Dubai Announces Pioneer Event Featuring Jet Suit Racers from Around the Globe.
The Dubai Sports Council, under the direction of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced the organization of the Dubai Jet Suit Racing Championship. This will be the first jet suit racing event in the world, where participants will demonstrate their skills and speed while soaring through the air, as reported by Interesting Engineering on January 30.
Pilots using jet suits. (Photo: Arabian Business)
Eight competitors from around the world, including Ahmed Al Shehhi from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will face off directly to showcase their abilities. The event is organized with the support of Gravity Industries, a pioneer in jet suit technology. During the official announcement ceremony at Burj Park near the Burj Khalifa, three pilots wearing jet suits flew above the Dubai Fountain. An audience of media representatives and aerial sports enthusiasts were the first to witness the capabilities of the gravity-defying suits.
According to an agreement signed between the Dubai Sports Council and Gravity Industries, the race will take place on February 28, 2024, at the Dubai Boat Show. Visitors to the exhibition will have a rare opportunity to watch this unique aerial competition.
Racer Ahmed Al Shehhi, part of the XDubai team, is undergoing special training in the UK to ensure he is ready for the race. The competition will be held between Dubai Marina and Skydive Dubai, featuring jet suits designed with safety equipment prioritized, such as water-resistant features and enhanced buoyancy.
Gravity Industries was founded by Richard Browning. Having flown at over 260 live events in 45 countries, their jet suit was developed in 2017, promising high agility, precision, and speed. Samer Al-Shammari, the race director, shared a commitment to hosting an electrifying race that attracts more attention to this sport.
