RIYADH: The Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation was among the top organizations at an aviation show that captivated the Kingdom’s capital with stunning aerobatic displays and an impressive lineup of aircraft.

Sand and Fun 2024, which concluded on Saturday at Thumamah Airport, showcased the Kingdom’s wide-ranging aviation sector.

The federation presented a collection of colorful hot air balloons to demonstrate the experience to adults and younger generations as part of the efforts to raise awareness about hot air ballooning and to inspire a new generation of pilots.

Among the pilots was Afrah Al-Harbi, the first female Saudi hot air balloon pilot to graduate from the federation.  

Al-Harbi is on a mission to cultivate a community of female pilots, encouraging women to explore the exhilarating world of hot air ballooning. Her story is an inspiring testament to the opportunities available to women in aviation and the importance of representation in this field.

“At the beginning, I was studying at the university, but the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation launched a training program to train balloon pilots,” she told Arab News. “Thank God, I registered, and I was accepted. After that, I started my studies to become a balloon captain. The federation covered the entire mission, which is considered a grant from the federation. I obtained the European EASA license, and then I also obtained the Saudi license from the General Authority of Civil Aviation.”

The federation offers structured programs to equip aspiring pilots with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.  

Hot air balloons first appeared in the Kingdom in AlUla as part of the Winter at Tantora Festival in 2018. This event not only showcased the beauty of ballooning, but also laid the groundwork for the establishment of the federation.

The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide. We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi, Saudi hot air balloon pilot

The organization plays a crucial role in promoting balloon culture and raising awareness of the sport.

“We want to show people that hot air ballooning is not only fun, but also safe,” Al-Harbi said, emphasizing the importance of public perception in the growth of the sport.

Her career has included a visit to the Netherlands, where she underwent extensive training.

“My studies in the Netherlands were quite lengthy, but it was an incredibly enriching experience,” she said. “The training included both theoretical subjects and practical sessions to help us obtain our licenses.”

The rigorous training not only prepared Al-Harbi for the technical aspects of flying, but also instilled a deep appreciation of the art of ballooning.

Abdulrahman Al-Wahaibi also spoke about his journey in the world of hot air ballooning, which began was he was a student in Australia.

“I looked at a balloon for the first time in my life and was fascinated by its shape,” he told Arab News. “I had to try the experience, so I did, as a passenger. The experience was beautiful, and I thought we needed this in Saudi Arabia. At that time, Saudi Arabia did not have hot air balloons.”

Al-Wahaibi dedicated himself to bringing the ballooning experience back to Saudi Arabia, sharing it with family, friends, and the community.

This included studying aerospace engineering and breaking records in Australia for the fastest training period. He expressed pride in being part of the first Arab country to take part in international hot air balloon competitions, highlighting the significant strides made by the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation.

“The hot air balloon sport is known and famous worldwide,” Al-Wahaibi said. “We need a type of it that people can take part in within the Kingdom, especially for global competitions.”

His vision aligns with the federation’s mission to broaden participation and elevate the sport on an international level.

Based in AlUla, the Saudi Hot Air Balloon Federation plans festivals designed to integrate the natural environment and the grandeur of the historic landmarks of ancient civilizations such as Hegra.

The five-day event at Thumamah Airport gave visitors the opportunity to meet pilots, learn about the intricacies of ballooning, and even experience the thrill of a balloon ride.

With inspiring pilots such as Al-Harbi and Al-Wahaibi at the helm, the outlook for hot air ballooning in the years to come looks as bright as the skies adorned with colorful balloons.