World's longest zipline in UAE to have two more lanes

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is to add two more cables to its highly demanded recently-opened world's longest zipline.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAK Tourism Development Authority, said the new cables are part of phase two of the pioneering zipline extended over the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country.

"The second phase will feature two new cables to meet the pressing demand and increase the capacity of the Jebel Jais Flight to 400 people per day, around 200,000 per year."

Age: No restrictions

Max weight: 150 kg

Min weight: 45 kg

Height: 120 cm tall

Price: Dh650 per rider

Bookings: toroverdeuae.com

More info: www.jebeljais.ae

Flight time: two to three minutes

Speed: 120kph to 150kph

Height: 1,680 metres above sea level atop Jebel Jais mountain

Cable weight: over 6 tons

Cost: Multi-million dollar Night time ziplining will commence this summer, he added. "This will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a different experience during the summer months where Jebel Jais is 10 degrees cooler than sea level."

The world's longest zipline is the latest tourism product aimed at attracting the adventure tourist to the UAE's northern most Emirate, he explained.

With its diverse landscape featuring the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, the zipline follows other highly successful adventure tourism initiatives including the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (Iron Path), hiking and climbing routes."

The growth of adventure tourism has contributed to the increase in visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, up 19% in 2017, with prevalent growth from international markets, Mattar stated.

"Germany, Russia, United Kingdom and India respectively were Ras Al Khaimah's largest source markets last year with emerging markets such as Poland and Czech Republic also seeing significant growth."

The emirate plans to further strengthen its strategic partnerships with the global tourism market to aid its goal of a million visitors by the end of 2018 and 2.9 million by the end of 2025.

Mattar said the opening of the world's longest zipline has considerably aided the recognition of the destination on the global stage and demonstrated that the emirate is upping the ante as the region's fastest growing tourism destination.

"We are delighted to have received a record number of both trade and media delegates on our stand this year with a particular interest in the growth of our adventure tourism offer."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.

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