PARACHUTING AEROBATICS TO ENTERTAIN VISITORS TO SHINDAGHA HERITAGE SITES DURING EID BREAK

Daily displays of parachuting aerobatics will be performed in the skies above the Shindagha heritage sites to regale visitors starting from the first day of Eid till the 21st of December according to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) that is organizing the festivities.

"Parachuting aerobatics is thrilling to watch with the skydiver accelerating up to about 115-130MPH straight down and then opening his canopy and maneuvering it through the air creating shapes in the sky with cans of colored aerosol painting the skies in the colors of the UAE flag," said DTCM Manager Heritage Sites and Events, Awadh Al Seghayer.

He noted that the event attracted large crowds of people last year, especially children who froze in their tracks as they saw men leap out from the helicopter and free fall through the air.

"Parachuting aerobatics is easily one of the most exciting sporting activity that appeals to the spectator as it does to the parachutist.

The combination of extraordinary sensations of flight, speed and precision landing make for a great spectacle," Mr. Seghayer emphasized.

Typically there are two types of parachutes. Firstly there is the conventional round canopy while the other one is the advanced rectangular parachute that is highly maneuverable and allows a soft stand-up landing. The parachutists from the UAE Air force who will be performing the stunts at the Heritage Village are using the latter type of parachutes.

Mr. Seghayer noted that the rectangular-shaped canopy itself resembles the UAE national flag. "The aerodynamics of the rectangular canopy provide it with exceptional maneuverability, allowing the jumpers to land in a pre-determined spot which happens to be the Heritage Village."

Parachute jumping is an established recreational activity and sport in Dubai. Many enthusiasts take an active interest in the sport. Visitors can view the parachute displays daily at the Heritage Village from 4.00 PM onwards during the Eid break.