UAE Armed Forces pull off massive military spectacle in Al Ain (Video)

The National -- Dozens of fighter jets and helicopters soared across the Al Ain sky as part of one of the largest military spectacles demonstrated by the UAE Armed Forces.

Thousands of spectators flooded to Al Ain International Airport on Saturday to watch one of the largest parades of military strength in the UAE.

The third Union Fortress comprised almost an hour of over-stimulation to the senses as explosions sounded, guns fired, flares plumed and cars burnt.

Visitors were treated to a level of action ordinarily reserved for films. Ground, marine and air force units, as well as members of the Presidential Guard, carried out several missions to show how they would manage and overcome an emergency situation.

Special forces and ground combat troops took part in a military parade as surveillance aircraft and helicopters circled above.

Explosions went off on the ground as the Armed Forces executed a scenario whereby they had to protect a senior official. Dozens of vehicles and helicopters encircled the car as it sped from one end of the airport to another, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake.

The grand military display was performed to a background of patriotic music as pictures of the UAE's Rulers and leaders were projected onto large screens dotted around for the audience to see.

Meanwhile, volunteers from Emirates Red Crescent wove through the crowds distributing bottles of water to those who braved the seemingly uncharacteristic warm temperatures to watch the show.