Lieutenant Al Shehhi Completes Historic Base Jump from Burj Khalifa

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Lieutenant Al Shehhi Ahmed, a 36-year-old pilot and athlete, made headlines Saturday as he completed a daring base jump from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, representing the UAE at the extraordinary Exit139 event.

Al Shehhi was one of 31 elite athletes selected from over 15 countries to participate in the two-day event, which drew attention for its thrilling challenges and scenic backdrop. His jump from 500 meters not only showcased his skills as a base jumper but also symbolized national pride.

“Jumping from the world’s tallest building in our national dress was a moment of pride, not just for me, but for every Emirati,” Al Shehhi said. He wore his traditional kandura during the jump, emphasizing the significance of representing his nation. “I received calls saying, ‘You have represented us. You are our ambassador.’”

In addition to his jump in traditional attire, Al Shehhi also wore his official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) uniform for another leap. “Representing my organization in such a historic event made me even prouder,” he stated.

Al Shehhi’s achievement was made possible after receiving enthusiastic support from his superiors. “They encouraged me, and that made it even more special,” he explained, noting that he completed 14 base jumps during the Exit139 event.

His journey in extreme sports began in 2011 with skydiving, leading to his selection for the UAE national skydiving team the following year. He has since participated in numerous competitions and exhibitions both domestically and internationally. “This was my first time jumping from Burj Khalifa,” he shared. “I started base jumping in 2020 in Idaho, USA, and later in Switzerland. But I still can’t believe that I actually jumped from the Burj Khalifa. It was my dream.”

To ensure a safe descent, organizers constructed a specially designed ramp that extended several meters from the building. Al Shehhi praised the safety measures in place: “The safety measures were world-class, with expert trainers, security personnel, and weather monitors ensuring the perfect conditions.”

He recounted the conditions on the first day were challenging due to strong winds, but the second day provided ideal weather. “The moment the instructor said, ‘Ahmed, you can jump,’ I got goosebumps. I didn’t see anything; I just jumped. It was the best moment of my life.”

During the jump, Al Shehhi followed a carefully planned flight path to ensure safety. “In the video, you can see that I moved away from the building while my fellow jumper filmed me closer to the structure. That’s a safety measure to ensure enough room for parachute deployment.”

The entire jump lasted under a minute, featuring 10 seconds of freefall followed by approximately 45 seconds of controlled landing. With over 9,000 skydives and 160 base jumps under his belt, Al Shehhi described the experience as extraordinary: “Seeing Dubai from mid-air is an entirely different feeling. It’s nothing like a plane or helicopter ride. You feel the wind rushing through your body and an immense sense of pride.”

Sheikh Hamdan also participated in the jump on the same day, adding to the event’s allure.