Give 'em The Old 'Ras Al' Dazzle...With Green Strategy

A new ‘green’ vision for Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been announced by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)as part of a new destination strategy focused on sustainable tourism, eco-conservation and growth.

As more tourists look towards responsible, nature-driven travel, the Authority has developed a number of sustainable projects within the mountain eco system, each designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding environment.

The aim is to make Ras Al Khaimah the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “As the custodians of our beautiful Emirate, it’s our job to protect and conserve the Hajar mountains which is home to the highest peak - Jebel Jais.

“It’s undeniable that nature is at the heart of our destination with stunning topography ranging from long stretches of pristine beachfronts and sprawling deserts to spectacular mountain ranges.

“This is front and centre of our new destination tourism strategy to become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025 so that we can welcome three million visitors annually by 2030 in a responsible and purposeful way.”

Situated in the majestic Hajar mountain range and towering over Ras Al Khaimah at a height of 1,934 metres, the Jais Adventure Park will serve as the gateway to the iconic mountain’s multitude of experiences, dotted above the peaks and craigs of the surrounding mountains.

Here are some of the things travellers can expect when visiting the Park:

Restaurant Expansion:
1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant, reopened its doors this October and has been enlarged to meet popular demand. Visitors can take in the breath-taking views from its stunning terrace while enjoying food.
New for this season is the rooftop lounge,

Additional cabins and new activities at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp:
The world’s first branded accommodation at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp has been expanded to offer 16 recycled and redesigned cabins nestled within the mountain.
Guests can also sign up for a Bear Grylls Survival Course. Run by experts trained at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy in the UK, courses include the Essential 4-hour beginner level, Surviving the Wild (8-hour intermediate course) and Primal courses (24-hour overnight course) for individuals and families.
Ropes Course, a self-guided rope course situated 10 meters above ground, suitable for adventure seekers of all ages, with two levels of endless fun.

Updated routes and new Burma Bridge for the region’s only commercial Via Ferrata (Opening December 2021):
Jais Via Ferrata will reopen with three unique guided routes to appeal to all fitness and skill levels from introductory to a more extreme vertical climb. Restructured to operate via a continuous single belay clinging to the cliff edge and provide a more direct ascent.
With each route designed to last around two hours, one of the new highlights is a Burma Bridge, traversing 40m and set 200m above the ground, plus two zip lines ranging from 60m to 210m.

New Welcome Centre and operator for Jebel Jais’ zipline experiences:
Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline, now under the management of Warrior Group, the adventure and extreme sports experts behind the hugely successful Desert Warrior Challenge, and with a new purpose built zipline HQ
Jais Sky Tour covers a 5km via a series of seven ziplines with average speeds of 60kph. Flyers will navigate their way through the air to reach the 15-metre-long sky bridge, the highest in the UAE at 1,250m above sea level and 300m above ground.

Improved hiking experience and trails:
Enhanced hiking routes on Jebel Jais include markers and reflectors, new trail development, safety & information boards as well as a hiker's shower room. There is also shaded picnic benches at vantage hiking spots and water fountains for hikers to refill bottles and reduce plastic waste.
16km of hiking trails offer an adventure for all ages and difficulty levels, varying from the low level Farfaar Trail through to the infamous Stairway to Heaven, known as one of the toughest hikes in the UAE due to its steep elevation.

E-charging stations and e-bike hire:
New for 2021 is 10 e-mountain bikes, available to hire by the hour for self-guided trips in the wadi, or for guided tours and skill sessions on demand.
Further supporting the environmentally friendly goals of the Emirate, are two EV charging stations, located at the Viewing Deck Park and Jais Adventure Centre. Both Charging Stations are free of charge and can be accessed 24/7.
The enhancements on Jebel Jais are part of the £96 million investment announced earlier this year by the Authority across 20 sustainable projects throughout the Emirate.

Set to open in late 2021/early 2022, the exciting new additions to the mountain include:

Jais Sledder, the region’s longest toboggan ride at 1,840 meters, opening December 2021
Jais Wings, the first dedicated paragliding site in the GCC.

To find out more about the adventures and experiences on Jebel Jais visit: www.visitjebeljais.com and visitrasalkhaimah.com