DUBAI // A fortnight of extreme base jumping from Dubai’s tallest residential tower is drawing to a close.
Dream Jump Dubai, the first event of its kind in the region, has been taking place at Princess Tower in Dubai Marina.
Organised by Skydive Dubai, it introduced adrenalin junkies to the latest rope jumping system that allows a person to safely experience free falling.
The event saw the use of numerous zip lines utilising over 10 kilometres of rope as well as the construction of an eight metre long jump platform suspended 400 meters high. More than 600 dream and base jumps took place over the course of the two weeks.
“I have base jumped in many countries but to have such an exciting event in Dubai is a dream come true,” said Nasser Al Neyadi, chairman of Skydive Dubai.
People living in the tower were entertained during the event as people flew past their windows, said resident Saud Al Anazi. “It is an exciting spectacle to wake up in the morning and see people free fall past your balcony.”
Mr Al Neyadi said Skydive Dubai plans to run the event once again next year.
Last year, two French base jumpers broke the Guinness World Record for the highest jump from a building after leaping off the Burj Khalifa.
Vince Reffet and Fred Fugen plunged from a platform made especially for the jump at the top of the 828-metre tower.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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MATCH INFO
Norwich City 1 (Cantwell 75') Manchester United 2 (Aghalo 51' 118') After extra time.
Man of the match Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
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