Clymb Abu Dhabi is all set to open doors to the public on Friday, November 29 - right in time for the long National Day weekend. And adventure enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to be pumped.
The unique, geometrically designed building is easily accessible through Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Its design is inspired by "the mountains of the UAE", Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, chief executive of developer Miral, tells The National. Inside, the white, geometrical theme continues, giving it a futuristic look and feel.
Clymb Dubai is home to five climbing walls, with The Summyt holding pride of place as the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Set at 43 metres, this one is best for professionals and advanced climbers, and features the colours of the UAE flag.
At the media preview, professional US rock climber Sasha DiGiulian, who flew to the UAE for the occasion, scaled the wall as a demonstration. “I think the wall is incredible,” she says. “Its unique feature is its height. It’s similar to something you only find outdoors.”
There are four other climbing walls suitable for beginners as young as four years old. Prices start from Dh95.
Clymb is also home to the world’s tallest and widest indoor flight chamber, which is 9.7 metres wide and 32 metres high. "I think we will really change the rules of the game with this," says Al Zaabi, who has tried the skydiving chamber himself. "In narrow air tunnels, you can feel locked; there may not be enough room to manoeuvre. But with Clymb's indoor chamber, there's plenty of room to move up and down. It makes a big difference."
Demonstrating its gravity-defying capabilities at the media preview was Felix Baumgartner, famously known as Fearless Felix for his feat of jumping to Earth from a helium balloon from the stratosphere in 2012. Meanwhile skydiving professionals Kyra Poh from Singapore and Maja Kuczynska from Poland stunned the audience with a perfectly synchronised mid-air set.
Another demonstration was made by Glen Mills, 85, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 50 years ago. Clearly, then, age is no bar - and the indoor flight chamber is open to those as young as three years old.
There’s no need to fret over lack of experience, either; beginners will be given safety instructions by a flight instructor as well as appropriate gear (a pair of goggles, a flying suit, helmet and shoes). Prices start from Dh215.
Not feeling like you’re up for the activities yet? Spectators can also enter the building and watch the climbers and flyers for free.
Clymb is the latest attraction to come to Abu Dhabi's Yas Island. "We had a clear vision of what we wanted Yas Island to be - a family entertainment destination - and I think we are in the right direction," says Al Zaabi.
Watch out for
For those wanting to take home more than just memories, photo and video footage as well as T-shirts, caps and water tumblers with Clymb branding are available at the retail outlet.
Meanwhile, there are food and beverage options for guests who work up an appetite. Base Camp Bites has a backdrop overlooking the Summyt, while Altitude Café overlooks the indoor skydiving flight chamber; talk about dining with a view.
Getting there
The futuristic-looking building is located on Yas Island, and is connected to Yas Mall. Parking is available within the mall. Clymb Abu Dhabi will be open from 12pm to 5pm daily. For more information, visit www.clymbabudhabi.com
