Standing atop the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Lieutenant Al Shehhi Ahmed, dressed in his traditional Emirati kandura, felt immense pride. For the 36-year-old pilot, this wasn’t merely a base jump from 500 meters—it was a moment to represent the UAE from the pinnacle of the tallest building in the world.
Lt Al Shehhi is a base jumper, skydiver, and officer at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). He was one of 31 elite athletes from over 15 countries chosen for Exit139, a thrilling two-day base jumping event.
Watch the video below:
A Proud Emirati Moment
While Lt Al Shehhi had previously skydived in a kandura, this jump held special significance.
“Jumping from the world’s tallest building in our national dress was a proud moment, not just for me but for every Emirati,” he stated. “People called to say, ‘You represented us. You are our ambassador.’”
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Lt Al Shehhi also completed another jump wearing his GDRFA uniform. “Representing my organization at such a historic event made me even prouder,” he shared.
With support from his superiors, who encouraged his participation, he achieved 14 base jumps in two days during Exit139.
Passion for Base Jumping
Al Shehhi’s journey into extreme sports began in 2011 with skydiving. A year later, he joined the UAE national skydiving team, competing both nationally and internationally.
“Jumping from Burj Khalifa was a first for me,” he said. “I started base jumping in 2020 in Idaho, USA, and later in Switzerland. But jumping from the Burj Khalifa was a dream come true.”
Historic Jump
A specially designed ramp was installed to ensure a safe descent, providing a clear flight path from the Burj Khalifa. “The safety measures were top-notch, with expert trainers, security personnel, and weather monitors ensuring perfect conditions,” he explained.
“The first day had strong winds, but the second day was calmer, ideal for jumping. When the instructor said, ‘Ahmed, you can jump,’ I felt goosebumps. I just jumped, experiencing the best moment of my life.”
During freefall, Lt Al Shehhi followed a planned flight path. “In the video, you’ll see me move away from the building while my fellow jumper filmed closer. It’s a safety measure to ensure enough space for parachute deployment,” he noted.
The entire descent lasted less than a minute, with 10 seconds of freefall followed by about 45 seconds of controlled landing.
Unmatched View of Dubai
With over 9,000 skydives and 160 base jumps, Lt Al Shehhi described the experience as unparalleled.
“Seeing Dubai from mid-air is a unique sensation. It’s unlike a plane or helicopter ride. You feel the wind and an immense sense of pride.”
Sheikh Hamdan also made the jump on the same day—watch his leap below:
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