For most people, standing on the observation deck of a skyscraper is thrilling enough. But for Adam Lockwood, a fearless free climber from Manchester, even the highest legal vantage points aren’t enough. His passion lies in something much more extreme—scaling some of the tallest structures in the world without safety equipment.
His latest heart-stopping stunt, however, came with an unexpected twist. As he ascended one of the tallest cranes in Dubai, he soon realized it was covered in grease, turning an already death-defying feat into something even more treacherous.
A Climber Known for Pushing Boundaries
Lockwood, known for his daring urban climbs, has built a reputation as one of the boldest free climbers on the planet. With more than 15,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel, Nuisance, he regularly shares his nail-biting adventures, showcasing climbs that would send shivers down most people’s spines.
His latest viral video, titled “Hanging off the tallest crane in Dubai (390m) after getting caught”, captures his unbelievable ascent—and the unforeseen danger that nearly ended his climb in disaster.
A Security Encounter and a Clever Escape
Unlike many of his previous climbs, Lockwood faced an immediate obstacle before even reaching the tower—security guards.
His target? A massive construction crane atop the Il Primo residential skyscraper, an imposing 77-story building located near the world-famous Burj Khalifa.
As he approached, security blocked his path, demanding to know why he was there. But thinking quickly, Lockwood used a simple yet effective trick—Google Translate.
“He showed me the stairs, watched me walk down a floor, and left. I changed to the opposite stairwell and carried on going up—my bluff worked,” Lockwood recalled.
However, this was just the beginning. The building was still under construction, meaning there were workers on nearly every floor. Navigating his way up meant constantly switching stairwells, slipping past unsuspecting workers, and avoiding any unwanted attention.
It took him a grueling two hours to reach the top. But once he did, a new problem emerged—his GoPro battery was nearly dead, leaving him with only a few minutes to capture his breathtaking climb.
A Climb Unlike Any Other
As he stepped onto the crane, high above the bustling streets of Dubai, Lockwood did what he does best—performed seemingly impossible stunts at a height most wouldn’t even dream of.
He hung by one hand, let his legs dangle freely, and maneuvered his body with precision, showcasing his immense strength and control. But just when he thought he had mastered his environment, something caught him completely off guard.
At first, he assumed the crane’s metal bars were covered in dust from the surrounding desert. However, he quickly realized the truth was far more dangerous—the entire structure was coated in grease.
An Unexpected Danger That Nearly Cost Him His Life
The grease made every movement a calculated risk. His hands slipped, his feet struggled for grip, and every motion required extra precision to avoid a fatal mistake.
One wrong move, and there would be no second chance.
Despite the life-threatening conditions, Lockwood remained remarkably calm.
“Hanging off things doesn’t feel like much. It feels surreal to be suspended that high with no safety. But, like all my other hangs, my brain is blank, my heartbeat doesn’t go up, and it feels almost peaceful.”
For most, the very idea of being hundreds of meters above the ground with no harness would send them into sheer panic. But for Lockwood, this was just another day at the office—though with an unexpected challenge that made it one of his most intense climbs yet.
A Dangerous Descent and a Narrow Escape
Getting to the top was only half the battle—getting back down safely was an entirely different challenge.
Descending the greasy crane was just as risky as the climb. One misstep could have sent him plummeting 390 meters to his death. But his years of experience in free climbing helped him keep his composure, allowing him to make his way down without incident.
Once back inside the building, Lockwood had to blend in with construction workers to make his exit. He grabbed a hard hat, walked confidently through the site, and managed to slip away unnoticed.
Reflecting on His Wildest Climb Yet
After completing the daring feat, Lockwood took a day to recover from the exhaustion. But once he had a chance to review the footage, he knew this climb was something special.
“When I first looked at the footage, I was thinking to myself, ‘This is it—this is the most incredible thing I’ve done.’”
His Dubai climb wasn’t just about height or danger—it was about pushing himself beyond limits, proving that he could conquer even the most unexpected challenges.
“The fact I hung off the tallest crane in Dubai, right on the doorstep of the world’s tallest building, is something truly special. I feel like it was definitely worth the risk and legal consequences if I was caught.”
Why He Keeps Taking These Risks
While many people question why he takes such extreme risks, for Lockwood, it’s not about seeking fame—it’s about testing his abilities in ways most people never could.
“It’s something I know I can do, and that 99% of the world can’t and never will do. I feel obliged to use my ability—and I genuinely enjoy doing it in the process.”
His adrenaline-fueled lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But for those who crave high-stakes adventure, his climbs are nothing short of jaw-dropping spectacles.
The Legacy of a Modern Daredevil
Adam Lockwood is part of a new generation of extreme adventurers who push the boundaries of human capability. His climbs capture the imagination of those who dream of defying gravity—but they also serve as a stark reminder of how risky urban climbing can be.
One wrong step, one miscalculation, and there’s no coming back.
But for Lockwood, the reward outweighs the risk. He thrives on the challenge, the adrenaline, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from doing what almost no one else on Earth would dare attempt.
And as long as there are skyscrapers, cranes, and towers waiting to be conquered, Adam Lockwood will continue to seek new heights, pushing himself to dare the impossible.