
Skydive Dubai 2026: tandem jump over Palm Jumeirah
The world's most photographed skydive. The Palm vs Desert drop zone, prices, video, how to prepare.
The short version
Skydive Dubai is the most recognised skydive brand in the world. A tandem jump from 4 000 m over Palm Jumeirah, parachute opens at 1 500 m, 5-minute glide to a drop zone by the sea. Price 2 200 AED (Palm) or 1 800 AED (Desert). Video and photos 600 AED extra. Age 18-65, weight up to 100 kg.
Two locations
The Palm Drop Zone
- The famous one — jump over Palm Jumeirah, parachute opens over the fronds
- Atlantis, The Pointe, Marina, right under you
- 2 200 AED standard, 2 800 AED weekend
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead in high season
- 90 % of tourist jumps
Desert Drop Zone
- Over the Margham dunes, 25-30 min from Dubai Marina
- Cheaper (1 800 AED), shorter queue
- Desert landing, not water-side
- Less "wow", easier for groups
- 1-2 weeks booking suffices
What's included
- 4 000 m tandem jump (instructor strapped to your back)
- 50-60 seconds free fall, 200 km/h
- 5 minutes under the parachute
- Coffee and lounge before and after
- Basic insurance
Add-ons
- Video + Photo package (600 AED) — instructor wrist GoPro plus a separate camera-jumper
- Premium HD package (900 AED) — full 4K, edited 90-second video
- Quick-track booking (200 AED) — locked slot, no queue
- Solo jump course (from 4 500 AED, 6 days) — for independent skydiving, not for tourists
Who can, who can't
Can:
- 18-65 years
- Weight up to 100 kg (Palm), 110 kg (Desert)
- Glasses/lenses fine (goggles provided)
Can't:
- Pregnant (any stage)
- Surgery in the last 6 months
- Serious heart conditions
- Epilepsy
- Acute bronchitis or sinusitis (ear pressure)
- Under the influence (refused, they check)
Medical form signed on site. With a pre-existing condition tell them ahead — a doctor's note may be required.
Logistics
Palm DZ:
- King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St (near Le Méridien Mina Seyahi)
- Free parking
- Arrive 45 min before your slot
- Full procedure 3-4 hours (brief + flight + descent + admin)
Desert DZ:
- Margham Desert, 35 min from Marina
- 100 AED one way, or your own car
- Full procedure 4-5 hours (with travel)
Timeline
- Reception (15 min) — medical and insurance forms
- Brief (20 min) — leg posture, landing, free-fall actions
- Suit-up (15 min) — jumpsuit, harness, goggles
- Wait for aircraft (30-60 min in peak, drama queens)
- Climb (15 min) — pilot up to 4 000 m
- Jump — door opens, you go
- Free fall — 50-60 seconds, video shot
- Parachute — 5 calm minutes
- Landing — instructor steers
- Video collection (30 min editing) — diploma + USB
What to bring
- Closed shoes (no sandals)
- Light clothing — jumpsuit goes on top
- Headband for long hair
- Don't bring: rings, earrings, anything that can fly off
- Card for on-site add-ons
Reality check
- Is it cold? No. -10 °C at 4 000 m but the free fall is short and the suit warms you.
- Ears pop? Yes, on descent. Chew gum.
- Toilet before the jump? Mandatory.
- Will I throw up? Less likely than dune-bashing. ~5 % motion-sick.
- Is it scary? Until the door opens. After: euphoria.
Compared with
- (1 600 AED) — view experience. Skydive — action experience. Different categories.
- Hot-air balloon (1 350 AED) — slow, recovery, photo. Skydive — adrenaline.
- Bungee — Dubai has no major commercial bungee operator (Gravity Zone XLine isn't bungee).
Hack
- 2-3 people skydiving together — book the slot simultaneously (note "group of X, same flight" in the booking).
- Senior instructors often speak 4-5 languages — request a Russian or Arabic instructor ahead.
Tip: on the Palm DZ, book a sunrise slot (06:00-08:00). Low sun on the Palm, near-empty drop zone. 200 AED extra and the video looks premium.
If you'd like a booking, a private group, or hotel transfer, send the date and headcount.



