DUBAI // Two record-breaking Base jumpers say they would love to repeat their spectacular leap in April from the top of the Burj Khalifa.
Known as the Soul Flyers, Frenchmen Fred Fugen and Vince Reffet’s jump from the building’s summit at 2,717 feet eclipsed the previous world record by 500 feet.
They say their Burj Khalifa feat was among their most challenging and worthwhile efforts, including their jump from Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps in May.
“It would be the dream of any Base jumper because it’s the world’s tallest building and it really gives you time to do your stunts,” said Fugen on Wednesday.
The duo are in Dubai for the Dubai International Parachuting Championship that began at Skydive Dubai on Wednesday. But they will not be competing in the championship, which ends on December 7.
“We had been planning the Burj jump for about three years, and thanks to the help of Sheikh Hamdan [bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai] and Skydive Dubai we were able to do it,” said Reffet. “If it was up to us we would jump it every day.
“If we could do another Burj jump we would probably do some more difficult stunts.”
The duo fell in love with the sport when they were children, thanks to their parents.
“Both our dads were skydiving instructors and we just naturally wanted to follow in their footsteps,” said Fugen. “We started off doing basic zone drops and progressed from there.”
The Frenchmen are already planning their next big jump.
“We have a number of ideas in mind but we’re keeping it a secret until we have things finalised,” Fugen said.
The feeling and thrill of Base jumping has no comparison, they said. “It’s a pure rush you get when you jump off the platform and there is nothing like it,” Fugen said.
nhanif@thenational.ae
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
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Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)
TV: Abu Dhabi Sports
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 3 (Kroos 4', Ramos 30', Marcelo 37')
Eibar 1 (Bigas 60')
RESULTS
Main card
Bantamweight 56.4kg: Mehdi Eljamari (MAR) beat Abrorbek Madiminbekov (UZB), Split points decision
Super heavyweight 94 kg: Adnan Mohammad (IRN) beat Mohammed Ajaraam (MAR), Split points decision
Lightweight 60kg: Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Faridoon Alik Zai (AFG), RSC round 3
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Taha Marrouni (MAR) beat Mahmood Amin (EGY), Unanimous points decision
Light welterweight 64.5kg: Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE), Unanimous points decision
Light heavyweight 81.4kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Haroun Baka (ALG), KO second round
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
