Launching the “Emirates Flag Balloon” as part of the “Proud of the Emirates” initiative

The Emirates Balloon Team launched the “Emirates Flag Balloon” internationally in conjunction with the “Proud of the Emirates” initiative, which reflects the depth of national belonging among the people of the country.

The head of the Emirates Hot Air Balloon, Captain Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansouri, said that the launch embodies the Emirates National Hot Air Balloon Team’s long journey in raising the country’s flag high in the skies of the Emirates and the world, stressing that the team is moving forward with its artistic and technical preparations in a high patriotic spirit and firm loyalty to the wise leadership.

The idea of ​​the hot air balloon is the result of a young man’s determination, as Al Mansouri launched his first flight under the slogan “The world will not forget you, Zayed,” in memory of the late founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul,” to set off from London and tour the seven emirates before turning into an integrated national and international project.

Over the course of more than two continuous decades, the team achieved a number of achievements that demonstrated the UAE’s presence in this prestigious air field, most notably the manufacturing of the unique “Emirates Flag Balloon” to be the first in Asia, Africa and Europe, thus making the UAE the third country in the world after the United States and Canada in this field.

The team also launched the “Peace Path Balloon” on a tour that included about 150 countries, in addition to another historic achievement, which was the launch of the “Arab League Balloon” in coordination with its General Secretariat in a first of its kind since the founding of the League. The team also participated in humanitarian initiatives in cooperation with UNICEF to spread awareness of children’s issues at the global level.

On the local level, Emirates Balloon continues to organize the Emirates International Balloon Cup and Festival annually, which in its 16th edition has reached a distinguished international level as it attracts international teams from various countries of the world.