Sheikh Hamdan Witnesses Historic First Dubai Jet Suit Championship

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently graced the Dubai Jet Suit Championship, marking a significant moment in sports history. This event, the first of its kind globally, unfolded at Dubai Harbour, showcasing the innovative spirit of Dubai. The championship was a collaborative effort between the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Gravity Industries, with additional support from Skydive Dubai Club and XDubai.

Before the competition commenced, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan met with Emirati air racer Ahmed Al Shehhi and Richard Browning, Founder and CEO of Gravity Industries. He commended the participants for their groundbreaking contributions to the sport. The event concluded with the British trio - Issa Calvon, Paul Jones, and Freddie Hay - clinching the top three positions. Their victories were celebrated in a ceremony led by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC, and Nasser Jamal from Imtiaz Real Estate Development Company.

The championship attracted a global audience, including thousands at the Dubai International Yacht Show and millions watching through international television networks. Competitors donned jet-powered suits for a thrilling display of aerial agility across a 700-metre race course marked by 12 traffic points. The preliminary rounds divided eight participants into two groups, leading to a final showdown that crowned Issa Calvon as the champion.

Ahmed Al Shehhi made history as the first Emirati and Arab to participate in this demanding sport, highlighting his physical strength and mastery over advanced technology after extensive training in Great Britain. The event's sponsors included notable entities like Imtiaz Real Estate Development, Mai Dubai, and Pocari Sweat, contributing to its success.

This pioneering championship not only solidified Dubai's status on the international sports stage but also celebrated human innovation and technological advancement. It underscored the city's commitment to hosting unique global events that challenge conventional boundaries and inspire future generations.

With inputs from WAM