Belgian skydiver Magali Folkner Braff’s leap from a swing suspended from an airship high above Dubai wasn’t just a daring act. It was a tribute to a 15-year personal and professional journey with a city she describes as “extraordinary” and unique.
“Fifteen years ago, I witnessed the first skydiving event in Dubai,” Braff told Khaleej Times via video call from Belgium. “Being invited for the 15th-anniversary stunt was deeply moving. Initially, I couldn’t believe it, considering the many accomplished women in the sport. I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity.”
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Braff, 15 years ago
As a record-holding skydiver with over 15 years in the industry and CEO of an indoor skydiving facility in Belgium, alongside her husband, Braff’s latest feat was highlighted by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The video showed Braff in a stunning red dress, perched on a swing 1,000 feet above Dubai, honoring Skydive Dubai’s 15th anniversary. The unique stunt, performed from a powered airship, took her past Dubai’s iconic landmarks.
“I saw sights unseen before,” she marveled. “Alone on that swing, I felt like every little girl’s dream of swinging in the sky came true. It was like living in a postcard.”
Magical moment
Braff described the shoot as a technical, physical, and emotional challenge spread over several days at sunrise. “It required mental readiness and physical endurance, as standing on the swing demands significant muscle use. My arms and legs would tire, but focus took over, making me forget the fatigue,” she explained.
The most magical moment was the first day. “Flying between the sea and Dubai’s skyline, witnessing the sunrise between buildings was surreal. Landing next to the Burj Al Arab was an emotional relief and joy,” she recounted.
The red dress
Braff created the striking red dress herself, carefully selecting the fabric. “I considered working with a designer, but they might not understand skydiving needs, so I designed it. I collaborated with Skydive Dubai to finalize the red color,” she shared.
She thoughtfully designed the dress to respect local culture, ensuring it had long sleeves and was modest. “I made it shorter on one side for parachute accessibility and longer in the back for movement in the air,” she explained.
Choosing the fabric was challenging. “You can’t predict how the fabric will react to airflow until you’re in the situation. Testing in a wind tunnel helps, but real conditions are different,” she said.
Lifetime mission
Beyond the stunt, Braff’s skydiving journey is inspiring. She discovered skydiving through her husband Steve, whom she married in 2011, celebrating with a skydiving stunt in their wedding attire. Together, they run an indoor skydiving facility in Belgium and a consultancy serving global skydiving centers.
“My mission has been to encourage more women into the field. Initially, few women participated, but experiencing the thrill of air brings love for it. Our facility has been a starting point for many women. Even in my Dubai stunt, I aimed to add a feminine touch, hoping to inspire more women and girls,” she said.
