Skydive Dubai 2026: tandem jump over Palm Jumeirah

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

1. Reception (15 min) — medical and insurance forms
2. Brief (20 min) — leg posture, landing, free-fall actions
3. Suit-up (15 min) — jumpsuit, harness, goggles
4. Wait for aircraft (30-60 min in peak, drama queens)
5. Climb (15 min) — pilot up to 4 000 m
6. Jump — door opens, you go
7. Free fall — 50-60 seconds, video shot
8. Parachute — 5 calm minutes
9. Landing — instructor steers
10. 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.