🏜️ Ras Al Khaimah: an emirate of extreme sports and natural wonders
One day I had a business trip to the United Arab Emirates and I ended up in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. There I had the opportunity not only to get to know better the culture , traditions and tourist innovations of the region, but also to experience something new and previously unknown. As a result, I realized that, besides Dubai, there are places in the UAE that are no less interesting to visit. So I’m sharing with you my unusual experience.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates of the UAE, located in the northeast of the country. The distance from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah, or Ras Al Khaimah as locals call it, is approximately 65 kilometers. And it takes about 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. Sharjah Airport is closer to Ras Al Khaimah – 20 kilometers away – and the journey by car takes about 20 minutes
Ras Al Khaimah is the richest emirate in terms of geographical diversity. It is home to desert, incredible Gulf coastline, agricultural fields and unparalleled mountains. The canyon of the Hadjar Mountains looks like a large oasis, which lies among the Arabian sands. The canyon is located at an altitude of one kilometer above sea level. Stone is mined here for the world famous Dubai skyscrapers. However, the main value of the canyon is that it is known throughout the world for its natural beauty.
Despite the fact that it was given the nickname Grand Canyon, this natural object is not a parody of its American counterpart. At the same time, in its size and magnificence it is not inferior to the famous Grand Canyon in the United States of America. The place, mesmerizing with its beauty, has become a favorite subject for photographs and postcards, which have become symbols of the state.
But tourists and residents of the UAE come not only for the stunning scenery of these places, but also for an active and exciting holiday. Main preferences are rock climbing and mountaineering. Another popular way to explore the local mountains is mountain biking. Those interested can rent the necessary equipment on site, including everything from bicycles to crash helmets. But for experienced extreme sports enthusiasts, an object has appeared on Mount Jebel Jais that is ready to compete with any other attraction in the world.
This new product has already entered the Guinness Book of Records. What are we talking about? Yes, about a 2830-meter high-speed track for extreme descent on a steel rope – the longest zipline in the world! This marvel of technology replaced its predecessor from Puerto Rico. By the way, it was already in first place in the world ranking in terms of length – 2205 m.
In addition, the new zipline in Ras Al Khaimah is included in the Book of Records as the fastest. It can accelerate to speeds of 120-160 km/h! So, if you love challenges and adrenaline, the new zipline is definitely your choice!
A microbus rushes us along a road of first-class asphalt, where 30 years ago there were only caravan trails laid along the dry beds of seasonal mountain streams. The play of light and shadow, the stone is brown, gray and red… These mountains of volcanic origin arose in the place where the ocean floor was in prehistoric times. At the same time, the mountains are practically devoid of vegetation cover. In striking contrast to the bare rocks are the wadi valleys, densely overgrown with palm trees, bushes and marsh grasses.
By the way, local residents pitch their tents along the road at the foot of the mountains, and cars are parked nearby. Entire families and groups come here to spend the weekend with barbecues and intimate conversations.
Having covered the distance along serpentines and admired the unique landscapes, we are almost there. We arrive at the starting point. Here they put on bracelets, give instructions, and even show a video of how the flight takes place. Next, if a person understands that he is ready, he can go and get the equipment, they will immediately help him put it on.
Photo by the author.
Well, go ahead – adventures await! That part of the group who was ready was loaded into a minibus and whisked away to the highest point, from where the flight on the world's longest zipline takes place.
The higher you go, the colder it gets. Here in the hot Emirates in the mountains it is also cold and windy. While we were putting on our equipment and driving, I had the most ordinary sensations. Upon arrival at the starting point, when you understand the height, many people feel uneasy. Doubts begin to overcome. And here it is – a chance to pump yourself up, overcome fear and take to new heights.
Which I successfully did. And before that I had never flown on ziplines at all. I looked closely, thought about it, but didn’t dare. Perhaps, the unusualness of this place, the magical ridges of the Khajar Mountains, had such an influence on my consciousness. They helped overcome all fears and gave unforgettable emotions.
It is difficult to describe in words my feelings after such an amazing experience! Usually I always avoid extreme sports and activities. So when I decided to go ziplining, I was very scared. All my life I believed that extreme actions were not for me.
But I couldn’t even imagine how much fun it would be to fly on the longest zipline in the world! After all, the speed with which I was racing through the air reached 160 km/h. It was simply incredible!
Author's video.
At one point, all fears faded into the background. The feeling of pleasure came first, tears of happiness flowed uncontrollably. In addition, I could admire the stunning landscapes that opened before my eyes and even think. It was the most extraordinary and exciting thing I have ever done in my life!
Photo by the author.
And the reward for courage, spirit of adventure and overcoming fears was a visit to a restaurant with stunning views of the mountains and sea. The extraordinary pleasure of fine food combined with a romantic sunset and clean mountain air… Ras Al Khaimah is filled with inspiration. Here you can draw spiritual strength and admire the beauty of this world, which I sincerely wish for you.