Some of the world's top pilots are going to battle it out at next year's Al Ain Aerobatic Show (February 2-5, 2011). The Desert Challenge, officially sanctioned by the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI), will be the centerpiece for a show that is expected to attract 130,000 people.

Six top-ranked FAI fliers will compete in a series of classic and freestyle aerobatic duels. They will perform in aircraft including the CAP232, the Sukhoi 26 and the Xtreme.

"With the addition of the Desert Challenge to a greatly enhanced display line-up and on-ground festivities, we have gone a step further in generating truly global interest for this event and our heritage heartland of Al Ain," said Faisal Al Sheikh, events manager with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which organizes the Al Ain showpiece in conjunction with the UAE Armed Forces.