Saudi Hawks performance stuns audiences at RIAT 2023 in UK

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Saudi Hawks aerobatic team performed at the opening ceremony of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 exhibition. (Twitter/modgovksa)
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Saudi Hawks aerobatic team performed at the opening ceremony of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 exhibition. (Twitter/modgovksa)
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Saudi Hawks aerobatic team performed at the opening ceremony of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 exhibition. (Twitter/modgovksa)
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Saudi Hawks aerobatic team performed at the opening ceremony of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 exhibition. (Twitter/modgovksa)
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Updated 15 July 2023
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Saudi Hawks performance stuns audiences at RIAT 2023 in UK

  • The global tattoo is the largest military air show in the world
  • More than 250 aircraft from 58 countries is participating in the exhibition

LONDON: The Saudi Hawks aerobatic team representing the Royal Saudi Air Force on Friday performed a stunning aerial display at the opening ceremony of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 exhibition.
The display was widely welcomed and enjoyed by crowds at the event, which is being hosted at the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire and also saw the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children in attendance.

The global tattoo is the largest military air show in the world and runs from Friday to Sunday, with the participation of more than 250 aircraft from 58 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was well attended, with a wide range of aircraft on display, from the large B-52 bomber to impressive airshows by fighter jets, bombers, helicopters and transport airplanes.
The theme of this year’s exhibition is “Skytanker23,” which focuses on the vital role of air-to-air refueling in modern military aviation and the Royal Saudi Air Force participated by bringing one of its A330 MRTT tankers.
The exhibition aims to present a historical journey through the great developments of air refueling technology, from its early beginnings in 1923 until now.

 


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.