DESTINATIONS RAS AL KHAIMAH | MIDDLE EAST
Fly me to w
the moon
Seek out a different side of the UAE in Ras Al Khaimah, where nature and adventure are in abundance, finds Adam Shaw
hen the longest zipline in the world, Jais Flight, opened five years ago, it put tiny Ras Al Khaimah on the map. Yet despite the
zipline’s record-breaking reach, this emirate isn’t about chasing the biggest, brightest and buzziest attractions – unless you count its natural assets, that is. Set on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, a 45-minute drive from Dubai, the emphasis here is on nature, culture and adventure. That’s not to say RAK (as it’s often shortened to) is taking things slowly. It’s targeting three million visitors a year by 2030, and new hotels, restaurants and activities are springing up. A flagship Nobu hotel with a restaurant and 300 residences is set to open on Al Marjan island in 2027, joining the likes of Mövenpick, Rixos, Radisson and Hilton.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
“If you want to go to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you can; we are not far away,” says Gehan Sidky of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “But we are more about escaping the crowds and embracing nature. We are the only place [in the UAE] where you can experience the sea, the desert and the mountains.” The Hajar Mountains are an ever-present backdrop, especially as we follow the winding mountain road to
the adventure park, where the zipline is based. At 1.75 miles long, 1,680 metres above sea level and capable of reaching 100mph, it’s a thrilling two-minute ride over the valleys. Further attractions have been added since 2018, including a toboggan ride (arguably more heart- pounding than the zipline), hiking trails and a Bear Grylls survival camp.
We’re about escaping the crowds
and embracing nature. It’s the only place in the UAE to experience the sea, desert and mountains
For something gentler, try 1484 by Puro, the highest
restaurant in the UAE, with an Asian-inspired menu, local takes on classic cocktails (think date martinis and lemongrass mojitos), plus stunning views of the mountains – and those ziplining between them.
UP IN THE AIR The peaks make another appearance as we soar over the dunes in the basket of a hot-air balloon. “If you look to your right, you’ll see the outline of the Hajar
²
travelweekly.co.uk 7 DECEMBER 2023 47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
