Dubai was already home to the world’s longest urban zipline which soars above Dubai Marina, wowing people from a height of 44 floors. It’s now Ras Al Khaimah’s turn to beat this record, with the world’s longest urban zipline, period, measuring 2.83 kilometers long, which is as long as, if not more than 28 football fields. This record-breaking zipline was opened formally in February 2018.
The New Jebel Jais Flight Zipline
Ras Al Khaimah is located in the north of UAE, along the Oman border. The incredible Jebel Jais Flight zipline soars through the peaks of Jebel Jais Mountains at a height of 1,680 meters above sea level. Anyone who’s in good health can take on the zipline, as long as they weigh anywhere from 45kg and 150kg in weight, and at least 120 cms tall.
The RAK zipline holds the Guinness World Records for being the world’s longest zipline. The previous Guinness world record holder for the longest zip line was Puerto Rico’s Monster zip wire, a mammoth 2.5 kilometers long line. What makes the RAK zipline so unique is its mountainous setting, which offers a marked difference from the many urban ziplines out there.
The world’s longest zipline can take on as many as 100,000 people in a year, delighting them with soaring experiences. It’s a sport that will take all your nerve, as you’ll be attached to a zip wire and then whizzed at velocities of 150 miles per from the top of the UAE’s tallest mountain to its bottom. Participants will be flying face-down, on two lines that go side by side so that friends and family can zip fly together. The zipline can accommodate a fresh set of zipliners every five minutes.
Your Experience with the World’s Longest Zipline
Jebel Jais is about an hour’s drive from Dubai. Once you reach the Zipline in Ras Al Khaimah, you get kitted out in the zip-lining kit and listen to a safety briefing at the Zipline Welcome Centre. After this you’re taken to the top of the launching platform, which has been designed to resemble a giant falcon, standing at 1,680 meters above sea level. The giant falcon platform has been carved into the side of the UAE’s highest peak. It’s an impressive sight – there are two cables hanging from the launch platform that drops down to a suspended pad which is where riders land before they are dropped off down the mountain. And then you’re off on the 2.83km trip which takes you through speeds of 150 miles per hour. You’ll arrive at the suspended platform that’s made of transparent Lucite, stationed 80 meters above the ground. From this platform, you will enjoy an additional 1 kilometer of ziplining, which takes you to the foot of the Jebel Jais Mountains, where you started. As a successful zipliner, you’ll get the official Jebel Jais flight certificate, and get your picture taken against the Jebel Jais Wall of Fame.
The Zipline Adventure – Commitment to Safety
You’ll be provided with the safety equipment you’ll need along with a handy backpack with space for your camera and tools and enough water for the trip. Be sure to wear good-quality gripping shoes and body-fitting athletic clothing – nothing loose and flappy. Do not wear shorts as the sharp wind and the sands borne on it can scrape your skin. Note that the Jebel Jais zipline authorities will check your clothing and gear and will not let you do it if your clothing or shoes don’t make the safety cut.
World’s Longest zipline in UAE sets Guinness World Record
The very first person to try the new record-holding zipline is none other than the son of RAK’s ruler, Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. He was the first to try the 2.83km Jebel Jais Flight zipline before the public opening took place, taking the first plunge before the Jebel Jais Mountain Zipline was officially certified as the world’s longest by the Guinness World Records.
How the Jebel Jais Flight Zipline Came About
The world’s longest zipline comes to the world courtesy of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in partnership with Costa Rican Guillermo Quesada, ToroVerde’s general manager. He’s the one who established the world’s former longest zipline in Puerto Rico before setting up the present record holder in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Challenges in the Path of Jebel Jais Flight Zipline
ToroVerde found that the topography of Jebel Jais was very different when compared to Puerto Rico. This presented several challenges. Puerto Rico’s mountains are richly verdant green with plenty of rivers and waterfalls. Jebel Jais is, for the most part, dry and rocky. Plus, the Jebel Jais zipline is 600 meters longer than the one in Puerto Rico, and the speeds are higher.
