Ras Al Khaimah Will Host Region’s First Highlander Hiking Experience

Adventure travel gives us a chance to examine our strengths and capabilities and brings us closer to our inner-self. Embarking on an adventure is the best way to benefit our physical, mental and emotional state and liberate the soul.

To encourage adventure travel among people, Ras Al Khaimah (ruled by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi) is all set to host the Arabian Gulf region’s first Highlander Hiking experience in November this year! Just so you are aware, Highlander is the only certified Hiking Association in the world and is widely known for its curated hiking experiences. It offers 20 adventures in 15 countries every year in locations like Egypt, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Austria and Bosnia. Highlander hikes first took place in Croatia in 2017 and since then, it has grown into a leading hiking series globally.

 About The Hiking Event

The hiking will start from Wadi Ghalilah to Shimla and there will be two hikes based upon experience and fitness levels. Highlander55 will be a 55km hike over three days and Highlander30 will be a 30 km hike over two days. The event will lead international visitors and local hikers along clearly flagged routes with more than half situated off-trail. The hikers will have to carry everything they need for the trip.

‘Leave No Trace’ Policy and Environmental Preservation

Both the routes Wadi Ghalilah and Shimal will challenge hikers physically across the rugged terrain of the RAK landscape. The hiking experiences will include sessions such as yoga, ‘Leave No Trace’ talks, travel talks, and the chance to share local folklore, when at the camps.

The hikers must be committed to environment preservation with an aim to complete the hike leaving no trace of their journey apart from footprints and photos capturing the stunning mountain views. The highlander experiences are about appreciating nature, self-sufficiency, and being in the moment.

The event will offer participants access to amazing experiences including exploring new Jebel Jais trails, sleeping under the stars at the highest campsite in UAE, and attending campfire talks to learn more about the stunning natural landscape of the area and the rich culture of the emirate.

Other Adventurous Things To Do In Ras Al Khaimah

1. Go Ziplining at Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE with its summit at 1934 meters above sea level. The mountain presents stunning sunrise and sunset views and offers the ultimate adventure experience. Jebel Jais Zipline stretches to 2.8km and is the longest zipline in the world. You would get to zipline at a speed of 130km per hour from the summit of Jebel Jais right down the mountain. It is one of the most thrilling experiences of the world. If you want to get a little more adventurous, go for Via Ferrata Jebel Jais, which involves climbing, canyoning and ziplining.

2. Climb the Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort is a place of great significance in Ras Al Khaimah. Built in the 18th century, it was designed to safeguard the city from enemies. The surroundings of Dhayah Fort present a beautiful panoramic view of the zigzag staircase to the fort. This fort is given immense importance because the fort still stands strong while other buildings and military towers were destroyed during the battles.

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you are going to love this place. You will have to climb 242 steps to reach the top. But you will realize that your trip is definitely worth it when you see splendid views of the surroundings from the top.

3. Go on a Desert Safari tour

One of the main advantages of having a desert safari tour in Ras Al Khaimah is that it is less crowded than its counterparts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. During the desert safari, you would enjoy the stunning beauty of the desert along with activities like camel riding, dune bashing etc. The deserts have ever-changing rust color and dunes that make RAK a kind of big-sky place that most visitors can’t find in other parts of the UAE. During safari tours, you would also get to enjoy henna painting, shisha smoking, and belly dancing performances.

4. Explore the Ghost Town

If you’re tired of all the glittery and glamorous places in UAE, RAK’s Jazirat Al Hamra will feel like a breath of fresh air. Considered a ghost town, this village is a well-preserved ancient village in this emirate city. It is believed that this village was once a thriving pearl fishing village with 2000 residents, but the village was abandoned in the 1960s. Jazirat Al Hamra village is known for its collection of abandoned houses and other buildings. Moreover, there have been rumors about local people experiencing paranormal activities in this old fishing town.

5. Banana Ride

Banana boat ride would be fun if you are a water lover. The banana boat ride lasts for around fifteen minutes and you’ll be speeding along the waters bouncing in the waves. You can do it at any water sports club in Ras Al Khaimah. On a banana boat ride, you will certainly have the best time of your life! Even if you are unable to swim, you will be allowed to have a banana boat ride. The participants will wear a life jacket and there remains a guide to accompany the participants.

6. Parasailing

Parasailing is a recreational activity where a person (or two) is towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute. The boat then drives off carrying the passengers into the air allowing you to enjoy the aerial view of the destination. There is no training needed as the experts will take care of each step to make sure you stay safe and comfortable on your ride. You can check out any adventure sports club in Ras Al Khaimah that will help you get an amazing parasailing experience.

Ras Al Khaimah is committed to developing nature-based adventures for adventure enthusiasts and making this partnership with the international hiking association will open new avenues for adventure tourism.