Zip of a lifetime
Adrenaline junkie David Rivers enjoys a flying visit to the UAE
I’m hurtling through the sky on the world’s longest zip line when the Jebel Jais mountain comes into view from a height of 6,345ft above sea level.
The clear blue sky decorating its peaks is so beautiful I’m amazed; this area feels like a secret of the United Arab Emirates.
Even at speeds of up to 93mph, I take a moment to marvel at the landscape of roads snaking up dusty mountainsides beneath me.
I swing my legs back on the ground after the 1.75-mile ride, savour the adrenaline and catch my breath as I watch more tourists flying in.
I’ve come to Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai’s sporty cousin, where temperatures reach 32C during my November stay.
It lies around a 45-minute drive north of the UK’s conventional winter hotspot.
But staggering views, adventure sports, hikes and a rich pearlfarming history await those prepared to make the journey.
There are some heavenly hotels to stay in too.
My base is the five-star DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. From my balcony I have views of its 711-yard private beach and large palm trees next to sparkling blue pools.
It looks so inviting I set my alarm for 6am to dive into the water for a cool sunrise swim the following day.
I see jet skis speeding into the distance, yoga stretches on the sand and tourists sipping drinks on sunloungers.
I even have to wring water from my eyes for a moment when I spot a man rising vertically on a Flyboard powered by jet packs.
There are 13 restaurants and bars here. Dining options range from Italian to Asian, with cool outdoor terraces overlooking the sand.
One of these is Meze, a recently opened restaurant serving up Lebanese and Turkish food with panoramic views of the Gulf.
A blissful spa facility makes day-long pampering a hefty temptation too.
But I’m keen to explore so I tuck
other side I hear sighs of relief from people grateful they didn’t pull out at the last minute, taking more selfies and admiring a final look at the views.
Close to the launch site is 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the country at 4,869ft above sea level. Its sleek design offers panoramic views from an outdoor terrace in the shade.
Tucking into a delicious bite of fish, I take a final look out before washing it down with a mocktail.
We end the day with the 1770 Camp experience, including a hike up Jebel Jais so photogenic I can barely put my camera down.
The trail of red soil lies just yards away from near-vertical drops, with the sun setting behind views so vast we’re told we can see Iran and Oman in the distance.
Under a spectacular moonlit sky at the top, our guide takes us through a sunset meditation as we breathe slowly in near silence. At this height temperatures can drop to around 10C, so we warm ourselves by a fire and tuck into traditional Emirati food, including chicken mandi with rice and delicious doughnuts laced in sticky syrup from dates proudly grown in the UAE.
On our final day we visit the Suwaidi Pearls farm. I can see pink flamingos in the distance as I make the short boat ride to the wooden island it sits on.
Our tour guide delves into the fascinating history of when divers risked their lives for pearls. Oysters lifted from the water are used for demonstration, as we focus on the gleaming pearls sitting in them.
Those interested in discovering more about the area’s history can find comprehensive details at the Ras Al Khaimah Museum and Al Jazirah Al Hamra site, described as the “last authentic and traditional town still standing in the UAE”.
I end my trip with a beef tagliata at the hotel’s Vespa restaurant. Raising a glass of red wine, I make a toast to this fabulous way of spending a long weekend in the winter sun.
My heart feels like it’s beating out of my chest as I whizz off on the zip line