It took a year’s intense planning to determine the weight of the zipline, which itself is more than six tonnes. The planning stage involved extensive feasibility studies, comprehensive surveys, master-planning, soil tests and simulations to test the concept. Strong anchor holes were drilled into the Hajar Mountains in order to maintain sustainable environmental practices in the construction. It took six months to complete this task. One of the big challenges was how to place a launch platform within an empty chasm, or on the edge of a cliff face. A Much-needed Drive for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism
RAK is not as well-known as her sister Dubai. The world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais will go a long way to repair this shortfall. RAK has set itself the ambitious goal of attracting no less than one million visitors via the zipline by the end of 2018.
The zipline, apart from being the much-needed tourist interest, also helps to showcase the natural beauty of the Jebel Jais range. The idea behind the zipline project is to protect this exquisite landscape for future generations. The zipline offers two attractions – the sheer length, which is a green flag to any adrenalin-junkie, and the experience of riding face down in the famed Superhero position at speeds of 150 miles per hour. RAK is now experiencing the largest-ever visitor arrivals, all ready to either try Jebel Jais Flight or witness the remarkable ziplining adventures. Jebel Jais Flight is definitely on the path to propel RAK into major global adventure tourism.
Jebel Jais Skating Rink Timings
Wednesday to Sunday – 30-minute time slots available from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Jebel Jais Skating Rink Tickets
Things to Know Before Visiting Jebel Jais
If you are up to a stimulating adventure and want to have the Jebel Jais ziplining experience, here are a few things that you need to know.
- You have to be between the ages of 12 and 65 to try ziplining at Jebel Jais. The minimum weight requirement is 50 kg and the maximum weight limit is 100 kg.
- Along with the admission pass, you also receive a handy backpack with water and safety equipment.
- If you are traveling from Dubai, you can opt for the luxury shuttle that would take you to Ras Al Khaimah and then to the venue.
- It would be best to wear athletic clothes during your trip. In case, you aren’t having them, opt for comfortable clothing.
- Apply a layer of sunscreen and do not forget to take your sunglasses, as the sun would be harsh during the day (in any season).
- You can keep your personal belongings like wallets, handbags, keys, mobile phones, etc. in small lockers available at the venue.
- Parking and transportation within the park are free.
- For safety reasons, you would be photographed during the entire activity.
- You do not need to have any particular training or skills to attempt ziplining. All you need is the excitement and zest to try something thrilling and adventurous.
- The organizers at the venue would help you with the safety gear as well as inform you of the necessary instructions.
Conclusion
The Jebel Jais Flight will soon become Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship tourism offering. The world’s longest zipline will establish Jebel Jais as the hub of adventure tourism in the whole of the Middle East. RAK is expecting to see an increasing number of adventure tourists arriving from around the globe to try their luck at the Jebel Jais Flight each year.
Last year, my brother and I ziplined at Jebel Jais. The parallel ziplines make it really exciting.
That is totally cool! Thank you for sharing your experience here.
I have ziplined in Jebel Jais several times. It is like an addiction. I love it not just for the adrenaline-rush but also for the breathtaking view of the mountain.
We agree with you. The landscape here is gorgeous, and ziplining is one of the best ways to enjoy it.
I was looking for things to do in Ras Al Khaimah, when I came across this article on ziplining in Jebel Jais. I am quite excited to try this on my next trip.
Ziplining in Jebel Jais is super thrilling. We are quite excited for you!
Ziplining in Jebel Jais sounds so exciting. Will definitely try it when I go there.
Yes, you must. It is one of the most thrilling experiences in the UAE.
I love adventurous activities and would love to go ziplining in Jebel Jais. Thank you for the recommendation.
Ziplining in Jebel Jais is nothing less than heaven for adventure lovers. Do try it and let us know about your experience.
It’s interesting to know that how much planning goes behind making something fun and exciting for tourists. And how concerned the authorities are about the safety of people. The Jebel Jais Zipline is one great example that offers adrenaline-pumping experience with total safety.
Wow! The Jebel Jais zipline looks very adventurous. I always dreamt about flying high in the air like a bird. The opportunity in the form of Jebel Jais zipline has come up the right time. This adventurous activity will be my top priority on my next visit.
I am aware about the attractions that Ras Al Khaimah offers, but I wasn’t aware about the Jebel Jais flight zipline. Reading your post, I am excited to give it a try.