Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council has announced the start of the “Dubai Jet Suit Race,” which will take place on February 28, 2024, under the patronage and instructions of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
Competitors will use jet engine-equipped suits to navigate a predetermined course in what will be the first-ever sporting event in which opponents fly without the assistance of an aircraft. The company Gravity Industries, which invented jet suits and the jet suit racing sport, is collaborating with the event organizers.
The chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stated that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s support is making the innovative event possible. It is the first of its kind in the world.
Along with showcasing Dubai’s prominence as a host of major international events, eight contestants from various countries, including Ahmed Al Shehhi of the UAE, will compete for top honors.
Sheikh Mansoor added that, “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 as well as the human capacity to overcome challenges. 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 that push the boundaries of human imagination and open the way for still greater achievements and innovations across the world.”
The jet suit racing competition will be held in the area between Dubai Harbor and Skydive Dubai, with the chosen expanse of water and its depth found to be suitable for the sport. Competitors will turn out in specially designed suits designed with a focus on health and safety aspects, including protection from drowning and extra buoyancy.