Adventure seekers worldwide have a new destination to set their sights on: the United Arab Emirates’ crown jewel of adventure tourism, Ras Al Khaimah. Known as the adventure capital of the Middle East, this vibrant emirate is redefining adventure tourism with its unparalleled array of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene mountain experiences.
With an estimated USD 1.009 trillion market by 2030, global adventure tourism is on an exponential trajectory, and Ras Al Khaimah is answering this upward trend with commendable gusto. The emirate’s crowning glory, Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, has been transformed into a standalone destination offering a multitude of thrilling escapades. In addition, its focus on sustainable tourism ensures adventurers can enjoy the breathtaking scenery without harming the local ecosystem. For more details, visit the official Ras Al Khaimah tourism website.
Jais Adventure Park, nestled in Jebel Jais, caters to all types of adventurers. The daring ones can test their mettle at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, where experts impart essential survival skills. Along with lessons on wilderness survival, the camp also challenges visitors with high-altitude activities like archery, rock climbing, abseiling, and a nerve-wracking ropes course.
For the fearless, a trip to Ras Al Khaimah is incomplete without experiencing Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline. With a span of over 28 football fields, it sends zipliners hurtling through the skies at 1,680 metres above sea level at a breathtaking 120kph to 160kph. Not to be outdone, the Jais Sky Tour offers a more leisurely, scenic ride across Jebel Jais’s grand cliffs and canyons.
But the thrill does not stop there. The Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride, serves up a heart-racing descent down the Hajar Mountain’s slopes at speeds up to 40kph. Meanwhile, Camp 1770 offers a tranquil retreat high above the mountainous terrain, where guests can enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine while taking in panoramic views of the Hajar Mountain range.
Ras Al Khaimah is also proud to host the ‘HIGHLANDER’ hiking experience, which has become a cornerstone of the emirate’s adventure offerings. This certified international hiking association curates a two- and three-day hike that explores the Emirate’s spectacular trails and rugged terrains. With a keen focus on sustainability, the HIGHLANDER promotes a deeper appreciation for nature and educates participants on the importance of conserving the environment.
Future developments hold even more promise for thrill-seekers. For instance, Jais Wings, the region’s first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC, will soon be launched. The Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, Basecamp Jais, and Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais are other intriguing ventures that will expand visitor accommodation and activity options.
Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to providing unforgettable and sustainable experiences is unrivalled, establishing it as a leader in adventure tourism. As the emirate continues to enhance its offerings, it will undoubtedly secure its position as a must-visit destination for adventure lovers globally. Book your adventure holiday to Ras Al Khaimah today for a taste of the action.
Written by: My Thanh Pham