Latest news with #EXIT139
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EXIT139 at Burj Khalifa records 437 BASE jumps
Dubai's XDubai, in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, has hosted a daring extreme sports spectacle, EXIT139. The event, which took place on the second day of the Dubai Run Aerial Display, saw 31 of the world's best BASE jumpers complete their 'dream jump' from Burj Khalifa. The event, which aimed to challenge the potential of elite athletes from 15 countries, aimed to showcase Dubai's spirit of innovation and limitless possibilities. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, said: '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. 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.' 'Today, with EXIT139, we unite extreme sports communities and innovative thinking to set a new global benchmark for adventure." said Abdulla BinHabtoor, CEO Shamal. 'This event transcends a mere showcase of athleticism—it epitomises our unwavering commitment to precision, reflects Dubai's dynamic spirit, and signals our continuous pursuit of the extraordinary.' The event was designed with safety as a top priority, with a specially designed 12-metre platform extending six meters beyond the 139th floor balcony of Burj Khalifa. A total of 437 jumps were completed during the two-day display, each showcasing meticulous planning and unwavering focus. The 31 elite athletes participating in EXIT139 have spent years in preparation and training, redefining what's possible and inspiring a new generation to do the same. For Emirati athlete Ahmed Al Shehhi, the jump represented more than just a physical challenge—it was a testament to mental strength and dedication. Commenting on his participation, he said, 'Jumping from the iconic 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.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
24-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
EXIT139 at Burj Khalifa records 437 BASE jumps
Dubai's XDubai, in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, has hosted a daring extreme sports spectacle, EXIT139. The event, which took place on the second day of the Dubai Run Aerial Display, saw 31 of the world's best BASE jumpers complete their 'dream jump' from Burj Khalifa. The event, which aimed to challenge the potential of elite athletes from 15 countries, aimed to showcase Dubai's spirit of innovation and limitless possibilities. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, said: '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. 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.' 'Today, with EXIT139, we unite extreme sports communities and innovative thinking to set a new global benchmark for adventure." said Abdulla BinHabtoor, CEO Shamal. 'This event transcends a mere showcase of athleticism—it epitomises our unwavering commitment to precision, reflects Dubai's dynamic spirit, and signals our continuous pursuit of the extraordinary.' The event was designed with safety as a top priority, with a specially designed 12-metre platform extending six meters beyond the 139th floor balcony of Burj Khalifa. A total of 437 jumps were completed during the two-day display, each showcasing meticulous planning and unwavering focus. The 31 elite athletes participating in EXIT139 have spent years in preparation and training, redefining what's possible and inspiring a new generation to do the same.
Arab News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘More than a dream' — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle
DUBAI: Rainy weather wasn't the only reason Dubai residents and visitors were looking to the skies this week. Over two days, 31 BASE jumpers from 15 countries took over the Downtown Dubai skyline, completing 437 jumps from the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The event — EXIT139 — was organized by action-sport brand XDubai in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, and held across two days this week. According to XDubai, the activity built on the legacy of the first BASE jump from Burj Khalifa in 2014. This year's event pushed new boundaries, bringing together 30 of the world's best aerial athletes to complete what the brand described as a 'dream jump.' Among them were three women: Cornelia Mihai, Katie Hansen, and Roberta Mancino. For Mihai, a Romanian athlete and instructor at Skydive Dubai, being part of the event was 'unbelievable' and 'more than a dream.' A Dubai resident who first discovered the sport in 2006, Mihai initially sidelined BASE jumping to focus on skydiving, only rediscovering it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she has completed over 300 jumps and says the sport has shaped her perspective on life: 'BASE jumping has taught me to trust myself, to trust my decisions and my reflexes, and to love life more than ever. Before a jump, I tell myself that I am very lucky and I love living and I love my life.' For Katie Hansen, an American who started BASE jumping in 2003 and has since completed 1,350 jumps, participating in EXIT139 was a one-of-a-kind experience. A post shared by Katie Hansen Lajeunesse (@flywithkatie) 'It felt very special. I feel very privileged to be here,' she said. 'This is one of the most beautiful buildings in addition to being one of the tallest exit points I have ever jumped. It's a beautiful city with wonderful people, and I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of it.' While many view BASE jumping as an adrenaline-fueled sport for extreme thrill seekers, the athletes themselves take a different perspective, both pragmatic and deeply philosophical. 'We're not thrill seekers, we're life seekers, looking to experience life to the full,' Hansen explained. Mihai echoed this sentiment: 'BASE jumping is not only for the crazy. It's not for the crazy at all, actually. I think us BASE jumpers are actually quite responsible and trustworthy — more than a lot of people out there.' To Mihai's point, extensive planning was required not only from the athletes but also from the event organizers. A 12-meter platform was specially engineered as the launch pad for the jumps, extending six meters beyond the balcony of the 139th floor. According to organizers, safety was the top priority. Beyond technical mastery, both organizers and athletes emphasized the individuality each jumper brings to the sport — making every leap uniquely their own. Italian athlete Mancino, who started BASE jumping in 2009 and has completed more than 600 jumps, described her approach: 'Before a BASE jump, I tell myself to have fun, be relaxed, and enjoy the special moment,' she said. 'I bring my own style just from what I have learned being myself and a girl.' With EXIT139 behind them, inspiring awe among bystanders, many of whom shared the showcase on social media throughout the week, the athletes are reflective. 'I hope we're gonna get the chance to do this all over again because it's amazing. It's hard to describe the past two days in words,' Mihai said. 'I wish people knew that BASE jumping is the most beautiful sport of flying,' said Mancino. 'I mean, who gets to jump from such a building like the Burj Khalifa?' Dawn Barnable is the founder and host of The Mettleset Podcast, a platform dedicated to women in sport from across the region.
