My Exhilarating Indoor Skydiving Adventure in Dubai

Last month, I finally crossed off one of those bucket list experiences that had been calling to me for years – indoor skydiving in Dubai. As someone who's always been fascinated by the idea of flying but terrified of jumping out of an actual plane, this seemed like the perfect compromise between adventure and safety.

After researching my options, I decided to visit iFLY Dubai at City Centre Mirdif, located on the third floor of the Play Nation area. The facility boasts being the world's first double skydiving simulator, and I was immediately impressed by its modern setup and professional atmosphere.

The Experience Begins

Upon arrival, I was greeted by incredibly friendly staff who walked me through the entire process. The experience started with a comprehensive 20-minute training session where our instructor explained body positioning, hand signals, and safety protocols. Despite my initial nervousness, the instructor's enthusiasm and clear explanations put me at ease.

I opted for the Standard Package priced at AED 179, which included two flights, all necessary gear (flight suit, helmet, goggles, and even disposable socks), and one-on-one instruction throughout the session. For UAE residents, there's actually a special rate of AED 175 instead of the regular AED 220, which is a nice bonus if you're a local.

Taking Flight

The moment I stepped into that 10-meter-tall vertical wind tunnel, my heart was racing with excitement. The powerful fans create wind speeds of up to 200 km/h, instantly lifting you off the ground. The sensation is absolutely incredible – it truly feels like you're flying!

What surprised me most was how much longer the experience felt compared to what I expected. Each flight lasted about a minute, but it felt much longer due to the intensity of the experience. Our instructor later explained that this actually gives you more freefall time than a traditional skydive, which typically lasts only 45-50 seconds after jumping from a plane.

The instructor stayed with me throughout both flights, guiding my body position and even taking me higher up in the tunnel during the second flight. The rush of being lifted several meters into the air and then gently brought back down was simply exhilarating.

Location and Accessibility

iFLY Dubai is conveniently located at City Centre Mirdif on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The facility operates Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Getting there is straightforward – the nearest metro station is Rashidiya, and RTA Bus F10 connects to the mall.

Cost Breakdown

The pricing is quite reasonable considering the unique experience. Here's what you can expect:

• First-time Standard Package: AED 179 (includes 2 flights, training, gear, and instruction)

• UAE Resident Rate: AED 175 (with valid Emirates ID)

• Extended packages: Range from AED 269 for 4-5 minute flights up to AED 2,250 for experienced flyers

Additional costs include professional photos and videos of your experience, which I highly recommend – you'll want to capture this moment!

My Recommendation

Would I recommend indoor skydiving in Dubai to others? Absolutely, 10/10!

This experience is perfect for anyone aged 3 to 103, making it an ideal family activity. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone like me who prefers controlled thrills, the professional instructors ensure you feel safe throughout the entire experience.

The facility maintains excellent safety standards, and the staff's expertise is evident in how they adapt to each participant's comfort level. I watched children as young as four enjoying their flights, and seniors having just as much fun – it truly is accessible to everyone.

If you're considering trying indoor skydiving in Dubai, don't hesitate. It's an unforgettable experience that gives you the closest sensation to actual skydiving without the extreme heights. The rush of defying gravity in a controlled environment is something I'll never forget, and I'm already planning my return visit to try some of the more advanced packages.

For anyone visiting Dubai or living here, this is definitely a must-try adventure that will leave you grinning from ear to ear and craving more airtime!