Red Bull cliff diving finals to be held in Dubai Marina this year

They jump from heights of 27 metres, reaching speeds of 85 km per hour, and they’re going to finish the competition off in Dubai.

After travelling around the world, Red Bull’s Cliff Diving World Series will hold its jaw-dropping final in Dubai this October.

The world’s best cliff divers will come to Dubai to jump off of the seven-storey Pier Seven building in Dubai Marina (pictured above). Gulp.

Here’s the competition in France last year:

As the event’s organisers explain, “The sport’s best athletes leap aesthetically from almost three times the Olympic height with no protection, except their concentration, skill and physical control.”

Again. Gulp.

The cliff diving tournament is in its eighth year, and runs from June to October, with competitions also running in Texas, Copenhagen, La Rochelle in France, Polignano a Mare in Italy, Pembrokeshire in Wales, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Shirahama in Japan. The dives will be from both natural wonders and manmade buildings – in rural and urban settings.

The final will be in Dubai on Friday October 28, and both the men’s and women’s champions will be crowned here.

“Spotlighting the sport’s cream of the crop, the Dubai Marina will provide the spectacular setting for the final showdown for the very first time,” say the organisers.

Reigning champion Gary Hunt of the UK is returning to the competition after a three-year absence, so is sure to be one to watch out for.

Here’s a look at some of the jaw dropping moments from the cliff diving competition’s last few editions: 

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– Photos: Red Bull Content Pool & Supplied