Red Arrows News

Red Arrows in UAE for Expo and 50th events

The Red Arrows will fly to the United Arab Emirates to represent the UK at Expo 2020 Dubai and celebrate the first week of the event with visitors.

At 1600hrs (4pm) on October 8, the Red Arrows will display at the Expo, to an international audience.

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.

This programme will include a display at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche at 1630hrs (4.30pm) 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 taking place at the UK Pavilion throughout the Expo itself.

Red Arrows displaying in the UAE
The Red Arrows' visit to the UAE will be the team's first since performance there since 2016.

Before the display, engineers and pilots will support an engagement session to showcase the mixture of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) 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. 

Wing Commander David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai presents a perfect opportunity for the Red Arrows to join the UK’s participation at the event and help showcase Global Britain – to thousands of people – through our dynamic aerial display.

“At the heart of a Red Arrows show is innovation and precision, which mirrors the inspirational theme of the stunning UK Pavilion at Expo.

“Furthermore, the Red Arrows’ visit to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and through our collaboration with counterparts there, demonstrates the close ties we continue to enjoy with the UAE as important partners of the UK.”

Red Arrows over Dubai in 2013
The Red Arrows over Dubai in 2013.

Team Leader and Red 1, Squadron Leader Tom Bould, said: “Through our trademark combination of precision formations and exciting, agile flying, the Red Arrows’ displays in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be a wonderful, colourful chance for the team to help mark the UAE’s 50th anniversary celebrations and look forward to the next 50.

“Our new show features all the energy, excitement and excellence that I know audiences in the UAE will expect and enjoy.

“We are eager to display for tens of thousands of people in the UAE and, through our associated ground engagement events and STEM-focussed sessions, also get to meet countless individuals.”

Laura Faulkner OBE, UK Commissioner for Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “It’s amazing to be able to welcome the Red Arrows to Expo 2020 Dubai. 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.”

Before the Expo display on October 8, Red Arrows air and ground crews will also be carrying out other engagements, including schools visits, during their stay in the UAE – the first time the team has performed in the country since 2016.

Members of the Red Arrows' ground crew will carry out STEM sessions in the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi display, further celebrating the strong relationship between the UK and UAE, on October 5, will be on the Corniche, close to the Sofitel hotel.

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the largest event ever held in the Arab world, Expo 2020 Dubai will run for six months from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 – bringing 190-plus countries together in a spirit of hope, optimism and shared purpose.

Further details of the rest of the UK programme will be announced throughout the year as the event grows closer.

For more information and to take a virtual tour of the UK Pavilion visit: https://www.great.gov.uk/expo2020   

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