The UAE’s premier aerobatic team, Al Fursan (the Knights), will amaze Abu Dhabi crowds with its breathtaking displays and gravity defying manoeuvres this week, as part of the emirate’s historic hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet.

Flying with seven black and gold Aeromacchi aircraft, representing the desert's golden sands and the black oil that lies beneath it, Al Fursan will take to the skies at 4pm today (January 1) and tomorrow.

With a 22-strong repertoire of awe-inspiring aerial displays, including the Palm and the Heart, where the team uses smoke to draw the symbols in the sky, the seven pilots – representing the country’s seven emirates – have promised a show fitting of the occasion.

The displays are just one of a host of amazing attractions being staged by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and stakeholders as part of the fortnight-long hosting of Volvo Ocean Race fleet, its world-class sailing crews and the 100,000 expected fans at the free-to-attend Destination Village on the capital’s stunning Corniche Breakwater.

The village - the size of eight football pitches - will be the focal point for a wealth of on and off water activities, entertainment, concerts, rides, sailing schools, games and competitions, as well as compelling Volvo Ocean Race action.

It will be open daily from 11am until 11pm with extended hours on weekends until the race fleet leaves on leg three to Sanya, China on  January 14.-TradeArabia News Service