(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Dubai, as we all know, is one of the world's greatest hubs for skydivers, ranging from screaming tourists to fulltime professionals.
But skydiving - understandably - isn't for everyone. After all, it involves jumping out of an aircraft! But thankfully, there is a good, air-conditioned alternative closer to the ground: with an indoor wind tunnel! For those who are interested: Dubai is home to the world's largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel. The tunnel, which is located at Inflight Dubai, is over 20 metres tall and five metres across, and is built around four electric-motor powered fans, which produce a total force of 2,000 horsepower, the equivalent to two Formula 1 cars. After a briefing on proper body position and hand signals, participants step into the tunnel and are blasted into the air by the full force of the fans. But with the supervisor's help, even novices are soon able to hover in place, move forward and backward, and turn to the sides. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of more seasoned flyers conducting complicated manoeuvres or practicing for freefall skydiving competitions. The best part of wind tunnel 'skydiving' is that almost anyone can do it. The extremely friendly staff at Inflight Dubai work with everyone from children and the elderly to professional skydivers practicing freefall formations. Just make sure you meet the criteria before you go. A smaller but equally thrilling alternative is the iFly facility in City Centre Mirdif which allows one to fly three metres in the air powered by two 400 horsepower fans, which can blast winds of up to 200kms per hour. No matter which option you choose, you can be rest assured that you'll be leaving the tunnel with a huge smile on your face. Just make sure to book ahead of time as in both locations you need a dedicated time slot to give the instructors time to work with you. Bernd Debusmann Jr. Originally from Mexico City, I've been in Dubai since January 2015. Before arriving in in the UAE I worked as a general news reporter in TV and print in Mexico City, NYC and Washington DC. I'm interested in defence issues, politics, technology, aviation and history. In my spare time i enjoy traveling and football - I'm a keen fan of Chelsea FC. I developed an interest in the Middle East traveling through Jordan and the West Bank. I have a BA in Political Science from Dickinson College in the USA and an MA in International Journalism from City University London.