Dubai: Jumping out of a plane once from 39,624 metres was not enough for Emirati daredevil Abdullah Al Khattal — who said that skydiving 67 times is the craziest thing he’s done this year.
The 24-year-old university student was among the residents who told Gulf News about their craziest highlights of the year.
“I decided to skydive because I was scared of heights; In fact I had a slight phobia. Jumping for the first time was terrifying but I just did it and immediately fell in love with the activity,” he said.
Al Khattal now holds a skydiving licence after completing the required training and 25 jumps, which cost him Dh15,000. He said he skydives at least five times every weekend and has so far jumped a total of 67 times.
“I love skydiving because I feel like I am living the moment, I don’t think about the past or future. For this reason I am hoping to start base jumping in 2014, which involves jumping from buildings and tunnels.”
“I am not scared for my life, on the contrary it makes me feel alive,” Al Khattal said.
Simar Singh, a 22-year-old Indian, said that living it up in Las Vegas was his craziest highlight of the year.
“I am currently pursing my masters in the US so taking time out for fun in Las Vegas was a huge deal for me. The craziest thing I did during my trip was lose $200 (Dh734) in a Vegas casino,” he said.
Test limits
Despite this Singh said he had the time of his life during his vacation.
“In 2014 I hope that I will get the chance to travel around the world. Hopefully, I will be able to do this after completing my masters.”
Anish Joseph Thekkanath, also an Indian, 28, stepped out of his comfort zone and bungee jumped during a business trip to Italy.
“I was screaming throughout the whole jump. I was really scared but I do not regret testing my limits because it motivated me to think about pursing a scuba-diving licence in 2014,” he said.
British national Megan Flemming, 30 said that finally getting pregnant and fulfilling her dream of becoming a mother was the highlight of her year.
“I am six months pregnant, I am due in March and I am so excited for the baby to finally be here. The year 2014 is going to be a great one, I can’t wait to take the little one out.”
