Dubai Skydive Over the Palm: Everything You Need to Know

Dubai Skydive Over the Palm: Everything You Need to Know


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With its beautiful beaches, stunning deserts, and luxurious malls, restaurants, and hotels, Dubai is an ideal tourist destination. Many tourists in Dubai also enjoy a range of adventure sports, from dune bashing to bungee jumping to skydiving. Skydiving over the Palm Islands in Dubai is an especially exhilarating experience as you enjoy a stunning view of Dubai, the desert, and the ocean as you dive. 

So, what do you need to know about a Dubai skydive over The Palm Islands? 

  • First of all, you need to consider whether you are physically fit enough to skydive. 
  • You also need to ensure you are diving with a well-known company and experienced instructors. 
  • Knowing about what you’ll see while you’re diving will also enhance your experience. 

This guide explores everything you need to know before a skydive over The Palm Islands.

What is skydiving? 

Before you narrow down on what a skydiving experience over The Palm Islands will be like, it’s helpful to know about skydiving experiences in general. There are two types of skydiving experiences in Dubai: indoor skydiving and outdoor skydiving. 

Indoor skydiving is when you jump into a vertical, gravity controlled tunnel. The tunnel is equipped with fans and wind machines that work together to simulate a similar experience to skydiving outdoors. This is cheaper than an outdoor skydive and is a great option if you’re hesitant about skydiving in the open sky. 

On the other hand, outdoor skydiving takes place in the open sky. Skydivers jump from an elevated location – typically a plane or helicopter – with a parachute. After jumping, you’ll freefall for a few feet, after which the parachute will be opened. You’ll then gently drift towards the ground, enjoying a stunning birdseye view of the scenery below you. 

There are two types of outdoor skydiving: tandem and solo. 

Tandem skydiving is ideal for beginners. You will be connected with a harness to an experienced skydiving instructor. You and the instructor will jump together, and he or she will guide you on how to open up your parachute. Solo skydiving is for experienced skydivers, where you’ll make the jump alone.

Skydiving in Dubai 

Over the past few years, Dubai has become an increasingly popular skydiving destination. Dubai has both indoor and outdoor skydiving experiences. Two operators run indoor skydiving in Dubai: inFlight Dubai and iFly Dubai. 

SkyDive Dubai is the only company that runs outdoor skydives in Dubai. They have options for both beginner and experienced skydivers. They run skydiving in two locations in Dubai:

  • Desert Zone. This skydive takes place on the outskirts of Dubai, over the Al Ain Road. As you drop, you’ll see the vast expanse of the Arabian desert, its towering dunes, and the skyline of Dubai in the distance. 
  • Palm Zone. This skydive will drop you over Dubai’s Palm Island. As you fall, you’ll see the sea, beaches, Dubai’s skyline, and the deserts beyond. The skydive over The Palm is a more premium experience as compared to the Desert Zone and slightly more expensive. 

What will you see when skydiving over The Palms? 

As you skydive over The Palm, you’ll see a variety of Dubai’s famous landmarks. Knowing a little about each landmark will enhance your skydiving experience. Landmarks you’ll see include: 

  • The Palm Jumeirah Island. More commonly known as The Palm, this is a manmade island that is built in the shape of a palm tree. It is home to a collection of luxury resorts and restaurants. While you’re skydiving, you’ll be able to see the tree shape of The Palm. Surrounded by azure waters, it makes for a stunning sight. 
  • Burj Al Arab. The Burj Al Arab is the seventh tallest hotel in the World. It has been built on an artificial island just off the Dubai coast and has been designed to look like the sail of a ship. Seen from above, it is an impressive sight. 
  • The World Islands. The World is a collection of manmade islands that are being built in the shape of the world map. Most of the islands are still under construction, but when seen from above, they do resemble the World’s seven continents. 
  • Ain Dubai. At the height of 210 meters, Ain Dubai will be the World’s tallest Ferris wheel when it opens in 2020. Even though it’s not open for the public, it is still an impressive structure when seen from above. 
  • Dubai Marina. The Dubai Marina is an artificial canal that has towering skyscrapers and luxury hotels built alongside it. As you dive, you’ll see skyscraper after skyscraper towering magnificently over the marina. 

As well as these sights, you’ll be treated to a beautiful view of Dubai’s interiors and the deserts beyond it. 

