Jebel Jais zip line to open in December
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ras al khaimah — Experience the “next best thing to flying” as the world’s longest and highest zip line will officially open on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, in December this year.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced this at a Press conference held in Palm Jumeirah on Tuesday.
The Jebel Jais zip line in RAK has no moniker yet but it will be given an Arabic name and a ‘naming competition’ will be announced soon by the RAKTDA.
The exact length of the zip line is kept secret until the opening of the multi-million dirham project. However, it is set to break the current Guinness world record for longest zip line of 2,200 metres held by ‘The Monster’ in Puerto Rico. The RAKTDA has partnered with Toro Verde, the operator of ‘The Monster.’
Haitham Mattar, CEO of the RAKTDA, which develops RAK’s tourism infrastructure, said the unnamed zip line will be longer than 28 soccer fields in length.
When asked what kind of thrill people can experience trying the zip line, Mattar said: “This longest zip line is the next best thing to flying and, guess what, it’s very safe. I’ve tried The Monster myself.”
Mattar said the Jebel Jais zip line will propel the UAE’s most northern emirate into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cement Jebel Jais as the region’s leading active adventure tourism destination. Phase 1 Jebel Jais zip consists of two lines, allowing friends and family to take part in the flight together. Phase 2 and 3 of the project will open in April-May and December next year respectively.
The zip line is open to people of all ages who meet the minimum weight of 35kg and maximum weight of 150kg, and a minimum height of 120cm.
Showcase for eco-tourism
The RAK zip line will be a showcase for eco-tourism, using solar energy and locally-sourced natural materials ensuring visitors enjoy the natural experience in the emirate’s mountain landscape, according to the RAKTDA.
“The new zip line represents Ras Al Khaimah’s most significant tourism product opening since Al Marjan Island, our coral-shaped leisure tourism archipelago,” Mattar said.
Jorge Jorge, CEO of Toro Verde UAE, said: “Jebel Jais’ dramatic and beautiful landscape offers an iconic backdrop for what will be a bucket list experience for people all around the world. The mountains provide a strong and very challenging base for construction and through our experience and the expertise of our team, we are already making good progress.”
“On arrival at the Welcome Centre, which features a lounge, restaurant, lockers, equipment storage and offices, participants will be given a pre-briefing and then escorted to the launch platform and fitted with a special suit and equipment for this adventure,” said Ricardo Lizano, COO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah.