Freefalling from a small aircraft 4,000 metres above the Palm Jumeirah is definitely and by far the craziest and most adrenalin-fuelled experience I’ve ever had. While some people say they’ll never skydive, I willingly headed to SkiDive Dubai to get strapped and ready to jump over the Arabian Gulf in tandem with a stranger.
And as many have said before me, it is indeed a life-changing experience. The scariest part to me was reaching the appropriate altitude on a tiny aircraft, a Pilatus Porter, along with a pilot and seven other jumpers. The momentum was building up during the ride and I realised there was no turning back. After we took off from the drop zone located between the Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Residence, we flew higher and higher, never getting too far from the zone but reaching a height where the sea, the Dubai Marina, the world and the Burj Khalifa turned into miniature landmarks.
At 4,000 metres, the aeroplane door was opened and my instructor and I were ready to jump out. We then freefell for just under a minute and flew with the main parachute open for about five minutes, enjoying the view and doing twists and turns along the way.
During the ride, something incredible happened. The pilot built up air and created a state of zero gravity, when we all felt weightless and started floating around the aircraft like astronauts. It was the strangest feeling.
At first glance, the UAE may not be synonymous with extreme sports but there is, in fact, a lot to do for those who like to get an adrenalin rush and their heart rate pumping fast. From skydiving, jetpack flying and motocrossing to rock climbing, kite surfing and diving with sharks, living on the edge is clearly possible around here. Explore tried some of these adrenalin kicks and came back alive to bring you a round-up.
