Dubai Marina: Soar Above the Skyline!

Having conquered the longest zipline in the world, leaped from planes high above the earth, and glided gracefully from mountain peaks to picturesque towns, I found myself seeking yet another adrenaline rush. Despite its shorter length and height, I never anticipated that the Dubai Marina zipline would still evoke that heart-pounding excitement before the plunge. As my last day of the trip approached, I typically succumbed to laziness, but the allure of the famous Marina zipline beckoned. Despite having visited Dubai countless times before, I had yet to experience the thrill of soaring down the Marina, and I knew it was time to seize the opportunity.

Rushing to the Dubai Marina Mall after booking the zipline just an hour in advance, I arrived in time and hastily filled out the waiver form – a routine I'd grown accustomed to. The setting, a dimly lit room in the mall's car park, felt oddly clandestine, like the prelude to a kidnapping. But, of course, this was all in jest. Divided into two groups, my cohort was ushered through the maze-like depths of the mall towards the jump point. The ten-minute journey felt surreal, navigating lifts from basements, ascending staircases, and traversing dimly lit corridors. Doubts crept in: "Am I in the right place?" Yet, amidst the oddity, a sense of humour prevailed. As we ascended, exhaustion tugging at our limbs, we were offered a whimsical alternative – rather than retracing our steps, we could strap into a harness and zip down. How poetic... or perhaps ironic?

As we reached the summit, the preceding ten minutes faded into oblivion. The wind whipped against my face as I leaned over the balcony, greeted by a breathtaking panorama. Skyscrapers enveloped us, the Jumeirah Beach Residences sprawled below, and in the distance, the serene Palm Jumeirah floated atop the water. It dawned on me that this vantage point mirrored the aerial view I had glimpsed during my recent skydiving excursion just days before.

Bathed in sunlight, the scene set the stage for the perfect photo opportunity, prompting the middle-aged women and couples in our group to capture the moment. While solo traveling, I've come to accept that I'm not the most photogenic subject. Instead, I tend t offer to play photographer for the pairs and trios, ensuring no one was left out of the frame. Their gratitude is always vocal, often reciprocated with offers to return the favour.

Below, the Marina's waters shimmered, flanked by skyscrapers standing like sentinels, forming the formidable Dubai skyline. As the harness tightened around me, my heart kicked into overdrive. It's funny how fear can amplify the experience, adding an exhilarating edge. Watching the first pair get hooked up horizontally, I couldn't help but wonder, "Why do I do this to myself?" In just fifteen seconds, they were released, hurtling into the distance, screams trailing behind them. With my own harness secured and helmet in place, a professional photographer awaited to take my picture but it was difficult to smile as the next pairs took the plunge, their cries echoing in the air. Alone in my endeavour, I approached the edge, ready to embrace the challenge solo.
"Boss, if I fall, make sure it's into the water," I half-joked to my instructor, trying to mask my genuine concern. "Don't worry, boss, it's just water," he chuckled in response. But for me, I was being serious. Firstly, the water below seemed inviting, a refreshing prospect for a swim, and the idea of a water landing intrigued me. Except for the bridge towards the end, the entirety of our zipline journey was suspended over these tranquil waters.

"Next!", the instructor echoed.
"Shit, that's me," I muttered, realizing I was the last one left. They positioned me, fastened my harness, and in a matter of seconds, the pivotal metal piece supporting me was removed, leaving me suspended and my stomach plummeting.
"Oh my God. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," the words spilled out as I took in my surroundings, the reality sinking in.
"Three, two, one."
"OH MY GOD!"
I flew, I soared, I shouted, for about four exhilarating seconds before tranquility washed over me. I savored every moment thereafter—the panoramic view, the rush of wind, and the tantalizing possibility of a water landing below. Cute little boats and luxurious yachts lined the water's edge, adding to the picturesque scene.
Occasionally, a "wooo" escaped my lips, but mostly, I was awestruck by the serene descent. Weightless, hurtling down at nearly 50 mph, 170 meters above the water, I couldn't help but revel in the experience. And this time, at least, my crotch felt secure. As I glided, I waved enthusiastically to the spectators on the bridge, a childlike "Hello!" escaping me. In return, a family waved back, their smiles echoing my own joy. It wasn't until later, upon watching the video, that I realised just how much I resembled a gleeful kid, filled with unbridled enthusiasm on the zipline.