Prince Sultan bin Salman Inaugurates the Saudi Aviation Show on Behalf of the Prince of Riyadh

Ahmed Bin Abdulqader

On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Riyadh, and 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, today officially inaugurated the Saudi Aviation Show, Sand and Fun 2024, at Thumamah Airport in Riyadh. 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’s hosting of the 118th General Conference 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. 

During the day 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. 

First Day Activities 

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 Al–Qarni 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. 

Week’s Activities 

Visitors can explore a wide variety of interactive exhibits and experiences, such as virtual paragliding and rocket-building workshops. Families and children are 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. 

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 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 showcased, ranging from 3D printing and flight simulators to drone demonstrations, remote-controlled aircraft, and laser shows. 

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

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