General Rules and Restrictions 

Before you book a skydiving adventure over The Palm, there are a few rules and regulations outlined by SkyDive that you should be aware of. 

Health Requirements 

It is best to skydive when you are healthy and fit. SkyDive Dubai has a BMI and weight limit to ensure the dive is safe. Women who are diving should be 90 kilograms or less, with a maximum BMI of 27.5. Men who are diving should be 100 kilograms or less, with a maximum BMI of 30. 

You should not drink or take any drugs 24 hours before your SkyDive, as they may impair your ability to follow instructions and stay safe. 

There are a few medical conditions that SkyDive asks you to declare before diving. These include: 

  • Epilepsy 
  • Fits 
  • Recurrent blackouts or giddiness
  • High blood pressure 
  • Diabetes
  • Dislocated shoulders, knees or other limbs 
  • Heart or lung diseases 

If you have these or any other recurring conditions, you will need to fill out SkyDive’s Declaration of Fitness form and get it signed and stamped by a doctor. 

If you are pregnant, you will not be allowed to SkyDive.

Age Limits

Mosy sky diving operators require that skydivers be eighteen years and above. 

However, in 2018, SkyDive launched the ‘Kids Go Skydiving’ package, which allows children over twelve to tandem skydive, with an experienced instructor. One of the child’s parents must sign the Parent Consent Tandem Waiver, and the same parent needs to accompany the child to the drop zone. 

If you are over 70 and want to skydive, you’ll need to fill out SkyDive’s Declaration of Fitness Form and get it signed and stamped by a doctor. 

Documentation 

You will be required to carry and give the skydiving staff valid identity documents before you are allowed to dive. For Dubai nationals, this may be your Emirates ID or your driver’s license. If you are a foreign national, you will need to carry along your passport and your Dubai visa. 

You will also be asked to read through and sign a collection of forms that state you understand the risks and liabilities of skydiving. 

Beginner skydiving over The Palm 

Beginners are welcome to tandem skydive over the palm with SkyDive Dubai. They will do the skydive with an experienced instructor who will help deploy your parachute and instruct you while you are falling. 

SkyDive Dubai has both male and female instructors; request in advance if you have a preference. 

Professional skydiving over The Palm 

If you are an experienced skydiver, you may be able to do a solo skydive over The Palm. Solo skydivers must have a USPA D-license, or its equivalent. If you have done a skydive at The Palm drop off zone before, you need to have logged a minimum of 800 skydives. If you have not dived at this location before, you need to have logged a minimum of 1000 skydives. 

In addition to this, you need to have done a skydive in the last 180 days. If you haven’t, you’ll need to visit SkyDive’s desert drop off zone to do a dive before you can skydive at The Palm. 

These policies are in place to protect skydivers. It’s important to know several construction projects are happening in The Palm’s skydiving radius. This may impact the safety of the dive, so if you’re a professional, be sure you have the necessary experience and confidence. 

Insurance 

It’s not a requirement to get insurance before you skydive. However, if you’re skydiving solo, it is a good idea to get some insurance that covers both first and third-party liability. 

Scuba Diving 

You will not be allowed to skydive if you have been scuba diving in the last 24 hours. When you skydive after scuba diving, you are exposing your body to two different types of pleasures, which can result in decompression sickness or an arterial gas embolism. 

Decompression sickness is when pressure on muscle tissues causes them to tear. Arterial gas embolism is when bubbles build up in your blood vessels, blocking healthy blood flow through your body. 

Weather 

It is essential to skydive only when the weather is right. Skydiving in low clouds, rain, and high-speed winds will not only negatively impact your skydiving experience but can also compromise your safety. 

If the weather is not ideal for skydiving, SkyDive Dubai may postpone or refund your skydiving experience. 

What to do before skydiving

Once you’ve decided to skydive over The Palm and booked your experience, it’s time to turn your attention to preparing for it! Here are some things you should do before you report at the drop off zone: 

  • Get enough rest. Try not to let anxiety or excitement keep you up the night before you skydive over The Palm. If you’re well-rested, you will enjoy the experience more and be able to focus better on instructions. 
  • Wear the right clothes. Wear athletic, comfortable fitting clothes to skydive. Don’t wear sleeveless shirts, crop tops, or low cut shirts as your harness may rub against your skin. You also should wear shoes that can be secured; sandals and slippers may fall off as you freefall! 
  • Eat right. Eat a light, healthy meal before your skydive. Overeating or not eating at all can make you feel nauseous while you are falling.  
  • Read through the instructions. SkyDive Dubai will give you a list of instructions and advice to go through before you dive. 

