Mansoor bin Mohammed: This race signals the beginning of a new era of exciting aerial sporting action globally and it is a true reflection of Dubai’s soaring spirit of enterprise

Under the patronage and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Sports Council has introduced the ‘Dubai Jet Suit Race.’ Breaking new ground as the world’s inaugural aerial competition where participants navigate without traditional aircraft, competitors will don jet suits equipped with engines to traverse a predetermined course.

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In collaboration with Gravity Industries, a trailblazer in jet suits and jet suit racing, the event is set to feature eight contestants, including the UAE’s Ahmed Al Shehhi. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, affirmed that this groundbreaking event, a global first, is made possible by the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

The competition not only aims to crown a victor but also underscores Dubai’s prominence as a host for significant international events. Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that the race inaugurates a new era of thrilling global aerial sports, showcasing Dubai’s spirit of innovation, adventure, and ambition. The event exemplifies Dubai’s distinctive character, limitless enthusiasm, and commitment to presenting inventive ideas that blend innovation and daring, pushing the boundaries of human imagination and inspiring greater achievements worldwide.

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Dubai Sports Council and Gravity Industries sign agreement to organise the ‘Dubai Jet Suit Race’ during the prestigious Dubai Boat Show

The exciting revelation about the commencement of the race took place in a captivating ceremony at Burj Park, adjacent to the Burj Khalifa. The event featured addresses from His Excellency 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. The gathering included a diverse audience of media representatives from various countries, aerial sports specialists, adventurers, and enthusiastic fans. Attendees were treated to a live demonstration, with three competitors in jet suits zooming over the Dubai Fountain next to Burj Park.

Within the ceremony, it was disclosed that an agreement had been inked between the Dubai Sports Council and Gravity Industries to orchestrate the ‘Dubai Jet Suit Race’ on February 28, 2024, coinciding with the Dubai Boat Show. This strategic timing allows visitors to the exhibition to witness this extraordinary aerial competition. Additionally, it was revealed that Emirati jet suit racer Ahmed Al Shehhi is undergoing rigorous and specialized training in Britain, ensuring his qualification for this groundbreaking race, the first of its kind globally.

Emirati competitor Ahmed Al Shehhi undergoes intense training in Britain to ensure qualification for the race

The jet suit racing event is scheduled to take place in the area stretching from Dubai Harbor to Skydive Dubai, carefully chosen for its suitable expanse of water and depth to accommodate the sport. Specially designed suits, emphasizing health and safety features such as protection from drowning and additional buoyancy, will be worn by competitors.

His Excellency Hareb expressed that under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Sports Council consistently endeavors to bring innovative and distinctive sporting events to the city in collaboration with various international organizers. He described this race as a novel addition to the list of such showcases, not only in Dubai but globally. Hareb acknowledged the race as an unforgettable addition to the local sports calendar, marking the commencement of a new era in the realm of aerial sports. He expressed gratitude to RTA, Dubai Police, SKYDIVE Dubai, and X DUBAI for their support in organizing the event.

The event’s backdrop, including Dubai Harbour, the waterfront overlooking the Palm Island, and the Dubai Marina district, was deemed ideal for showcasing technology that enables human flight without a plane. Hareb anticipated residents and viewers worldwide would experience something unprecedented.

Richard Browning and the Gravity Industries team, with a remarkable journey of flying at over 260 live events in more than 45 countries, aim to build upon their incredible achievements. The jet suit, developed in 2017, has been enhanced to deliver remarkable manoeuvrability, precision, and speed. Browning expressed excitement about bringing a spectacle of human and technological achievements to Dubai, creating a Gravity Race Series that promises visceral excitement and drama. The event is envisioned to go beyond a flying and racing display, intensifying competition and excitement through a challenging flight path for competitors.

Samer Al-Shammari, Race Director, expressed pleasure in hosting this unique tournament in Dubai Harbour, the region’s most distinctive lifestyle destination. He highlighted the importance of high flying skill using a jet suit, providing optimal performance while navigating a path with various challenges set by the organizing committee. The commitment extends to not only organizing the event but also attracting more people to the sport, ensuring its continuous growth.