Dubai Sports Council Unveils Historic “Dubai Jet Suit Race”

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The Dubai Sports Council, under the esteemed patronage and directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, proudly announces the groundbreaking “Dubai Jet Suit Race,” slated to take place on February 28, 2024.

This unprecedented sporting event marks a global first, featuring competitors taking to the skies without the aid of traditional aircraft. Instead, contestants will harness the power of jet suits equipped with advanced jet engines to navigate a challenging predetermined course. The event is organized in collaboration with Gravity Industries, a pioneering company in the field of jet suits and jet suit racing.

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, expressed his gratitude for the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, stating that this novel event exemplifies Dubai’s spirit of enterprise and showcases the city’s capacity to overcome challenges.

Eight contestants from various countries, including the UAE’s own Ahmed Al Shehhi, will compete for top honors, highlighting Dubai’s global stature as a host of extraordinary sporting events.

Sheikh Mansoor commented, “This race signals the beginning of a new era of exciting aerial sporting action globally and is a true reflection of Dubai’s soaring spirit of enterprise. The event also goes to highlight Dubai’s uniqueness and boundless energy in presenting to the world novel ideas that combine innovation, adventure, and ambition.”

The announcement was made during a captivating ceremony at Burj Park, next to the Burj Khalifa. The ceremony featured Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council; Richard Browning, Founder and Chief Test Pilot of Gravity Industries; and Samer Al Shammari, Director of the Race, addressing a diverse audience comprising media representatives, aerial sports specialists, adventurers, and enthusiastic fans. A live demonstration by three competitors in jet suits added to the excitement as they zoomed over the Dubai Fountain next to Burj Park.

As part of the ceremony, an agreement was unveiled between the Dubai Sports Council and Gravity Industries to organize the “Dubai Jet Suit Race” on February 28, 2024, during the Dubai Boat Show. The event aims to provide exhibition visitors with the opportunity to witness this unique aerial competition. Emirati racer Ahmed Al Shehhi is currently undergoing specialized and intensive training in Britain to qualify for the inaugural race.

The jet suit racing competition will unfold in the area between Dubai Harbor and Skydive Dubai, utilizing a carefully chosen expanse of water known for its suitability for this exhilarating sport. Specially designed jet suits prioritize health and safety aspects, including protection from drowning and additional buoyancy features. The “Dubai Jet Suit Race” promises to be a thrilling spectacle, pushing the boundaries of innovation and capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide.