activities.

Alongside these captivating air shows, the “Hangar Talks” sessions provided a vital platform for thought leadership, where attendees could hear from prominent figures in aviation and space exploration. Key speakers included His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Ali AlQarni and Rayyanah Barnawi (famed Saudi astronauts), Mishaal Fahad Al-Sudairy (the first Saudi pilot to circumnavigate the globe solo), and Frank Salzgeber, Vice President of the CSTC Space Division, who spoke about the intersection of space exploration and aviation innovation.

Paragliding and Family-Oriented Activities

Visitors were able to explore a wide variety of interactive exhibits and experiences, such as virtual paragliding and rocket-building workshops. Families and children were invited to enjoy the “Avitainment Zone,” which combines education and entertainment to inspire curiosity and passion for aviation. The static display area offered a unique opportunity for attendees to view advanced military and civilian aircraft up close, with contributions from the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, and other key organizations.

The 118th General Meeting of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), organized by the Saudi Aviation Club, further underscores the global significance of Sand and Fun 2024. This prestigious event brings together global aviation leaders to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the aviation sector as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.

Workshops and Children’s Activities

Sand and Fun 2024 is not only a platform for industry professionals but also a vibrant celebration for families and enthusiasts. Children can enjoy a dedicated area featuring aviation-themed workshops, flight simulators tailored for young visitors, and interactive exhibits. Attendees can also sample international cuisine at the event’s expansive food court.

The excitement will build throughout the week, culminating in a grand final concert, promising a spectacular conclusion to this extraordinary celebration of aviation.

A memorandum of understanding was signed at the event between the Saudi Aviation Club, represented by Dr. Ahmed bin Fahd Al-Fahid, and Red Sea Aviation, represented by Vice President Mazen Halwani, to provide exclusive ground services at the club’s airports.

For more details about the Sand and Fun 2024 Saudi Aviation Show and the 118th FAI General Meeting, please visit: www.sandnfun.com.

As the premier aviation event in the region, Sand and Fun 2024, organized by the Saudi Aviation Club at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh, has attracted widespread local, regional, and international participation from aviation enthusiasts, experts, and practitioners. The event includes workshops featuring dozens of speakers and experts, significantly contributing to the advancement of the aviation industry.

More than 100 exhibitors from around the world are participating, and attendance is expected to exceed 100,000 visitors. This year’s event is set to be the largest in its history, showcasing the latest advancements in general aviation, exciting aerial performances, and interactive exhibits.

Highlights include the “SkyVentures” aerial show featuring over 15 international teams renowned for their breathtaking aerobatic displays. Attendees can also witness exceptional performances by celebrated teams, including the Saudi Falcons and Poland’s Phoenix Paramotors Display Team.

The event will feature an array of engaging aerial displays and extraordinary skills that captivate audiences of all ages, with some exciting surprises awaiting attendees.

The static aircraft display offers visitors a chance to explore advanced military and civilian aircraft firsthand, with notable contributions from the Ministry of Defense, National Guard, and State Security.

Cutting-edge aviation technologies will be on display, ranging from 3D printing and flight simulators to drone demonstrations, remote-controlled aircraft, and laser shows.

The “Hangar Talks” will host industry leaders and aviation experts discussing critical innovations, including AI in aviation, urban air mobility, safety and security, and commercial aviation. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions shaping the future of the aviation industry and hear inspiring stories, such as the journey to the South Pole.

Families and aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the “Avitainment Zone,” a dedicated space combining education with entertainment. This interactive area features virtual reality experiences, rocket-building workshops, and an Iron Man-inspired flying suit, offering fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.

For younger visitors, the “Kids Zone” provides a variety of educational and entertaining activities, including aviation-themed workshops, interactive exhibits, and flight simulators designed specifically for children. A photo booth will also be available for families to capture their memories.

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