By Julia Saubier
DUBAI (CNN) — Dubai has added one of the world’s only urban zip lines to the ever-increasing list of superlative attractions to be enjoyed in the Persian Gulf city.
Beginning nearly 300 feet (90 meters) above the downtown area from a residential apartment, the zip line runs more than 1,800 feet (558 meters) long, ending at the top of the Dubai Mall rooftop.
The 40-second trip allows daring thrill-seekers to traverse Dubai at speeds of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) an hour from a unique vantage point.
The zip line’s first rider? Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The zip line overlooks the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and courses above the Dubai Mall Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain.
But while many onlookers marvel at the zip liners, only a select few can actually participate. XDubai, the attraction’s organizers, pick 30 people per week from a social media competition to participate in the invitation-only attraction.
The zip line will run until the end of the year, and more than 4,000 people are expected to take part, organizers say.
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