Ras Al Khaimah: The world’s “longest and highest zip line” of more than 28 football fields in length will officially open on the UAE’s highest peak of Jebel Jais in December, said Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on Tuesday.
The authority wouldn’t give the precise length of the proposed zip line until opening later this year but did assert that the adventure tourism project will put the UAE on the map with its record-breaking facilities.
The tourism authority said it has teamed up with global zip line firm Toro Verde to develop its latest active adventure tourism product.
An artist’s impression of the zip line platform at Jebel Jais that will open this December.
The authority hinted the new RAK project will “break the current Guinness world record zip line of 2,200 metres held by ‘The Monster’ in Puerto Rico, a site also developed and operated by Toro Verde.”
The new zip line won’t be just good for tourism, it will also be good for the environment, the authority said, because it will tout eco-tourism features such as using solar energy and locally-sourced natural materials.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA, told reporters at a press conference that the latest project builds on the emirate’s push to nurture eco-tourism.
“Building on the success of last year’s launch of the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata adventure product, the new zip line represents Ras Al Khaimah’s most significant tourism product opening since Al Marjan Island, our coral-shaped leisure tourism archipelago,” he said in a statement.”
“This key product launch will further enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s unique mountain-beach-desert offering as the emirate moves towards its goal of attracting one million visitors next year, under the guidance and vision of Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.” said Mattar.
Toro Verde UAE, a subsidiary of the Puerto Rico-based Magno Genesis Holding Group, has been appointed to construct and operate the attraction.
“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 also 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,” said Jorge Jorge, CEO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah, in a statement.
The zip line will be open to all ages, providing participants meet required minimum weight of 35kg and maximum weight of 150kg, and a minimum height of 120cm.
Expecting to attract a high-end clientele, a dedicated VIP Lounge and Welcome Centre will provide an enhanced experience. In addition to private parking and the option to fast track their zip line flight, a helicopter transfer will be available, flying guests from Ras Al Khaimah’s pristine coast line, taking in the views of the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains from above.
“This zip line will be like no other experience out there. Once harnessed to the zip line in a horizontal superhero position, participants will soar through the sky as if they were birds. It’s the closest you can get to the experience of flying. The flight will take them to a suspended landing platform where they will be transferred to a second line to complete their journey back to the ground,” Mattar explained.
“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.”
