World's largest parachuting championship opens today

DUBAI // There will be more than fireworks off the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence this weekend, as one of the world's largest parachuting competitions begins.

From 8am today, nearly 700 competitors in 65 teams from 41 countries will take part in the second Dubai International Parachuting Championship. Categories include formation jumping, judged from videos taken alongside the competing teams as they make shapes in the air. The judges will award marks for accuracy, speed and technique.

There is also accuracy landing, where jumpers have to land as close as they can to a spot on the Palm Jumeirah.

In the canopy piloting section, the skydivers will open their parachutes at 600 metres, then spin at high speed before steadying themselves just before landing.

An official opening ceremony at 8 o'clock tonight will include acrobats, live music and an air show.

The competition will run every day until January 16, with an awards ceremony on the 17th.

eharnan@thenational.ae