Alula Skies Festival trains first Saudi pilots

Each year, 150 hot air balloons offer visitors a spectacular travel experience in the skies over AlUla, from where they enjoy views of the desert and the UNESCO World Heritage volcanic plains. But the event takes on a special flavor for Saudi Arabia, as it officially becomes a trainer of its own pilots, and proudly presents its recruits.

Ballooning expertise in Arabia

In partnership with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the Saudi SAHAB program trains pilots and issues certified flight licenses. A first in the Middle East! This year’s AlUla Skies event honors the balloons of the country’s first two qualified pilots: Hussain Makkawi and Afrah Al-Harbi, a man and a woman.

The SAHAB training is developed in two phases: theoretical and practical. The theoretical part includes information on weather conditions, possible reactions of the human body during flight, balloon materials, navigation, and emergency procedures. The practical part includes the preparation and planning of the flight and the phases of balloon deployment from take-off to landing.

 

AlUla opens the sky to Saudi pilots

AlUla offers its pilots the opportunity to inaugurate their talent and the destination will certainly remain in their memories for a long time, but also in those of its visitors. Later on, the Saudi license will allow them to participate in other international events, in order to accumulate flight hours and operate larger and larger balloons.

We can say that AlUla, holder of the world record for the longest line of illuminated balloons “dancing” to music during its Glow Show, has distinguished itself as much for its landscapes as for its innovative side!