Skydive Dubai reopens with enhanced safety rules

Jumpers must wear face masks until just before they exit the aircraft and spectator numbers are limited

DUBAI,UAE - JUNE 17: Arci Munoz aka Ramona Thornes in freefall over the man made Palm Jumeirah Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 17, 2018. (Photo by Skydive Dubai/Getty Images)
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Skydive Dubai has reopened today, Friday June 5, for tandem and licensed solo skydives.

The skydiving centre in Dubai Marina has resumed operations at it's Palm Jumeirah drop zone, with some strict new rules in place to keep skydivers safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Upon arrival at Skydive Dubai, every visitor and staff member will be temperature screened, and anyone with a high temperature will be turned away, even if they have a paid reservation.

Inside the Skydive Dubai venue, there is an enforced two-metre distance between all guests and staff, and face masks are compulsory at all times. Skydivers must keep their masks on until the point that they are ready to exit the aircraft. Jumpers must also wear clothes that have at least one pocket, so that face masks can be safely stored away when they are removed on the aircraft.

Children under 12 and people over the age of 60 cannot skydive or accompany jumpers as spectators. Each skydiver is limited to bringing a maximum of one family member or friend with them.

Once each dive is over, participants will need to go somewhere else to release their adrenaline – as everyone is now requested to leave the venue immediately after jumping.

There's also a reopening offer available on tandem dives taking in June, July and August, with prices cut to Dh1,799. Skydivers will also get a free Instagram edit of their jump and a Skydive Dubai cap as a souvenir.

Skydive at your own risk

No matter how many precautionary rules are put in place, tandem skydiving is not risk-free as jumpers need to be physically connected to each other, Skydive Dubai says.

"As skydiving is a contact sport, please understand that in addition to all the precautions and safety measures Skydive Dubai has taken and will continue to take, by skydiving with us, you assume all responsibility to the risk of exposure to Covid-19," says the company on its website.

People who are feeling unwell or who have a persistent cough are asked to stay away from the centre.