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Watch: Sukhoi 57, F-16 model jet perform high-speed loops, rolls in Dubai skies
During the two-day Model Aircraft Airshow Dubai, aviation enthusiasts watched miniature jets pull daring manoeuvres, proving size doesn’t limit power or precision
- PUBLISHED: Sun 1 Feb 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Sun 1 Feb 2026, 7:50 AM
The sky above Dubai came alive with the sound of jet engines — not from full-scale fighter aircraft, but from meticulously crafted model planes tearing through the air at astonishing speeds.
At the Model Aircraft Airshow Dubai (MAAD), aviation enthusiasts gathered to witness miniature jets perform daring manoeuvres, proving that when it comes to power, precision and spectacle, size is no limitation.
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Among the pilots was Michael Dressendoerfer, who has been flying model aircraft for the last 30 years. He was one of several experienced flyers taking part in the two-day event, held on Saturday and Sunday, which drew hundreds of residents and aviation enthusiasts eager to witness high-speed aerial displays up close.
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At the Sky Hub RC in Lisaili, he stood near the launch pad, hands firmly on the remote controller and eyes locked on the sky, as his miniature F-16 jet roared past at breathtaking speed.
The aircraft may look small from a distance, but it is anything but light or weak. The jet weighs 42kg, produces 420 newtons of power, and can reach speeds of up to 350km per hour. As it sliced through the air, pulling sharp turns and fast rolls, loud cheers echoed across the venue.
From classic aircraft designs to modern fighter jets, the show featured a wide range of model planes. Some were inspired by old war-era aircraft, while others were replicas of today’s advanced jets such as the Russian Sukhoi-57 and the F-22 Raptor.
One after another, planes took off, climbed high, then rushed down in controlled dives, loops and rolls.
Watch the video below to see these miniature aircraft perform sharp rolls and high-speed turns during the flying display:
For many spectators, it was their first time seeing model aircraft flown at such a high level.
“I did not expect them to be this fast,” said Ahmed Hassan, a Dubai resident who came with his two children. “When the jet passed close to the ground, everyone went silent. Then people started clapping. It actually feels like a real airshow.”
Maria Lopez, who is visiting Dubai from Spain, said she came to the event after seeing her friend’s post online. “I did not know that he was in Dubai too. When I saw his story on social media, I was surprised. We caught up and decided to cheer for his amazing skills,” she said.
“I thought these were just small toy planes, but the skill involved is unbelievable. You can see how focused the pilots are.”
The pace shifted from the sky to the ground when two high-powered cars entered the arena, instantly changing the mood. With two drivers behind the wheel, engines roared as the cars launched into drag races, tight turns and long burnouts, sending thick smoke into the air.
Watch the video as tyres screeched, cameras flashed, and cheers erupted from the crowd. The sudden surge of speed and roar of engines electrified the atmosphere, turning the flying field into a full-blown motorsport spectacle.
'Most satisfying moment'
Behind every jet that took to the sky were months of careful work. Engineers and builders said these aircraft were not made quickly or casually. Each part has to be measured, tested, and adjusted with precision as even a small mistake can affect how the plane flies.
“Building a jet like this can take anywhere between two months to more than a year, depending on the aircraft,” said Friedrich Huffman, an engineer who helped build one of the jets. “Everything has to be exact. Even a few millimetres can change how the plane behaves in the air.”
“We test it many times on the ground before it ever flies. When it finally takes off and performs well, that’s the most satisfying moment for us.”
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.