Fatimah Ashraf Khan/Flickr
Red Arrows flying over Doha in 2013
The world-famous Red Arrows will perform in Qatar in September as part of a Middle East tour, the British Ministry of Defence has announced.
Their visit comes amid efforts to strengthen the UK’s ties with nations across the Gulf.
The pilots last wowed crowds in Qatar with daring maneuvers and red, white and blue plumes of smoke in 2013.
Teilhard Scott
The Red Arrows fly over Doha in 2013
Crowds gathered along the Corniche and at office windows in West Bay to witness the free show, which was followed by a demonstration of BAE’s Typhoon.
At that time, the UK had been trying to sell the fighter jets to Qatar’s government.
‘Open for business’
In addition to Qatar, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows will perform in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan.
DefSec announces @rafredarrows visit to Gulf as a visible demonstration of UK engagement across the globe. Read more http://ow.ly/4E2c30eHNkt
In a statement, Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the display will help show the UK is “open for business” around the world.
He added:
“This historic Red Arrows tour will be a visible demonstration of UK engagement across the globe, flying the flag to promote Britain in important capitals through the GREAT campaign.”
