By Staff Reporter
Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai captivated his 16.8 million Instagram followers with an exhilarating video showcasing a daring jump from the iconic Burj Khalifa.
The breathtaking clip, which he shared on Friday, captures the thrill of the leap and highlights the impressive feat of 31 athletes representing 15 different nationalities. The post was accompanied by the intriguing caption: “Exit 139 437 Jumps 31 Athletes 15 Nationalities #XDubai.”
The video showcases a platform suspended from the Burj Khalifa, marked with “Exit 139 Burj Khalifa Base Jump.” This intriguing setup highlights the unique experience of base jumping from one of the tallest structures in the world.
Within 60 minutes of its release, the video amassed approximately 1 million views, a testament to his engaging and thrilling content. On his Instagram handle @faz3, Sheikh Hamdan frequently shares captivating glimpses of his adventurous pursuits, inviting his followers to experience the excitement alongside him.
As per the latest update, XDubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, has organised this most thrilling extreme sports event.
The event, EXIT139, was a groundbreaking BASE jump spectacle that featured 31 of the world’s top BASE jumpers as they completed their dream jump from the Burj Khalifa. This year’s competition built on the legacy of the first BASE jump from the iconic tower in 2014, pushing new boundaries during a two-day celebration of skill and endurance. Elite athletes from 15 countries performed multiple jumps, showcasing their abilities and demonstrating Dubai’s spirit of innovation, ambition, and limitless possibilities.
Sheikh Hamdan shares an adrenaline-packed base jump video from Burj Khalifa
Supplied
Engineered exclusively for this challenge, a specially designed 12-metre platform, which extended six metres beyond the 139th floor balcony of Burj Khalifa, served as the ultimate launchpad for athletes to test their collective potential. Safety remained the top priority, with XDubai ensuring every aspect of the event reflected its commitment to precision and excellence.
A total of 437 jumps were completed during the two-day display, each representing meticulous planning and unwavering focus. Beyond the technical mastery, every leap was also an expression of creativity—challenging athletes to bring their own personality and flair to the jump, making each one uniquely their own. This event was not just about skill; it was a test of mental fortitude. The 31 elite athletes who participated in EXIT139 had spent years in preparation and training, redefining what was possible and inspiring a new generation to do the same.
For Emirati athlete Ahmed Al Shehhi, the jump represented more than just a physical challenge—it was a testament to mental strength and dedication. Commenting on his participation, he said, “Jumping from the iconic Burj Khalifa was every BASE jumper’s dream; it wasn’t just about defying gravity; it was about surpassing the mental barriers we built around ourselves. It was about showing the world that when you pushed beyond what you thought was possible, you inspired others to do the same.”
