UAE’s hot air balloon festival named after Saudi Arabia’s King Salman

Balloon Adventures Emirates has announced that the 13th edition of the Emirates International Hot Air Balloons Festival will be changed to the King Salman International Hot Air Balloons Festival. (File photo / WAM)
Updated 13 October 2018
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UAE’s hot air balloon festival named after Saudi Arabia’s King Salman

JEDDAH: The name of the forthcoming edition of the Emirates International Hot Air Balloons Festival will be changed to the King Salman International Hot Air Balloons Festival, Balloon Adventures Emirates has announced. The festival’s 13th edition will take place during November and December.
More than 100 team members from 15 Arab and foreign countries will take part in the festival, which has been an annual event since 2006.
The head of Balloon Adventures Emirates, Capt. Abdul Aziz Nasser Al-Mansouri, highlighted the Emirati and Arab youths’ pride in naming the next edition of the festival after King Salman.
“This festival is the first of its kind in the region. It is held in all the emirates of the UAE and is witnessing large international participation and media coverage.”
Capt. Hassan Nasser Al-Mansouri, secretary-general of Balloon Adventures Emirates, stressed the UAE’s keenness to host the major international tournaments and activities in all fields and at all times, such as the King Salman International Hot Air Balloons Festival.
“This year’s festival will see the launching of the Balloon of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques and ‘The world will not forget you Zayed’ Balloon, which honors the late founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan.
“It will also include balloons dedicated to President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, his vice president and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Sharjah’s ruler Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, and a number of balloons dedicated to international figures,” he added.


King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors

The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. (SPA)
Updated 27 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors

  • Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is drawing record numbers of international tourists, solidifying its reputation as a premier cultural and heritage event in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. According to its organizers, more than 3,000 people from over 50 countries have already visited.

The festival combines a rich array of cultural and entertainment programs that introduce visitors to the world of camels, from their various breeds to their significance in Saudi heritage.

Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom.

Many visitors have expressed admiration for the quality of the festival’s organization and the hospitality they received, with some describing it as a “living museum,” the report said.