What to expect on the big day 

Knowing what to expect on the day of your skydiving adventure will be both reassuring and exciting. Here’s what your day will look like, and what you need to keep in mind. 

1) Arrive at the SkyDive Dubai Centre 

When you book your skydiving experience, you’ll be given a reporting time. Make sure you arrive at the center at that time. Your ID, weight, height, and BMI will be checked, and you’ll be asked to sign the registration form. 

You may be asked to wait for some time before your skydive – the staff will only commence the procedure for the skydive if the weather conditions are good. 

2) Do an interview 

As well as the skydiving experience, the SkyDive Dubai package includes a video of your experience and a photo. Before your skydive, you’ll be interviewed about your feelings and expectations!

3) Meet your instructor 

Half an hour before your flight, you’ll meet your skydiving instructor. He or she will brief you with the instructions and other necessary information. 

4) Wear your equipment 

Your instructor will also give you the equipment you need for your skydive. SkyDive Dubai provides you will all skydiving equipment including: 

  • The parachute. The parachute will be packed in a special backpack and will be deployed by pulling on a tab, or through an automatic device. Parachutes should have both a main canopy and a reserve canopy in case the main doesn’t work.
  • A helmet. Many skydiving injuries are caused by hard landings. Wearing a helmet will help protect your head if your landing is rough. 
  • Goggles. These will help you see even when you’re at extremely high altitudes or wind speeds. 
  • Jumpsuit. You’ll slip the jumpsuit over your clothes to protect you from cold, harsh winds. 
  • Automatic activation device. This device is synced to your parachute and will make sure it automatically deploys once you reach a particular altitude. 
  • Harness. If you’re tandem diving, the harness will attach you and your instructor to each other.

5) Board the flight 

You’ll then proceed to the boarding area, where you’ll have a photo op. Your equipment will be checked one last time, and you’ll then get on the flight that will take you to the diving altitude. 

Your instructor, a pilot, and a videographer will accompany you on the flight. 

6) Enjoy the view 

The flight will take twenty minutes to reach the diving altitude, which is 13,000 feet above sea level. As the flight climbs, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of The Palm, the islands around the Dubai coastline and the sea. 

7) Jump and Freefall 

Once the helicopter is at 13,000 feet, you’ll be secured to your instructor and be given one final briefing. You’ll both then jump out of the plane and freefall for nearly 60 seconds. On the freefall, you’ll be moving at up to 120 miles per hour! 

8) Cruise through the air 

After you reach an altitude of 6,000 feet, your parachute will be deployed. You’ll then drift through the sky for five minutes, enjoying a stunning 360 view of Dubai below you. There will be a camera attached to your helmet, which will record everything you see. 

9) Get back to earth!

After you touch down, you’ll be relieved of the sky diving equipment and be given your commemorative photo and video. 

How can you make sure you stay safe? 

Both your instructor and the staff at the launch and drop off zone will do everything possible to make sure you stay safe during your skydiving experience. There are also some things you can do to make sure you stay safe:

  • Stay calm. Falling through the air at high speed can be exhilarating, but also scary. Try to stay calm before and during your skydive. Remember that all your equipment has been checked and rechecked. Staying calm will help you focus better. 
  • Listen to your instructor. Your instructor is there to protect you. Before you jump, listen closely to your instructor’s guidelines and pay close attention to any safety signals they teach you. 
  • Be honest about medical conditions. If you have any recurring illnesses or are over the BMI requirements, tell the staff at SkyDive. They will be able to help you design a skydiving experience that is safe and appropriate. 

If you follow these safety guidelines, you can ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience.

Conclusion 

Skydiving over The Palm will be an exhilarating, unique experience. It will allow you to see Dubai from a new angle and enjoy a thrilling adventure sport. 

However, before you embark on a skydiving adventure over The Palm, make sure you have made a booking and read through the rules, requirements, and safety guidelines that your operator will provide you. Make sure you have had enough rest and food before skydiving. 

On the day of your experience, it’s important to focus on what your instructor says to you and closely follow his or her instructions. 

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful, unforgettable skydive over The Palm.