Over 2km long, UAE set to get world's longest zip-line

Dubai - Participants will cover the length of the zip-line in 2-4 minutes, travelling at speeds of 90-120km/hr.

Visitors to Ras Al Khaimah will soon experience the "next best thing to flying" as the world's longest and highest zip-line will officially open on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, in December this year.

This was announced by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) at a press conference at Waldorf Astoria in Palm Jumeirah on Tuesday.

The exact length of the zip-line is kept secret until the opening of the multi-million tourism project, but the Jebel Jais zip-line is set to break the current Guinness world record of longest zip-line of 2,200 metres held by 'The Monster' in Puerto Rico. RAKTDA has partnered with Toro Verde, the operator of 'The Monster.'

The Jebel Jais zip-line has no moniker yet but it will be given an Arabic name and a 'naming competition' will be announced soon by RAKTDA.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA, which develops RAK's tourism infrastructure, said the unnamed zip-line will be longer than 28 soccer fields in length.

When asked what kind of thrill people can experience trying the zip-line, Mattar said: "This longest zip-line is the next best thing to flying and, guess what, it's very safe. I've tried The Monster myself."

Mattar said the Jebel Jais zip-line will propel the UAE's most northern emirate into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cement Jebel Jais as the region's leading active adventure tourism destination.

The Ras Al Khaimah zip-line will be a showcase for eco-tourism, using solar energy and locally-sourced natural materials ensuring visitors enjoy the natural experience in the emirate's mountain landscape, according to RAKTDA.

"The new zip-line represents Ras Al Khaimah's most significant tourism product opening since Al Marjan Island, our coral-shaped leisure tourism archipelago. This key product launch will further enhance RAK's unique mountain-beach-desert offering as the emirate moves towards its goal of attracting one million visitors next year," Mattar underlined.

View from the zip-line

"Jebel Jais' dramatic and beautiful landscape offers an iconic backdrop for what will be a bucket list experience for people all around the world. The mountains provide a strong and very challenging base for construction and through our experience and the expertise of our team, we are already making good progress," said Jorge Jorge, CEO of Toro Verde UAE.

How will it operate?

Phase 1 the Jebel Jais zip-line will be operational from December this year. It will consist of two lines, allowing friends and family to take part in the flight together.

"On arrival at the Welcome Centre, which features a lounge, restaurant, lockers, equipment storage and offices, participants will be given a pre-briefing and then escorted to the launch platform and fitted with a special suit and equipment for this adventure," explained Ricardo Lizano, COO of Toro Verde Ras Al Khaimah.

Once harnessed to the zip-line in a horizontal superhero position, participants will soar through the sky as if they're a bird, and will complete the length of the zip-line in 2-4 minutes, 'flying' at speeds of 90-120 km per hour, depending on weight and wind velocity. It's the closest you can get to the experience of flying. The flight will take them to a suspended landing platform where they will be transferred to a second line to complete their journey back to the ground.

In its first phase of operations, the zip-line will be able to accommodate 250 people a day or 100,000 adventure seekers in a year.

Who can ride the zip-line?

The zip-line is open to all ages as long as they meet the minimum weight of 35kg and maximum weight of 150kg, and a minimum height of 120cm.

Other amenities

Phase 2 and 3 of the project will open in April-May and December next year respectively. In addition to private parking and the option to fast track their zip-line flight, a helicopter transfer will be available, flying guests from Ras Al Khaimah's pristine coast line, taking in the views of the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains from above.

• Ras Al Khaimah

Angel Tesorero

• angel@khaleejtimes.com