Saudi Arabia has recently become an ideal destination for lovers of adventure tourism in all its forms. due to the diversity of its geography and the richness of its nature. One of the activities that attract Saudi youth and visitors to the Kingdom is parachuting from an airplane. or what is known as “skydiving,” which is considered an activity for the strong-hearted and aviation enthusiasts. It is also seen as a sport that deserves to be put on the dream schedule. to be practiced at least once in one’s life.

Jumping comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes it’s jumping from the top of a mountain. or by jumping from a small plane accompanied by specialized instructors who have certificates and licenses from official authorities. The sport is divided into three levels. The first level is called “Legend”. Extreme. and Tropical. These levels vary according to the ability and experience of the person jumping. As for the cost, it ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 riyals for one jump with an instructor. But if you are looking for a full experience, the experience may cost around 10,000 riyals. It includes training, all equipment, and jumping 7 times.

Where to go skydiving in Saudi Arabia

There are many places in the Kingdom that offer skydiving. in Riyadh and Medina, but Jeddah is considered one of the most beautiful spots to practice this sport due to the beautiful views you can see while jumping,” says Abdulmajid Ghazi, executive director of the Saudi Adventure Sports Federation and a champion skydiver. ” King Abdulmajid Ghazi, executive director of the Saudi Adventure Sports Federation and one of Saudi Arabia ‘s skydiving champions, says: ” King Abdullah Economic City KAEC is one of the most beautiful places to practice this sport,” he said. “This sport is very popular in Saudi Arabia and there are those who do it as a hobby, but others take it seriously and after intensive training and 25 jumps turn into a professional adventurer.”

When it comes to training venues and licenses. Those who wish to try skydiving should contact the Saudi Federation for Adventure Sports, whose executive director says: “All jumps are done through events announced by the federation through its official website , often in the winter season, namely February and March. All jumps are done through events announced by the federation through its official website, often in the winter season, specifically in February and March, and there are currently no independent centers for skydiving, but the federation seeks to establish centers and clubs in this regard next year.”

Who is allowed to skydive

According to Mr. Ghazi:” The normal jump is at an altitude between 3,600 and 4,000 meters.” The duration of the free jump varies between 45 and 50 seconds when jumping, depending on the weight and method of jumping, and after the parachute opens, the period between fun and play is between 3 and 5 minutes.Jumping from this height may seem scary, but the risk is very low, and this is documented by the figures that indicate the low rate of accidents, but Mr. Ghazi stressed the importance of “the adventurer’s commitment to the instructions of the instructor when jumping and landing, and the sport is available to everyone who can run easily, but it may be difficult for those who suffer from high blood pressure and advanced heart disease.”

What’s remarkable about the sport is that it attracts not only men but also women. The Federation celebrated the graduation of a batch of women during the third camp organized by the Federation in King Abdullah Economic City. Razan Al-Ghofaily, Alaa Zafer, and Maram Al-Eid, who posts her activities as a skydiving instructor, hockey player, and skier on her Instagram page. where you can book training sessions with her.

Maram says : “This sport is more than wonderful because it gives you the feeling of flying, contrary to what some people think that it may make you feel like falling,” she said. “The period of being in the plane until you jump out is the period that may make you feel anxious and maybe afraid, but soon your turn comes to jump and then you feel another world and complete comfort, and you will enjoy the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes from a high altitude,” she added.

Jumping techniques

There are several techniques used in this sport. including the rope that connects the parachute to the airplane. jumping with an instructor. This experience is suitable for anyone who is a beginner. and free fall. in which the adventurer is completely separated from the airplane. It is noteworthy that the equipment used in this sport varies according to the height of the jump that the adventurer chooses The equipment depends on the presence of 2 parachutes, one of which is used, while the second is used as a backup. There are two types of skydiving. The first is done with an instructor. They jump together after being tied to a single rope. The second type allows the adventurer to jump alone. The instructors accompany him by jumping alone, but they stay next to him to give him a sense of safety.

Preparing for the jump

It is recommended not to eat large meals before doing this adventure, the adventurer may feel a kind of nausea not because of the jump but because of the anxiety that accompanies him before the jump, especially if it is the first time, and it is very important to breathe correctly because jumping between 8,000 and 18,000 feet will force your body to adapt to the difference in altitude, as the higher you go, the less oxygen you get, which causes rapid heartbeats. Abdullah Kurdi, who did this experience in Saudi Arabia, says that the feeling is indescribable, and the most beautiful is to see the Saudi cities from above, and the opportunity to take photographs with the help of the instructor, and Kurdi continued: “The feeling of nausea and vomiting. The feeling of nausea and vomiting that happens to some adventurers, but not all of them, is while you are in the airplane and not during the jump, once you jump you will feel really great.”