Jebel Jais road to be completed by April 2017

Ras Al Khaimah - All the rest areas along the arterial tourist road are being provided with LED lights

The department of public works and services is to complete the third phase of the development of the 36km long Jebel Jais road by the end of April next year 2017.
Big natural challenges are facing the three-phase road is over 1,900m above the sea level, according to Eng Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi, director general of the department.
"The promising scheme, one of the strategic projects in the emirate, starts from the Wadi Al Beih, passes through a number of rough valleys, to end at the peak of the highest mountain in the UAE.
All the rest areas along the arterial tourist road are being provided with LED lights, he explained. "All the lamp posts being installed will be green or environment-friendly, as they will be solar powered."
The department is also building a number of cafeterias, public toilets, recreational and play areas, Eng Al Hammadi said. "So many other tourist attractions will be developed along the road to the top."
The six-lane road consists of three lanes in each direction, he elaborated. "Public phones, multiple parking spaces will be provided along the entire major road to ensure people safety and convenience."
The road, to be one of the major attractions of the emirate, is 25km away from the Ras Al Khaimah city. "The mercury drops to zero on top of the mountain during winter when hail and snow cover the peak and most of the scenic site there."
Abdullah Ali, an Emirati of RAK city, told Khaleej Times that the Jebel Jais road will be an added value to the list of the tourist attractions of the emirate. "More tourists and visitors will flock to the emirate to enjoy the "European" weather in our hot country."
The temperature here on the peak is low most of the year, he added. "I always bring my family during the weekends and holidays too enjoy the fine weather and picturesque views from the top."
42-year-old Syrian resident Ahmed Jameel, also known as Abu Sultan, said he has been a frequent visitor of the Jebel Jais for years now. "I always take my family and friends to the peak where we feel we are back home or in a European country."
Eng Essam Mahmud, Egyptian, said the much-awaited development works will make them happier and end their suffering, and so many traffic accidents reported there. "I always go there, but unfortunately had an accident on that rough and challenging road."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah