FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA)

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Meetings

The next FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) Plenary Meeting as well as Sub-Commissions and Working Group Meeting will take place in Hotel Cloud 7 Residence Alula, Saudi Arabia, from February 4 to February 7, 2026.

To register please use following link:

Provisional meeting schedule:

  • 04th February    Sub-Committees and Working Groups Meetings
  • 05th February    Sub-Committees and Working Groups Meetings,
  • 06th February    Full day Plenary Meeting and Gala Dinner
  • 07th February    Full day Plenary Meeting

Accommodation details:

Each FAI member country is entitled to one complimentary room for its Delegate or Alternate Delegate. This offer, made possible through the generous support of the Saudi Arabian Hot Air Ballooning Federation, covers accommodation, food and activities as per official programme for one delegate per country; travel costs are borne by FAI members. Chairs of CIA Subcommittees and Working Groups, not already allocated a room as delegate or alternate above, are also entitled to one complimentary room. Additional complementary rooms may be allocated (subject to availability) to all other participants (prioritized for SC & WG members, then other observers), FAI will confirm availability after the registration deadline, no later than 15 December. Although the number of complimentary rooms is limited, we are confident that there will be enough rooms to accommodate the usual number of participants at the plenary.
Registrations for this offer must be received by 10 December. Please use the same link you used to register for the event.

VISA Information

Option 1 – eVisa (Immediate Approval):
International visitors from 66 eligible countries can apply online for a Saudi Arabia tourist visa through a fast and easy-to-use portal. The eVisa is processed immediately. The list of eligible countries is available on the official website:  

Option 2 – Consulate Visa (3–4 weeks processing time):
Attendees who are not eligible for the eVisa can apply through the Saudi consulate. To begin the process, please contact info@saudiballooning.sa and include the following:

  • Email subject: Saudi Visa – Plenary 2026 – Your Federation name
  • A copy of your valid passport photo page (PDF or JPG format)
  • A recent profile photo (200x200 JPG format)

 

Practical Information

  • Decorum: Respectful, polite and punctual;
  • Language: main language is Arabic (however many locals speak English);
  • Climate: 23°C / 73°F daytime and 4°C / 39°F nighttime;
  • Dress code: Respectful loose-fitting clothing. Business casual attire throughout meetings and formal attire for gala dinner.

Contact on organisers

Event President: Hussain Mohammed Makkawi Ashri, h.makkawi@saudiballooning.sa, +966-507803990;

Deputy Event President: Abdulaziz Ghasan I. Al-Mannaa, a.mannaa@saudiballooning.sa, +966-540527777