Pilots in Dubai took part in the city’s first-ever jet suit race, organized by Gravity Industries in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. The pilots zipped along a route with the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina in the background, controlling the jet engines on their hands and backs. The jet suits, powered by 1,500-horsepower engines, use the same fuel as aircraft like Emirates’ Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
The races saw pilots reaching speeds of up to 80 mph as they navigated through obstacles in the water channel near the Dubai Marina. While the event showcased the thrill of flying in jet suits, it also highlighted the city’s fascination with flight and adventure. Dubai has been exploring flying taxis and zip line attractions, making it an adventure capital as well.
While the jet suits provide an exhilarating experience, there are risks involved, as evidenced by a crash during the race. Emirati pilot Ahmed al-Shehhi, who only had 12 days of training before the event, crashed into the water but quickly resurfaced, giving a thumbs-up to rescuers. Despite the risks, pilots like Issa Kalfon, who won the race, find the jet suit safe and easy to handle, describing the experience as thrilling and exciting.
Onlookers were amazed by the spectacle, with many expressing a desire to try out the jet suits themselves. The event was compared to something out of a science fiction movie, with one spectator likening it to the technology seen in Iron Man. Overall, the jet suit race in Dubai showcased the city’s cutting-edge technology and adventurous spirit.
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