Ras Al Khaimah, also known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, is the ultimate destination for adventure seekers. With a wide range of exhilarating attractions, from the world’s longest zipline to survival courses by Bear Grylls and internationally renowned hiking experiences, Ras Al Khaimah has firmly established itself as a top choice for those seeking an epic adventure holiday. In this article, we will delve into the top reasons why you should pick Ras Al Khaimah for your next thrilling outdoor escapade.
The adventure tourism market is experiencing exponential growth, and Ras Al Khaimah has capitalized on this trend by transforming its highest peak, Jebel Jais, into a standalone tourism offering. The emphasis on sustainability ensures that these attractions provide guests with a chance to experience the breathtaking mountainous terrain without causing harm to the local ecosystem.
Jais Adventure Park is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s unparalleled experiences. It offers a unique and thrilling outdoor experience, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp takes it to another level. Guests have the opportunity to stay overnight in recycled and redesigned cabins nestled within the mountain. The camp offers exhilarating courses run by experts from the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, including lessons on wilderness survival, fire-making, navigation techniques, and more. Additionally, activities, like archery, rock climbing, abseiling, and a challenging ropes course suspended 10 meters above the ground, provide additional thrills.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Jais Flight at Jebel Jais awaits. This zipline spans an incredible 2.83km, equivalent to over 28 football fields, and lets adventurers soar at a height of 1,680 meters above sea level, reaching speeds of 120kph to 160kph. It’s an adventure of a lifetime that will leave you breathless and exhilarated. If you prefer a more scenic experience, the Jais Sky Tour is the perfect choice. This tour comprises six ziplines high above the grand cliffs and canyons of Jebel Jais, connected by nine platforms and a 15m-long sky bridge – the highest of its kind in the UAE.
Adjacent to the Jais Adventure Centre, visitors can enjoy the Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride. With speeds of up to 40kph, the ride takes you through the stunning slopes of Hajar Mountain, offering hairpin curves and undulating whirls over a distance of 1,840 meters. For a fully immersive mountain experience, visitors can stay at Camp 1770 – the highest campsite in the UAE, located 1,770 meters above sea level. The camp offers stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the Hajar Mountain range. Guests can partake in various programs, including a Wellness Camp, which features yoga on the peak, well-being talks around the bonfire, and sunset meditation.
Ras Al Khaimah boasts the most developed hiking trail network in the UAE, with 80km on Jebel Jais. The ‘HIGHLANDER’ hiking experience, organized by the only certified international hiking association, draws adventurers from around the world for a two- or three-day hike based on their experience and fitness levels. Aligned with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism leader, HIGHLANDER emphasizes preserving and protecting nature. The adventure challenge encourages participants to minimize their impact on the environment while enjoying the great outdoors and learning about ecology and sustainability.
In the near future, adventure enthusiasts can look forward to new sustainable attractions and lodges. Jais Wings, the region’s first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC, will allow participants to take flight from the top of Jebel Jais for an unforgettable paragliding adventure. Additionally, Saij, set to open in 2024, will offer 70 luxury lodges for a pure mountain retreat focusing on nature, mindfulness, and creativity. Basecamp Jais will provide affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts, while Jais Yard will feature a variety of food options, retail containers, and children’s play areas. Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais will offer the ultimate glamping experience with 30 sustainable accommodation units.
Ras Al Khaimah, with its diverse array of thrilling attractions, has firmly positioned itself as the adventure hub of the Middle East. Whether it’s soaring through the skies on a zipline, embarking on an internationally renowned hiking experience, or staying at a mountain campsite, this Emirate offers something for every adventure enthusiast. With its commitment to sustainability and future developments, Ras Al Khaimah promises to captivate the hearts of thrill-seekers worldwide for years to come.