Cave voices become Ras Al Khaimah's top tourist attraction

The Al Jeer mountain here has become a hot tourist spot as thousands gather at its foot to try to hear the "strange voices" that emanate from a cave there.

Vendors of ice cream, sandwiches and mineral water have been doing brisk business as entire families brave the heat and humidity for a sight of the rumoured bird or beast that dwells in the cave.

Some claim that a national has actually shot at one of these creatures, but the elders insist that the sounds belong to neither bird or beast. On Thursday, three British animal experts visited the mountain to identify the "voices", but were unable to work because of the crowds.

Peter Wright, Manager of Animal Management Consultancy, said it was impossible to work amid such a crowd. The group would ideally like to spend some time alone on the mountain to be able to identify the sounds, he said.

He also warned people not to climb the mountain because it is rocky and extremely difficult and dangerous, particularly for those unequipped. He urged the authorities to prevent the crowds from climbing the mountain.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Saleh, the Amir of Al Jeer, said that everyone has been aware of the voices, but no one knows anything about their source. All explanations have been based on assumptions.