Woman Stands On Top Of Burj Khalifa In Incredible Ad For Emirates

Dubai-based airline Emirates has released an advert featuring a woman standing on the top of the Burj Khalifa that is so unbelievable, people online assumed it was fake.  

But it's all real.

Credits: Emirates

The viral commercial video shows a woman dressed as Emirates’ flight attendant shuffling placards with different messages about the services of the airline in Love Actually style.

After she shows the last placard, the camera zooms out and she is seen standing on top of the Burj Khalifa. And, after the dramatic visuals of the video awed netizens, many started questioning whether it is fake and done with special effects.

Credits: Emirates

Skydiver and stuntwoman Nicole Smith-Ludvik was dressed in the full Emirates uniform for the video, which she also shared on Instagram.

"This is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing and exciting stunts I've ever done. A big shout out to Emirates Airlines for your creative marketing idea! It was a pleasure being a part of the team," Smith-Ludvik captioned the post.

With this ad, the featured stuntwoman — Nicole Smith-Ludvik, a professional skydiving instructor — has joined only a handful of individuals who have stood at the 828-meter pinnacle of the world’s tallest building.

Others on the elite list include Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Hollywood legend Tom Cruise.

How the ad was filmed

The ad was the result of rigorous planning, training, testing and a strict safety protocol. At the pinnacle of the building, the main protagonist had a reduced circumference space of only 1.2 metres at 828 metres high to pull off the stunt.

“A casting call was put out to Emirates' very own cabin crew team and while there were some willing and capable candidates, a professional skydiving instructor was cast to ensure the highest levels of safety,” the airline said.

Credits: Emirates

Throughout filming and in preparation of the shoot, safety remained the main priority.

“A custom platform with an attached pole was built at the top for the protagonist to stand on. She was attached to the pole as well as two other different points directly to the pinnacle, through a hidden harness under the Emirates uniform.”

Credits: Emirates

Filming started at sunrise to catch the golden hour light. The team began their ascent to the pinnacle before sunrise. The climb took 1 hour and 15 minutes from level 160 of the Burj Khalifa.

They had to scale several tiers and ladders inside a tube to reach the top. The team was at the pinnacle for around five hours. A single drone was used to capture the footage in a continuous take to film the complete sequence.

Credits: Emirates

At 828 metres above ground, this marks one of the highest ads ever filmed and was conceptualised and directed by Emirates' in-house brand team with the help of Prime Productions AMG, based in Dubai.

Credits: Emirates

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We always look to challenge the norm and push boundaries at Emirates. We do it every day through our innovative services, our best in class product and, of course, through our advertising. The calm and confidence of the cabin crew you see in the ad is an embodiment of our frontline team, serving travellers and ensuring their safety.

“We're proud to be among a privileged few who have been allowed to film at the top of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar; and even prouder that we get to showcase our beautiful city, Dubai