Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold8 with spectacular skydiving stunt over Dubai
Foldable flagship takes centre stage above Palm Jumeirah
DUBAI – Samsung Gulf Electronics has celebrated the regional arrival of its latest foldable smartphone with a spectacular aerial display above Dubai, where a team of 20 professional skydivers recreated the shape of the new Galaxy Z Fold8 thousands of feet above the city's skyline.
The activation, held in collaboration with Skydive Dubai, transformed the skies over Palm Jumeirah into a dramatic stage for Samsung's newest flagship device.
The event followed the global unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold8 during Galaxy Unpacked in London last week.
Sky display
Professional skydivers exited an aircraft over Dubai before carefully manoeuvring into formation during freefall to mirror the distinctive new shape of the Galaxy Z Fold8. The precision stunt highlighted Samsung's latest foldable design while creating one of the company's most ambitious regional launch celebrations.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung's lightest Galaxy Z Fold device to date, weighing just 201g. The smartphone introduces a redesigned form factor featuring a 10:16 cover screen for everyday use and a larger 4:3 main display that unfolds into an expansive viewing area designed for reading, gaming and multimedia experiences. Its compact design also allowed it to fit neatly into a flight suit pocket during the aerial demonstration.
Wearable precision
Each member of the skydiving team wore either the new Galaxy Watch Ultra2 or Galaxy Watch9 to coordinate the complex jump. The smartwatches helped synchronise timing and positioning with split-second accuracy as the formation came together in mid-air.
Samsung said the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is designed for demanding environments, featuring an IP69K rating, a titanium body and sapphire crystal display for added durability. The smartwatch also includes a 5,000-nit display, providing clear visibility even during high-speed skydiving conditions.
Behind the scenes
The entire project was documented through a cinematic hero film and behind-the-scenes footage capturing every stage of the activation. The production followed the participants from their first introduction to the Galaxy Z Fold8 through rehearsals, final preparations, boarding the aircraft and the adrenaline-filled jump over Dubai.
UAE XDubai athlete, skydiver and jetsuit pilot Ahmed Al Shehhi also participated in the activation. He documented the journey from the ground to the skies before following the formation out of the aircraft during the final jump, capturing videos with the Galaxy Z Fold8 while witnessing the formation from a unique aerial perspective.
Focus on innovation
Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said the Galaxy Z Fold8 reflects Samsung's approach to innovation by introducing a new shape designed around the way people use technology today.
According to the company, the smartphone builds on seven generations of Samsung's foldable innovation, offering a refreshed form factor developed to support the way users consume, create and experience digital content. Samsung said the Dubai activation was among its first major regional celebrations following Galaxy Unpacked, bringing the Galaxy Z Fold8's design to life above one of the world's most recognised skydiving destinations at Palm Jumeirah.