Rains and wind blow hard over UAE galas

The overcast heavens finally opened the taps in Dubai on Wednesday evening as showers, light and fast, wiped clean the dusty facades of the past few days.

As night approached, the rains became irregular.

The conditions have forced organisers of several top-notch events in the Emirates this week to bow to the high winds and dust storms that have raged across the country all week.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) predicting sand storms across the UAE today, the opening of the nannual Al Ain Aerobatic Show has been postponed to Friday, although predictions of fine weather over the next couple of days has organisers optimistic the rest of the weekend's schedule will not be affected.

"Due to the adverse weather conditions being experienced across the UAE, the organisers of the 2011 Al Ain Aerobatic Show have postponed the opening of the show on Wednesday February 2. With the weather expected to improve over the coming days, the show will go ahead as planned between Friday and Saturday, February 4 and 5 (12.00-18.00). This decision has been taken by the show organisers Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the UAE Armed Forces for the well-being of participants and visitors, said a statement.

Tickets purchased for Wednesday and Thursday will be valid for entry to the show on either February 4 or 5 instead.

This year's Al Ain Aerobatic Show is set to be the biggest and best yet, with more than 15 aerobatic and display teams from three continents taking part, complemented by a wide range of on-the-ground family activities.

"This decision was taken in the light of safety requirements for participants and visitors,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

Meanwhile, an opening event for Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the two-week-long gastronomic extravaganza, will be moved indoors at its Fairmont Bab Al Bahr venue, an ADTA official told Emirates24|7 by email.

Hotel insiders says the ballroom on the property is being reconfigured to accommodate the hundreds of paying customers expected at the event. A spokesperson for the hotel said the logisitical challenges of moving over a dozen live cooking stations indoors had been met and the event was expected to proceed smoothly.

Watch this space for more events news. 

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