EXIT139, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
Dream Come True
Dubai’s most recent event, “Exit-139”, was every BASE jumper’s dream come true. Thanks to Skydive Dubai, XDubai, Visit Dubai, Emaar Dubai, and the Burj Khalifa, 31 BASE jumpers had the opportunity to “session” the tallest building in the world. For 2 days, 21-22 February 2025, jumpers were given a 6-hour window to leap off of the 139th floor, 1,600 feet above the most stunning skyline on Earth. While the Burj Khalifa has been BASE jumped a few times previously, it has never been jumped like it was during “Exit 139.” Collectively jumpers from 15 different countries made 437 BASE jumps and created endless content that has flooded social media.
Preparation
Before any jumping occurred the organizers planned a day for jumpers to get familiar with the exit, landing areas, emergency plans, and partake in a safety briefing with BASE jumping legend Miles Daisher. During this preparatory day we were able to ride the fastest elevator in the world, walk the primary and backup landing areas, and stand 139 stories above Dubai, on a specially designed 12-metre platform, extending 6m beyond the balcony. Organizers also introduced the participants to the rope access crew that was onsite in the event someone needed to be rescued from the building. (Gladly, their efforts were not needed!) This day also served as an excellent opportunity for some of the most experienced jumpers in the world to meet, catch up, and savor the moment.
BASE Jumping
On jumping days the participants met at 5 am. Not a single person minded the early start as the smiles were huge and enthusiasm was visceral. Watching Dubai turn from dark to dawn was an incredibly magical experience. As the sun began to rise on the first day of jumping, Sean Chuma, Marizio DiPalma, and Fred Fugen made the event’s first BASE jumps.
Solo Start
Jumpers were asked to do a solo jump for their first jump of the event in order to get a feel for the height of the jump and additional obstacles and considerations this particular BASE jump included. While the building is tall, it has a number of features that make it unique. Balconies protrude at varies heights while there are also many other buildings in the area.
Getting Creative
After the first round of BASE jumps, jumpers began to get comfortable and display various types of jumps ranging from aerials, 2 ways, tracking, smoke jumps, water landings, and other creative jumps. As if jumping from the Burj Khalifa were not an epic enough experience, organizers had built a floating landing area in the Dubai fountains. Exit-139 was held above the Dubai Mall and fountains, popular attractions. Spectators from around the world were able to enjoy watching these special jumps and soak up the unique atmosphere.
Organization
We were extremely fortunate to jump along with Emiratis, UAE residents and Skydive Dubai staff. Also noteworthy is that three participants – Cornelia Mihai, Roberta Mancino, and Katie Hansen – became the first women to BASE jump from the Burj Khalifa. This event surely would not have happened without the support of Dubai locals. The jumping operations were organized successfully because of the efforts and experience of Emma Wood and Pablo Hernandez. Jumpers were unbelievably appreciative of permission to jump the Burj Khalifa and the effort it took to make the event happen.
Laid Back Vibe
Perhaps the most interesting part of this event aside from the building and location was the overall “vibe”. Sometimes events can have a competitive or “boogie-fever” feel. However, the vibe at EXIT-139 was unbelievably laid back – most likely because of the structure provided by the organizers and the extremely high level of experience of the participants. It was as if everyone just appreciated what they were experiencing instead of trying to push limits or achieve something special. If someone had no idea of the reputation BASE jumping often has and this was their first time observing it, they would have a very different opinion about BASE jumpers than ‘the norm’.
Don’t Wake Me Up!
Simply having the chance to see the inside of the Burj Khalifa was extraordinary. Being given the chance to partake in a BASE event from the Burj Khalifa is something no participant will ever forget. The words, “Whatever you do, don’t wake me up” circulated around the packing mat. We were truly fortunate to live that dream! Before we knew it, the event went from a dream to a memory, for which each of us is forever thankful. We all look forward to seeing what the ‘dream-makers” in Dubai pull off next!
Photo Gallery – Exit 139
Video – Exit139
All Photos and Video by XDubai
Follow the journey and highlights from this landmark event on Instagram here: XDubai and Skydive Dubai
Article by Matt Laj
