The UAE's northernmost emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, is fast becoming the region’s outdoor adventure capital, offering plenty to do for all types of adventure seekers
From zip lining to hiking, rock climbing to nature watching, Ras Al Khaimah is an epicentre of adventure, offering a feast of thrills for all ages in the heart of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain.
Helping put the small emirate on the global map is the world’s longest zip-line of a massive 2.83 kilometres, the equivalent of 28 football pitches, where visitors can shoot head-first between the Hajar Mountains, 1,680 metres above sea level. With an average speed of 120 kilometres per hour and a top speed of 160 kilometres per hour, the Jebel Jais Flight is not for the faint-hearted.
For something a little less hair-raising, the Jais Sky Tour or the via ferrata, involving scrambling and zip lines, offer equally beautiful ways to fly through the mountainscape and get a bird’s eye view of this magical terrain.
The newest attraction at the Jais Adventure Park is the Jais Sledder, whizzing thrill-seekers along the rock face at 40 kilometres per hour swerving through glorious panoramas with views of the spectacular coastline.
The fully-controllable ride takes about eight minutes to cover 1,840 exhilarating metres of hairpin curves and undulating waves.
Guided hikes or self-guided trails offer the chance to explore Ras Al Khaimah's rocky landscape on foot, or for a more challenging adventure, cycling trails for amateurs and pros alike mean that the hills can become the perfect mountain-biking playground.
British survival expert, Bear Grylls, recently set up his latest camp in Jebel Jais, where he and his team teach visitors the art of extreme survival.
Visitors there can also try their hand at the obstacle maze, which has now become one of the most popular activities for all ages. Rope swings, swinging loops and wobbly bridges are among some of the challenges for participants who attempt to stay the course.
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