Skydiving in Dubai

Jumping from a plane is not something everyone would dream of but if you are an explorer with adventure soul, then this may be one of the exhilarating experiences of your life. If that is you, skydiving in Dubai’s Palm island should be in your bucket list.

How it started

• When I visited my family in Dubai, I knew I had to check something off my bucket list: skydiving. I was at a point in my life where I craved an experience that would awaken my energy and remind me to fully embrace the present.
• Sometimes, we need to ensure that life doesn’t slip away, and one of the best ways to do that is by engaging in experiences that ground us in the moment. The thought of skydiving was initially daunting, but I was determined to face that fear head-on.
• I traveled during Ramadan in May 2018, which allowed me to snag a discount on my jump. However, I was a bit anxious about the weather; Dubai can be cloudy, and I really wanted to catch a glimpse of the stunning turquoise waters and the iconic Palm Islands from above.
• I booked an 11 AM slot and was instructed to arrive at the Skydive Dubai office in Dubai Marina an hour or two early. The anticipation built as I made my way there, excited for the adventure that awaited me!

Preparation

• I was staying in the heart of Dubai, and the Dubai Marina was just a half-hour drive away. My family generously dropped me off, but I would highly recommend taking a taxi over public transport to save time and avoid any hassle.
• Upon arriving at the Skydive Dubai office, I checked in and waited for my name to be called. Although it was a hot month, I knew it could get surprisingly chilly at altitude. A quick reminder: flip-flops and jewelry weren’t allowed, so I made sure to dress appropriately.
• When my name was finally called, I received a brief but crucial rundown of the safety procedures and the positions I needed to assume. Since I was doing a tandem skydive, most of the work would be handled by my instructor, yet I struggled to fully absorb all the safety details amidst the rising excitement.
• As the moment approached, I felt my heart racing. The only instruction that stuck with me was to assume the “banana boat” position as soon as I felt a tap on my shoulder. The briefing lasted about ten minutes, and soon enough, we were led to a small van that would take us to the plane. It was a quirky little aircraft, one from which we wouldn’t be landing back—definitely added to the thrill!

How it went

• Once we boarded the small plane, which held just three others alongside me, the reality of the experience hit hard. Each jumper was paired with a wingsuit photographer, equipped with a GoPro to capture our exhilarating moments. Inside the plane, the noise was intense, and it felt a bit surreal to be harnessed to my instructor just before the jump.
• As the third person in line, the scariest part for me was watching someone else leap into the open sky, vanishing into a tiny dot. Then, it was finally my turn—the moment I had longed for. My rational mind went quiet, and a whirlwind of emotions surged within me.
• I instinctively lifted my legs in preparation to jump, but my instructor reminded me to keep my feet down. I followed his cue, and then he began the countdown: “1, 2, 3!” And just like that, the three of us leapt into the void. The wingsuit photographer—a woman—was there, capturing every thrilling moment, and to this day, I find that absolutely fascinating.
• The first 30 seconds were a whirlwind of pressure; my facial muscles felt like they were flying through the air during the 60 seconds of freefall from 13,000 feet. When I felt the tap on my shoulder, I switched to the “banana boat” position and suddenly had a clear view of the magnificent Palm Islands stretching out before me. It’s incredible how there are moments in life when your thoughts simply pause, and you become fully present—I experienced that, and it was nothing short of magical.
• As we reached a certain altitude, the parachute deployed, creating a surprising upward jerk as we ascended another 1,000 feet. It was an odd sensation to feel myself lifting again. Once the parachute fully opened, a profound peace enveloped me. The only sound was the gentle rush of the wind.
• My instructor allowed me to soak in the moment, and I was utterly in awe of the breathtaking scenery around me. I wish everyone could experience this kind of adventure at least once in their life