The Dubai Balloon Festival has received an overwhelming registration of 75 pilots from across the globe. This marks the highest number of pilot registrations for any first time ballooning event of its kind in the world.

Set to be the largest balloon festival outside the US, the Dubai Balloon Festival will showcase balloons from all over the world with internationally renowned pilots set to enthral the crowds at the 10-day event.

Dubai Balloon Festival’s operational team recently undertook a test flight of a balloon at the Global Village to ensure safety standards and review other technical aspects.

Commenting on this significant response, Mohammad Khammas, CEO of the Dubai Balloon Festival said: "We are delighted with the tremendous interest received from international pilots who are keen to participate in the region’s premier ballooning event. Dubai’s growing importance as a hub of tourism and leisure is attracting a number of award-winning and internationally acclaimed pilots. I believe that this is a great boost to what is set to become an important annual landmark of Dubai’s entertainment industry in the years to come."

The Dubai Balloon Festival is also set to break new ground with women pilots who will be taking to the skies. As a member of the German national ballooning team, Astrid Gerhardt won the solo world record for 4962 meters in 1996 and in 2001 was honoured with gold medals at the German Championships and the World Air Games in Seville and in Albuquerque.

Another woman pilot is Ruth Wilson from Australia, who made history in 1989 with the first night skydive from her balloon recorded in the FAI International Register of notable first flights. Other award-winning pilots will also be taking to the skies. Representing New Mexico is Blair Kaufman, who won the award for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Pole Grab winner in 1998.

For Gael Cardon from Belgium, ballooning has always been a part of his life, having logged over 900 hours in a balloon in several continents. Putting charity at the heart of his work, Ken Scott is a pilot for the Cancer Research UK balloon and frequently travels around the UK and the rest of the world to raise awareness of the disease and the work done by the charity.

Three-times Swiss Champion in hot hair ballooning, Kurt Frieden, has recorded 2660 km in a gas balloon flying all across the world. The Dubai Balloon Festival will be held at the Global Village from December 20-30 2006 and is set to mark the launch of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

About the Dubai Balloon Festival The DBF-hosted event will be held at the Global Village over two weekends. The public will be treated to the wonderful sight of gigantic balloons soaring into the blue skies. In addition, the audience will be entertained by concerts, acrobats, games and entertainment for families and youngsters, photo contests, music, food and beverage outlets, and other delightful events. Slated to become an annual event for the future years to come, the DBF will embody an international flavour, with balloons from all across the world. Initiated by the joint venture of the Al Ahli Group and ETA-ASCON Star; the Dubai Balloon Festival is an initiative of Star Events.