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19 March 2024

Video: Daring duo jump off from pinnacle of Burj Khalifa

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By Staff

Soul Flyers World Champions Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet took the first leap off The Burj Khalifa, 828 meters tall, on Monday, April 21, 2014, claiming the new Guinness World Record title of the Highest Base Jump from the Tallest Building, exhibiting their astonishing base jumping skills.



Skydive Dubai, a leader in extreme skydiving, sponsored yet another Guinness World Record on Monday for base jumping off the very tip of the Burj Khalifa.




The jump from the Burj Khalifa was only possible with the construction of a 3 X 1 meter platform at the very top of the pinnacle and was an immense task in itself. The structure which was recently spotted by residents and tourists, took a total of 3 days for installation with challenges faced due to weather constrictions limiting the time available for construction. Throughout the whole period, the highest safety measures were put in place to ensure the pinnacle did not get damaged.

“On behalf of the entire team and myself, I would like to thank Sheikh Hamdan nin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council for giving us the opportunity in making this project a reality. Skydive Dubai has become a pioneer in regards to aerial sports and will continue to strive in setting more new world records.” said Nasser Al Neyadi, President of the Aero Sport Federation and Chairman of Skydive Dubai.



Fred and Vince had to go through a series of training in Switzerland by base jumping off Lauterbeunnen Mountain which is almost the same height as the Burj Khalifa.

With a week of intense training in Switzerland, Fred and Vince continued to condition themselves with base jumping out of helicopters in Dubai to ensure they were ready for the leap off of the world’s tallest building.


“This was the jump of a lifetime and an achievement of three years of hard training. I am glad we landed successfully, accomplishing a lifelong dream.” stated Fred Fugen. “This was my best jump by far. It was a dream come true,” continued Vince Reffet.

Skydive Dubai, with the support of Emirates Aero Sports Federation, is one of the world’s premier skydiving locations right in the heart of Dubai City, with a desire for breaking world records. Since Skydive Dubai’s launch in 2010, they have provided a platform for extreme athletes to express their passion, train hard and achieve their dreams. This was highlighted earlier in April when they broke the Guinness World Record for the smallest parachute jump.


“As always, Skydive Dubai prides itself on the 100% safety record and the Burj Khalifa Jump is no exception”, said Alan Gayton, General Manager, Skydive Dubai, The Palm Drop Zone.  “This success is due to the ‘Practice make perfect’ method of training that we always follow and the 100% dedication of everyone working on this project”.

Dubai Film Production in association with Skydive Dubai is currently working on a short documentary focus on the project as a whole which will be released soon.