Sam Sunderland x Red Bull/ Racing to the tallest building in the World

When Red Bull challenged Sam Sunderland, Dakar champion and world-renowned rally rider, to race through the heart of Dubai all the way to the top of the Burj Khalifa, it wasn’t just a symbolic feat. It was a meticulously planned, multi-disciplinary stunt—culminating in a moment few humans have ever experienced: standing at the very tip of the tallest building on Earth.

Prime Productions was behind the safety planning, access coordination, and high-altitude consulting that made this extraordinary stunt possible.

From Desert Dust to Sky-High Steel

The journey begins in Dubai’s deserts. Sam rides at full throttle through remote terrain, into the city, weaving through skyscrapers and highways, with a final goal: to ascend 828 meters above ground and climb to the literal needle point of the Burj Khalifa.

This was not just a race—it was a symbol of human ambition, and a project that demanded extreme precision in safety and execution.

Sam Sunderland racing to the tallest building in the world

Prime's Role Behind the Scenes

• High-Altitude Safety Protocols:Accessing the top of the Burj Khalifa—particularly its narrow spire—is not a tourist attraction. It involves confined space protocols, rope access, and high-wind risk management. Our team designed a full rigging and harness solution to safely secure Sam atop the pinnacle.

• Structural Access Coordination:We worked with Emaar’s facilities and engineering teams to navigate the tower’s internal access pathways—some of which are tighter than industrial lift shafts and require precise timing and permission.

• Wind & Weather Analysis:The top of the Burj is highly susceptible to sudden gusts and vortex effects. We conducted multiple high-elevation wind checks and coordinated with local aviation authorities to ensure the climb and shoot window were safe and stable.

• Psychological Preparation & Performance Coaching:Even for an elite athlete, standing unprotected at the top of the Burj Khalifa—with the entire city beneath you—requires mental discipline. We provided pre-rigging rehearsals, altitude acclimatization planning, and personal coaching to prepare Sam for the moment.

A Pinnacle Moment, Literally and Figuratively

This wasn’t about speed. It was about pushing limits—from the natural terrain of the UAE to the heights of modern engineering. And for Prime, it was about ensuring every layer of risk was measured, managed, and invisible to the viewer.

“Projects like this aren’t just about courage. They’re about planning—every bolt, every breath, every gust of wind. Our job is to make the impossible possible… safely.”— Alan Gayton, Stunts & Safety Director, Prime Productions AMG

Sam Sunderland’s climb to the top of the Burj is a symbol of precision, bravery, and elite execution. At Prime, we are proud to bring our expertise in high-risk environments to projects that inspire the world.

Sam Sunderland racing to the tallest building in the world