Mountain Escapades
Home to the tallest mountain in the UAE – Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah offers a mountain experience like no other. Zip through the picturesque landscape or take the Via Ferrata, your next emirate spot to satisfy the adrenaline rush.
The spectacular Al Hajar Mountains in the eastern part of Ras Al Khaimah were formed over 70 million years ago and stand nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. The emirate boasts of an array of archaeological sites and breathtaking natural vistas, from golden sandy beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates which stands at 1900 meters. Jebel Jais’ dramatic and beautiful landscape offers an iconic backdrop which can only be categorised as a bucket list experience for travellers around the world. This peak is a key attraction in Ras Al Khaimah, ideal for active adventurers and visitors looking for unparalleled views of the Persian Gulf. The rugged terrain plays host to extreme climbing, hiking, driving and trekking enthusiasts. The Via Ferrata or the ‘iron path’ is a protected mountain-climbing method spanning the rocky facades of Jebel Jais. Ras Al Khaimah’s 470m-long Via Ferrata is unique to the region as it comprises three individual start and finish points, as well as three zip lines measuring 50m, 60m and 300m. Professional instructors guide travellers along the route. Via Ferrata offers a steel cable which runs along the route and is periodically fixed to the rock. Using a kit, climbers can secure themselves to the cable which could also be used as an aid to climbing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The standard and easiest course, the Ledge Walk, allows a group of up to eight climbers and takes around four hours to complete. It starts with a gentle climb through sedimentary rocks, goes into a vertical stretch which leads to the 50m zip line. A gradual slope then leads to the 60m zip line before another path leads to 300m zip line for the journey back to the middle section. From here, the return to the wadi is about 225m long. The middle, technical route–the Middle Path–takes around three-and-a-half hours and comprises three vertical sections and a horizontal traverse. It rises 60m from the wadi bed to join the Ledge Walk before the first zip line. After completing the Middle Path, climbers continue on the standard route including the three zip lines and a walk out. The higher, vertical route–Julphar Scare–takes around one-and-a-half hour. This is the most direct route to the long zip line. It is a 120m ascent using ladders through five different vertical sections with adjoining horizontal sections.
ZIP THE WORLD’S LONGEST LINE
Soon, Ras Al Khaimah will be home to the world’s longest and highest zip line, to be built at 1,800m, opening within the heart of Jebel Jais. The exact length of the zip line remains a closely-guarded secret until the multi-million dollar adventure tourism product’s opening this December. This zip line experience will consist of two lines, allowing friends and family to take part in the flight together. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has partnered with the world’s leading zip line operator, Toro Verde, to develop the emirate’s flagship active adventure tourism product. “In its first phase of operations, the zip line will be able to accommodate 250 people a day, that’s 100,000 in a year. Nothing like this exists in the world – let alone this region – it is a true first for Ras Al Khaimah and adds another amazing attraction to the UAE’s diverse tourism portfolio,” says Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.