How Skydive Dubai’s strong comeback reflects a city that continues to move forward without slowing down or dwelling on the past.
Dubai: By 10am, Skydive Dubai is already fully operational.
On the ground, first-time jumpers are fitted into tandem harnesses as instructors carry out quick but thorough safety checks. Groups are guided forward, loaded into vehicles, and taken to the aircraft. Within minutes, planes are taking off at regular intervals, while parachutes soon dot the sky as jumpers descend over the skyline.
“Business as usual,” said Mohammad Javad, Executive Vice President, Leisure & Entertainment at Shamal Holding, during an exclusive walk-through of the iconic venue as part of Gulf News’ Inside Access series.
Moments later, he pointed toward the sky.
“We’ve got one in the air right now… and very shortly, we’ll see the skydivers land,” he said.
There is no sign of a gradual restart. For Javad, Skydive Dubai’s return has been immediate and unmistakable.
“Everything is definitely back on track and it’s like we never stopped.”
Operations had paused briefly amid regional uncertainty. In the final week of April, Skydive Dubai resumed with a limited-time buy-one, get-one promotion, which quickly triggered a surge in demand.
The response, he said, has been overwhelming, adding that the offer was extended for another week.
“We got more than 2000 DMs as soon as our offer was announced! There’s been a phenomenal response from the residents and the community as well,” he said.
That surge in demand rapidly reshaped operations.
“The very same moment that we opened, we had to increase the days and increase the capacity as well, due to the popularity and all the demand that we received from the residents as well,” he said.
What initially began as a limited reopening soon expanded within days.
“Initially we opened with just three days of operation—Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But a few days in, we’ve moved from a three-day operation to a five-day operation from Monday to Thursday,” he said.
The numbers reflect that surge. “We are about 100 to 120 per cent above the initial figures we were expecting,” Javad said.
Behind the scenes, he added, operations never fully stopped.
“We never stopped working,” he said. “As a business like Skydive Dubai, you can’t really shut down. You’ve got aircraft and other equipment that need continuous maintenance and care.”
At the same time, there was ongoing coordination with authorities.
“We were in constant talks with all the government and relevant authorities to make sure that we are able to get out there and start skydiving as soon as possible,” he said.
He also acknowledged the broader UAE leadership.
“They’ve done an amazing and outstanding job. Our leaders in the UAE have created a strong foundation for us within our businesses,” he said.
For Javad, the recovery reflects something deeper.
“As a city, we are resilient. And as individuals as well, we are resilient,” he said.
“The people make the spirit and the soul of Dubai, and that bond is only growing stronger.”
At Skydive Dubai, that connection is reflected in every jump.
“We are able to touch people’s lives and add value to the experience they have,” he said.
Most customers, he noted, are trying the experience for the first time.
“There are a thousand different emotions they go through, and it all comes down to the staff, the instructor, and how they are guided through that journey,” he said.
For him, that transformation is the essence of the work.
“Nothing excites me more than seeing people come and try this experience and, in some way, change their life,” he said.
Safety, he stressed, remains absolute.
“There is no compromise. Safety is king, and this is something we live by every day,” he said.
The guiding principle, he added, is simple. “People first. If you put that in place, everything else aligns automatically,” he said.
There is also a careful focus on future growth.
“It’s not something you take lightly. We make sure we have the right partners and all our processes and procedures in place before expanding,” he said.
Back on the ground, another group is being briefed as parachutes continue to open against the skyline above.
“We create memories for a lifetime, one jump at a time.”
