Dubai loves nothing more than being the biggest, best or first in the world to do something – and they’ve only gone and done it again.
The first ever jet suit race has been announced for next month between Dubai Harbour and Skydive Dubai. It will be the first sporting contest in the world where opponents fly in the air without the aid of an aircraft but instead rely on jet engines strapped to their backs to a navigate a predetermined course.
Eight contestants from eight different countries will take part, including Ahmed Al Shehhi from the United Arab Emirates. Held on Wednesday February 28 at Dubai Harbour, the event will be part of the Dubai Boat Show. The race has come about as part of a partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and pioneering jet suit company Gravity Industries.
Jet Suit Race
The announcement of the first jet suit race was made at Burj Park near the Burj Khalifa on Thursday January 25. The race was announced at Burj Park near the Burj Khalifa on Thursday January 25 and featured a live demonstration from three of the racers set to compete. Although it will be the first race of its kind, competitors have been demonstrating the capabilities of the jetsuit at 260 live events in more than 45 countries.
Competitors will turn out in specially designed suits designed with a focus on health and safety aspects including protection from drowning and extra buoyancy.
Founder and chief test pilot of Gravity Industries hopes that this will be the first in a series of races across the world. He said: “Gravity pilots have flown in Dubai multiple times over the last six years and it’s a real pleasure to be coming back with the support of the Dubai Sports Council to deliver a mind-blowing spectacle of what humans and technology can achieve.
“Our Gravity Race Series promises even more visceral excitement and drama than Formula One has done for decades, updated for the 21st century and airborne.”
