Watch: Emirati wingsuit flyer jumps off UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais

Ras Al Khaimah: Emirati Khalifa Alghafri, often referred to as the ‘Batman of the Emirates’, succeeded in jumping off the highest mountain in the UAE— Jebel Jais at Ras Al Khaimah, from 1,650 metres above sea level—at 9.30am on Sunday morning using a wingsuit.

Alghafri was accompanied by adventurers from Argentina, Romania, and South Africa.

Alghafri told Gulf News they reached the height at around 7am, but the weather was cloudy and foggy, so they waited until 9.30am to start their adventure.

His jump - and subsequent wingsuit flight followed by a parachute landing - to the ground only took 1.30 minutes.

Alghafri thanked his Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his support.

The Emirati wingsuit flyer has been able to challenge himself - and probably other professionals - in extreme sports with his daring attempts.

He has jumped off mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, launched off buildings in Europe and participated in several outdoor adventures.

Alghafri, who hails from the Al Ma’amourah area of Ras Al Khaimah, had previously jumped from mountain tops of varying heights in five countries, namely France, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, and Turkey, as well as mountains in the UAE.

Alghafri began practicing adventure sports in 2014 at the age of 27, focusing on specialised activities like base jumping and skydiving. These sports require intensive training, typically taking about a year to complete. Alghafri trained in Italy, mastering the techniques needed to jump, navigate potential dangers, and handle obstacles. Through extensive practice on high mountains and bridges in Italy, Norway, and Switzerland, he refined his skills in using a winged suit and safely landing with a parachute.

Fear vanished

Alghafri recounted his first base jumping experience, describing the initial fears and anxieties that vanished as he leapt into nature’s embrace. As one of the first Emiratis to take up batsuit jumping in 2014, he has completed an impressive 1,618 jumps.

“I cannot give up this sport despite its risks, as it made me look at the world in a positive way. It helped remove my worries and reduce psychological pressure. While practicing, I feel like a free bird in space, with no restrictions,” he said.

He currently has more than 1.2 million followers on his social media accounts.