Climber Sasha DiGiulian scales the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Climber Sasha DiGiulian scales the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Climber Sasha DiGiulian scales the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Climber Sasha DiGiulian scales the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

New highs: Abu Dhabi's Clymb recognised with two Guinness World Records


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

If you're looking for something different to do in these last few weeks of summer, Clymb Abu Dhabi might be a good option.

The Yas Island attraction is celebrating being recognised with two Guinness World Records for the largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall.

Clymb Abu Dhabi opened on Yas Island in 2019. Courtesy Clymb Abu Dhabi
Clymb Abu Dhabi opened on Yas Island in 2019. Courtesy Clymb Abu Dhabi

Towering in at 42.16 metres, the climbing wall is the pinnacle of the purpose-built centre, which has five climbing areas in total. As well as the record-breaking summit, there's also a 20-metre advanced wall, a 10-metre intermediate wall, a six-metre beginner wall, and a bouldering area that spans 56 metres.

Beginner climbers that want to give it a go can book a 60-minute introductory session that includes instructor supervision, and access to what is known as The 3 Peaks route – the bouldering wall, beginner wall and intermediate climbing slope. All gear is included and is carefully sanitised after each use.

Gravity-defying thrills

For thrill seekers looking to defy gravity, the 10-metre-wide and 54.6-metre-high indoor skydiving wind tunnel is also the biggest of its type in the world.

Users wear a flying suit, safety goggles and a helmet then enter the chamber under the guidance of an instructor. Participants as young as three years old can try this flying experience and attempt to master some mid-air twists and turns.

And if you're more of a spectator fan, the complimentary viewing platforms are open at 30 per cent capacity for anyone to join and watch others tackle the tunnel or see the instructors show off their expert moves.

Official title holder

“As the title holders of the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel and world’s tallest indoor artificial climbing wall, we are able to provide customers with two unique, record-breaking experiences, unlike any they have witnessed before," said Bianca Sammut, general manager of Clymb Abu Dhabi.

Clymb Abu Dhabi is officially recognised by Guinness World Record. Courtesy Clymb Abu Dhabi
Clymb Abu Dhabi is officially recognised by Guinness World Record. Courtesy Clymb Abu Dhabi

To keep visitors safe during the coronavirus pandemic, Clymb has introduced new guidance. All bookings need to be made online, thermal scanners have been installed at entrances and face masks must be worn at all times – even when on the ropes.

While you're here
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Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

MATCH INFO

Day 1 at Mount Maunganui

England 241-4

Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28

New Zealand 

Yet to bat