In a breathtaking adventure that rapidly turned into a visual spectacle garnering millions of views, Dubai reaffirmed its status as a city that not only creates stunning scenes but redefines them as well. Belgian skydiver Magali Faulkner Brav recently made headlines with her daring ascent over Dubai, captivating hearts and imaginations alike. The extraordinary moment was shared by Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Skydive Dubai, showcasing a young woman in a flowing red dress swaying elegantly on a swing high above iconic Dubai landmarks, merging courage with artistry in an unforgettable display.
A Dream Come True in Dubai’s Skies
Magali Faulkner Brav described her experience as one that “transcends words.” For her, flying is “an indescribable feeling. It is absolute freedom. A moment where you cannot think of anything else. If you are flying with professionals, I tell you: do it. Do it. It is the best feeling you can have.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind this unprecedented idea, Magali remarked, “Honestly, this is every little girl’s dream: to swing over a beautiful city while wearing a dress. The Skydive Dubai team invited me to join the project, and I was incredibly proud to be part of it.” She was not merely a participant; she was involved in designing the dress herself, a challenge she relished. “I wanted to create something that embodies femininity and movement in the air, particularly in a sport and world predominantly characterized by masculinity. What we do remains a dangerous sport, and it is very hard to look elegant and graceful in the air during extreme activities. Therefore, I was truly grateful to be part of this project.”
Sheikh Hamdan’s Impact
As soon as Sheikh Hamdan posted the video, it spread like wildfire, achieving millions of views within hours. Magali recalled that moment, saying, “I still feel like my head is in the clouds! I can’t believe what happened because the scene was so beautiful. I had the opportunity to work with an incredibly professional team, see the results, and witness the footage in His Highness’s post… it’s beyond description.” Expressing her gratitude, she added, “I cannot find words to express my appreciation for the entire city of Dubai. It’s not just a project; it’s all about Dubai. I am very thankful to have been able to work with them and offer something special.”
Why Dubai is Unique
For Magali, choosing Dubai was no coincidence. “Dubai holds a very special place for me. Skydive Dubai is known for its professionalism, creativity, and ability to innovate. There is no other place in the world capable of executing a project of this high quality while adhering to all safety requirements.” She noted that celebrating the 15th anniversary of Skydive Dubai holds great significance for her, as she was present for its first jumps 15 years ago. “This means a lot to me… it’s beyond words.”
Emotions and Challenges
Magali opened up about the array of emotions she experienced while preparing for the adventure: “Of course, I felt excitement, fear, and focus. I was nervous. I tried to imagine everything that could go wrong and how to fix it quickly. All these factors are part of the adventure and the journey. Designing the dress itself was a real challenge.” Regarding her choice of red, she said, “The color red was chosen because it represents Skydive Dubai. It stands out in the sky and is easily visible. We tried various colors, but red was the most prominent; there couldn’t have been a better option.”
During her flight, Magali described an incredibly poignant moment: “It’s hard to describe this feeling because you are alone in the sky. You have one scene in front of you: the ocean and the Dubai skyline. You watch the sun rise and awaken this amazing city. Every second the light changes, and the reflections on the buildings shift.” She shared that when she finally landed, she cried. “It was such an emotional feeling: relief that everything went as planned, joy in our success, and exhaustion because it was very taxing on my arms and body. I am thankful for the entire team, as what happened was a collective effort.”
As she continued, Magali discussed the relationship between danger and art. “What looks beautiful on the ground can be incredibly technical in the sky. The fabric, the winds, the varying speeds… all these are challenges. Some parts were genuinely dangerous, but we always focused on safety first, even if it meant sacrificing appearance slightly.”
Looking ahead, after a remarkable 2025 where she shattered various records, Magali affirmed that the future is equally ambitious. “My mission is to show people that the dream of flight is available to everyone. In 2026, a new record in the UAE is planned with Skydive Dubai, and I will definitely be there.”
Behind this aerial achievement lies a supportive partnership between Magali and her husband, Steve Braff, who has been an unwavering presence in her skydiving journey. “He is why I am who I am today, as he introduced me to the world of skydiving. He has extensive experience in skydiving and BASE jumping and has been guiding me throughout my journey since I started this sport, always by my side.” Although he wasn’t on the swing with her, she felt his presence. “He was there for every flight. As soon as I landed, he was the first to greet me, evaluating my performance and suggesting improvements for next time.” Magali concluded: “It’s a team spirit. Yes, it’s a complete team.”
The video was not just a stunning moment but a visual message about Dubai’s soaring aspirations and about a woman who turned danger into art, using the sky as a stage for her dreams.