Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced that the world's longest and highest zip line will officially open on the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais, in December.
With the exact length of the zip line remaining a closely-guarded secret until the multi-million dollar adventure tourism product's opening, the 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.
RAKTDA has partnered with Toro Verde, the world's leading zip line operator, to develop its latest active adventure tourism product, which is due to 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 Ras Al Khaimah zip line will also be a case study for eco-tourism, using solar energy and locally-sourced natural materials, ensuring visitors enjoy the natural experience in the emirate's mountain landscape.
Speaking at a press conference to launch Ras Al Khaimah's flagship tourism product, Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA, which develops the emirate's tourism infrastructure, regulates its hospitality sector and initiates its domestic and overseas promotions, revealed the currently unnamed zip line will be longer than 28 soccer fields in length.
“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. 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 His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah,” Mattar said.
With RAKTDA aiming to secure Guinness World Records status for the world's longest and highest zip line, 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.
“Opening within the heart of the UAE's highest and most iconic natural mountain range, the Jebel Jais zip line experience will consist of two lines, allowing friends and family to take part in the flight together. 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,” commented Ricardo Lizano, COO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah.
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.
