The United Arab Emirates will witness a spectacular aerial display on Saturday, January 17th, as the nation commemorates its annual Day of Solidarity. In a coordinated effort between the UAE Armed Forces and the renowned Emirates Knights Air Show team, fighter jets and helicopters will traverse all seven emirates in a powerful demonstration of national unity.
The aerial procession will commence from Abu Dhabi’s Flag Pole area at Sariat Al Alam, with helicopter formations beginning at 4:30 PM followed by fighter jets at 4:35 PM. The display will then progress through Dubai’s JBR Beach (helicopters: 4:43 PM, jets: 5:20 PM), Sharjah’s Al Buhaira Corniche (helicopters: 4:44 PM, jets: 5:30 PM), and Ajman Beach (helicopters: 4:45 PM, jets: 5:34 PM).
The aerial tribute continues to Umm Al Quwain’s Flag Pole area (helicopters: 4:46 PM, jets: 5:42 PM), Ras Al Khaimah’s Corniche Al Qawasim (helicopters: 4:51 PM, jets: 6:00 PM), concluding at Fujairah’s Umbrella Beach (helicopters: 5:04 PM, jets: 4:39 PM).
This commemorative event honors the memory of the January 17, 2022, Houthi rebel attacks that targeted civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, resulting in three fatalities and six injuries. The attack struck the Musaffah ICAD 3 area and a construction site at Abu Dhabi International Airport, causing explosions in petroleum tankers.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Crown Prince of Dubai, has called upon citizens and residents to observe a moment of national reflection by tuning in to the national anthem at 11:00 AM on January 17th. The aerial parade serves as both a remembrance of past sacrifices and a testament to the nation’s resilience and solidarity.