Dubai is gearing up to host an exciting new event that seems to be straight out of a sci-fi movie. The ‘Jet Suit Race’ event will take place in February and will feature over 50 participants racing in futuristic jet suits. The Dubai Sports Council, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has officially announced the world’s first-ever jet suit racing competition. It promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with competitors swapping planes for state-of-the-art jet suits and zooming through the skies to display their skill and speed.
Eight contenders from around the globe, including Ahmed Al Shehhi from the UAE, will compete against each other in a spectacle that will showcase not only their abilities but also the status of Dubai as a hub for global events. This event is made possible through a collaboration with Gravity Industries, a pioneering company in jet-suit technology.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, expressed his excitement about this revolutionary event, stating that it heralds a new era in aerial sports. He emphasised Dubai's spirit of innovation, adventure, and ambition, highlighting the city's dedication to pushing the boundaries of human imagination.
An iconic event took place at the Burj Park, adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, where three pilots showcased a live demonstration of jet suits soaring over the Dubai Fountain. The audience, consisting of media representatives and aerial sports enthusiasts, was amazed by the capabilities of these gravity-defying suits. This event indicates that Dubai is leading the way towards the future while other regions are still in the planning phases. Dubai is making significant moves in the aerial spaces.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor was quoted in an international publication praising the event, stating, "The event highlights Dubai's uniqueness and boundless energy in presenting novel ideas that combine innovation, adventure, and ambition to the world, pushing the boundaries of human imagination."
If you're interested in owning one of these 1,050-horsepower, 27-kg (60-lb) jet-suits, be prepared to spend considerable money. You can purchase one for around $483,000, plus tax, or fly one on a tethered training rig for a day for $3,500.
The event's founder, Gravity, plans to take the excitement and competition to the next level by organising flying and racing displays and incorporating challenges that require manoeuvrability, accuracy, and flight speed to determine the four best competitors, who will then vie for the top three places and take the podium.