Sand n Fun. Al Thumamah Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The adventure to Saudi started way back in February 2025 when there was an urgent need for a display act in Qatar, Sebastian Golus contacted me. Unfortunately the short notice prohibited our involvement. However a relationship was formed which lead to a contract for Al Thumamah in November.

We travel by Saudia airlines to Riyadh on the 18th November. Staying at the Madareem hotel, a very nice place. The following morning we travel to Al Thumamah a journey of approx 50 mins. Unfortunately we were “tail ended” just as we all boarded the transport bus, this delayed us by an hour while damage and addresses exchanged.

Arriving on site approx 11am we start work immediatly removing the aircraft from the containers, all strapping was as tight as when it departed the UK some 6 weeks previously.

By dusk we have all 4 aircraft assembled and visually ready for certification inspection. It’s been a long day. As we always do inspections these happen the following day with fresh eyes. By lunch time 4 aircraft are on the line ready to fly.

Fuelled, ground runs done, cowls fitted and we are ready to fly. Late afternoon we get a slot for check flights. We take off as singles. 2 a/c to the south and 2 to the north for general Handeling and systems checks.

We join up as a 4 ship and practice the first 1/2 of the sequence twice. All goes well.

A couple of days practice prior to the show. Luckily we also get a rest day and take the opportunity to travel south west of Riyadh to jump on quad bike for a bit more fun in the desert.

The show opening is quite a spectacle, well coordinated and flowing. Fast jets, Jordanian Falcons, the day shows transitions to twilight and then night. The action keeps going.

The Global Stars are tasked with 2 flights a day. 4 ship formation day shows and then 4 ship twilight shows. In the twilight were Global Stars, Pioneers Italy, Igoris XA42 Lithuania, Once dark the Pheonix Paramotor team, the Grob 109 with Tim Dews UK, come into play along with the Catwalk team Sweden, Bush cats Poland and the Red bull B105. All a truly spectacular show.

After the flying came a quad drone and firework displays.

Overall an exceptionally well run event by the Saudi aviation club and Aeropact.