When it comes to extreme sports, few feats compare to the electrifying thrill of base jumping. But what if that jump takes place from the world’s tallest building? UAE officer and seasoned skydiver, Lieutenant Al Shehhi Ahmed, made headlines by leaping from the Burj Khalifa—not just pushing the limits of human courage, but also making history by doing so in a traditional Emirati kandura. This iconic moment wasn’t just about an adrenaline rush; it was about representing his country at the highest level—literally.

• A Proud Moment for the UAE
• The Journey to Becoming a Base Jumper
• Inside the Historic Jump: Preparation and Execution
• Experiencing Dubai from the Sky
• Final Thoughts

A Proud Moment for the UAE

For Lt Al Shehhi, this jump was more than just a personal milestone; it was a moment of national pride. Draped in his kandura, he stood on the ramp, knowing he was not just representing himself but the entire UAE. His achievement resonated deeply with fellow Emiratis, with many calling to express admiration and gratitude.

“Jumping from the world’s tallest building in our national dress was a moment of pride, not just for me, but for every Emirati,” Lt Al Shehhi shared.

Going beyond personal triumph, he also performed another jump donning his official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) uniform, elevating the prestige of the UAE’s public service sector.

The Journey to Becoming a Base Jumper

Extreme sports have always been part of Lt Al Shehhi’s life. His journey started in 2011 when he took up skydiving, quickly establishing himself as a talented aerial sportsman. By 2012, he had earned a place on the UAE National Skydiving Team, competing in various international events.

However, his passion for going beyond the ordinary led him to base jumping in 2020. After learning the ropes in Idaho, USA, and improving his skills in Switzerland, he was finally ready for a dream come true—the Burj Khalifa jump.

“Jumping from the Burj Khalifa was a dream. I still can’t believe that I did it,” he said.

Inside the Historic Jump: Preparation and Execution

Executing a base jump from the Burj Khalifa required meticulous planning, safety precautions, and expert coordination. A specially designed ramp extended several meters from the building to ensure a clean takeoff away from the structure.

The first scheduled jump had to be delayed due to strong winds. However, on the second day, nature played along, creating the perfect conditions. As Lt Al Shehhi stepped onto the edge, his instructor gave the signal: “Ahmed, you can jump.”

“That moment gave me goosebumps. I didn’t see anything—I just jumped. It was the best moment of my life.”

During freefall, he followed a precise flight path, ensuring safety while his fellow jumper filmed the descent. The total experience lasted under a minute, featuring:

• 10 seconds of exhilarating freefall
• 45 seconds of controlled parachute landing

Everything was flawlessly executed, thanks to the world-class safety team monitoring every aspect—from wind speed to aerial navigation.

Experiencing Dubai from the Sky

With over 9,000 skydives and 160 base jumps under his belt, Lt Al Shehhi has seen many breathtaking views. Yet, nothing compares to Dubai from mid-air. Unlike a plane or helicopter ride, base jumping offers an unfiltered, gravity-defying perspective of the city’s skyline.

“Feeling the wind rush through your body while hovering above Dubai—there’s nothing like it. It fills you with pride and excitement at the same time.”

In a city renowned for engineering marvels and record-breaking feats, this jump added yet another layer to Dubai’s reputation as the home of the extraordinary.

Final Thoughts

Lt Al Shehhi Ahmed’s jump from Burj Khalifa in a traditional kandura was more than just an extreme sport stunt—it was a symbolic gesture of national pride, commitment, and pushing boundaries. His journey from an aspiring skydiver to a world-class base jumper stands as an inspiration for thrill-seekers and dreamers alike.

By combining tradition with adventure, this incredible feat proves that the UAE is not just a hub for innovation and progress but also a place where people dare to dream big—literally.