Ras Al Khaimah’s Adventure Tourism Offering Soars to New Heights with Region’s First Commercial Via Ferrata

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  • Tourists can tackle climbing, hiking and three zip-line challenges on UAE’s highest mountain range
  • World’s longest zip-line to follow in Q4 2017 as emirate drives forward adventure tourism portfolio

This month, adventure tourism in Ras Al Khaimah – the UAE’s northernmost emirate – will soar to new heights with the launch of its first commercial Via Ferrata iron path.

Produced by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA), the 470 metre-long Via Ferrata spans the rocky facades of Jebel Jais, the country’s highest peak at 6,266 feet, and complements the rugged Al Hajar mountain range, where the average climate is 10 °C  below mean Gulf temperatures.

Comprised of three individual start and finish points, as well as three zip-lines measuring 165 feet, 195 feet and 985 feet, the Via Ferrata will cater to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Tourist groups will be offered complimentary transfers from the city centre and will be able to choose from the three routes in twice-daily supervised tours starting at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“Our world-class Via Ferrata is the first in a series of mountain, activity and adventure products we are developing specifically for nature and adventure seekers,” said Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAK TDA.   “Also on the drawing board is the world’s longest zip-line and adventure park, which we are planning to launch in Q4 2017. We are confident that these adventure tourism products will showcase Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular mountain terrain and attract thrill seekers from around the world.”

Just 45 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah’s growing stock of beachfront resorts, the Via Ferrata is part of the emirate’s Vision 2019 Destination Tourism strategy, which includes innovative hospitality concepts that take advantage of the destination’s diverse natural assets, including golden sand coastline, stunning mountain ranges, hot springs and an expansive, terracotta desert.

Ahead of its November launch, RAK TDA will promote the Via Ferrata at World Travel Market in London, where 16 tourism industry stakeholders from across Ras Al Khaimah will also showcase an array of leisure, adventure, culture and MICE products as part of the emirate’s goal of attracting one million visitors by 2018.