(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Good news for visitors to Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country.
The department of public works in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has started building 20 vehicle bays, new public toilets, shaded rest areas and other facilities to meet the heavy rush of visitors to the scenic landscape in the country.
Ahmed Al Hammadi, director general of the department, said: "The move is part of a comprehensive plan to improve the infrastructure of the famous tourist spot that saw more than 150,000 vehicles over the last four months."
All the planned bays will be built at spacious areas along 36kms of the road that leads to the top of Jebel Jais, he added.
"The highest bay on the mountain, where the mercury drops to minus two (-2) degrees Celsius during winter, will be 1,680m above the sea level."
The ongoing works also include construction of two main roads. "The first includes a three-lane road that leader to the bays, and that will be in two phases; the first extends over 30km while the second is 6km."
The second three-lane road starts from the road that leads to the bottom of the mountain and then to the peak, he added.
The development works, which are supervised and implemented by the RAK tourism development authority also includes construction of eight cement retaining walls to stop rocks falling from the mountain on the roads.
These walls are aimed to protect the visitors and vehicles as well as soil erosion on the mountain, Al Hammadi said. The department is planning to construct the world's largest 500m long and 30 metres high retaining wall, which is expected to enter into the Guinness Book of World Records.
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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