UAE parachutist killed during National Day parade

A UAE parachutist died after falling down from a high altitude while practising paramotoring during celebrations marking the UAE’s 43rd National Day.

Omar Saif Al Riyami, a member of the UAE’s national parachuting team, was killed after hitting the ground during the National Day skydiving parade, in which other Emirati parachutists participated, according to Yousuf Al Hammadi, head of the UAE air sport union and deputy chairman of the organising committee for Dubai’s parachuting games.

[Picture: Courtesy Emarat Al Youm]

“We offer our deep condolence to Riyami’s family for his demise…I had a strong relation with the deceased and he was one of the best men and had a long experience in this sport,” he said in a statement.

He said new rules would soon be issued by the UAE to ensure the safety of skydiving sports and prevent further tragic accidents.

Paramotor is a generic name for the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider. It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller, harness, with integrated seat, and cage. It provides two attachment points for the risers of a paraglider wing that allows for powered flight. The term was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 19980 and popularized in France around 1986.
 

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