A BASE jumper starts his fall off the 139th floor of the Burj Khalifa. Image: Dubai Economy and Tourism
Dubai brought together 31 of the world’s best BASE jumpers so they could literally throw themselves off the world’s tallest tower.
Over two days, there were 437 jumps made off a purpose-built 12m-long platform extending 6m out from the 139th floor of the Burj Khalifa.
The event was organised by the government to promote what they say is Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for record-breaking achievements.
The event, EXIT139, is a follow-up to the first BASE jump from the Burj Khalifa in 2014 and involved jumpers from 15 countries.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, explains the thinking behind the jump.
“Events like EXIT139 exemplify Dubai’s dynamic and innovative spirit, reinforcing the city’s status as a global hub for world-class experiences and adrenaline-fueled adventures,” he says.
“This event not only showcased Dubai’s commitment to hosting extraordinary spectacles but also reflected the city’s ‘can-do’ attitude, inspired by our visionary leadership.
“By continuously pushing boundaries in extreme sports and entertainment, Dubai strengthens its position as the ultimate destination to visit, live, and work in.”
For Emirati jumper Ahmed Al Shehhi, the jump was more than just a physical challenge — it was a testament to his mental strength and dedication.
“Jumping from the Burj Khalifa is every BASE jumper’s dream. It isn’t just about defying gravity; it’s about surpassing the mental barriers we’ve built around ourselves.
“It’s about showing the world that when you push beyond what you thought was possible, you inspire others to do the same.”
The Burj Khalifa stands 829.8m tall with 163 floors (including nine for maintenance).
BASE JUMPING
- BASE jumping is the recreational sport of jumping from fixed objects using a parachute.
- BASE is an acronym that stands for four categories of fixed objects to jump from: buildings, antennas, spans (bridges) and earth (cliffs).
- Jumpers can freefall by delaying the deployment of their parachute.
- A popular form of BASE jumping is wingsuit BASE jumping.
- BASE jumpers only carry one parachute.
- It is significantly more hazardous than other forms of parachuting and is widely considered to be one of the most dangerous extreme sports.
