Wingsuit skydivers blast through world’s tallest hotel at 124mph in Dubai stunt
Emma Strandberg
- Published
- Business Travel, News

A coordinated wingsuit display above Dubai Marina marked the opening of Ciel Dubai Marina, described as the world’s tallest hotel, as athletes flew around and through the 82-storey tower in a stunt staged with XDubai and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Skydivers have flown straight through the open core of the world’s tallest hotel, diving past its glass façade hundreds of metres above Dubai Marina in a stunt to mark the building’s opening.
The display took place at Ciel Dubai Marina, a 377-metre, 82-storey tower described as the tallest hotel in the world.
Five athletes from XDubai jumped from an aircraft and angled towards the building at speeds of more than 124mph, vapour trails visible behind them as they descended.
As they approached the tower, the team split formation. One flyer passed directly over the top of the structure, two tracked along its right and left sides, and the lead athlete flew through the hotel’s central architectural opening, known as the “Eye of the Needle”, before rejoining the group mid-air.

Footage released by the hotel on January 26 shows the team climbing back into formation before deploying their parachutes and landing safely on the ground.
Monday’s aerial display was organised in partnership with XDubai and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to mark the hotel’s debut on the skyline.
Aida Al Busaidy, Associate Vice President of Consumer Advocacy and Social Media at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the opening reflected Dubai’s ambition to push the boundaries of its hospitality sector and skyline.
Ciel Dubai Marina, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection and managed by The First Group Hospitality, contains 1,004 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.
The property rises above one of the city’s busiest waterfront districts, within easy reach of JBR Beach, Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai.
Facilities include three outdoor pools, among them the Tattu Sky Pool on the 76th floor, described as one of the world’s highest rooftop infinity pools. A modern gym, executive lounge, children’s splash facilities and a spa scheduled to open in 2026 form part of the hotel’s leisure offer.

Eight dining venues are planned across the building, spanning Asian, Mediterranean and café concepts, alongside outdoor terraces and panoramic dining spaces designed to make use of the tower’s height and views.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard rooms with city and marina views to high-floor suites offering separate living areas and access to an executive lounge. Suites include options with sea views, walk-in showers and dedicated lounge access.
READ MORE: ‘Marriott strengthens South African portfolio with new Autograph Collection hotel in Cape Town’.Marriott’s Autograph Collection has entered the Cape Town market with a new 90-room hotel in Camps Bay, signalling continued confidence in the city’s hospitality and real estate sectors.
Do you have news to share or expertise to contribute? The European welcomes insights from business leaders and sector specialists. Get in touch with our editorial team to find out more.
Images: Ciel Dubai
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