Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate where the sea meets the mountain in the United Arab Emirates
Between February 27 and March 3, I had the joy and pleasure of attending Arab Aviation Summit 2022 from Ras Al Khaimah. It was my first experience in the United Arab Emirates and I was glad to have the opportunity to see something else beyond Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Compared to other emirates, Ras Al Khaimah stands out in the Hajar Mountains (Jebel al-Hajar). While most of the emirates are covered in sandy deserts, Ras Al-Khaimah also enjoys this form of relief that comes bundled with many tourist opportunities that I will tell you about below.
My experience in Ras Al Khaimah
But let's start from the beginning. We landed at Dubai International Airport on the morning of February 28 after a flight of about 5 hours aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8 FlyDubai. The flight was ok, but I couldn't rest at all. I tried to put into practice several activities, such as reading, playing games, watching a movie, listening to music, and so I managed to get over the 5 hours on the plane more easily.
I landed around 6:00, passed the checkpoints and the baggage reclaim area and went to get a SIM card with internet and international minutes. Do not use roaming services on Romanian numbers because they are very expensive. If you need, take a local number and activate an internet and international minutes option.
Relax on the beaches of Ras Al-Khaimah
I had accommodation at Hampton by Hilton on Marjan Island. Rather, Al Marjan Island is a group of 4 coral islands in an artificial archipelago located in Ras al-Khaimah. These islands are home to luxury hotels, beautiful beaches and residential neighborhoods. Many of them are under construction and will certainly further enliven the region. The drive from Dubai Airport to the hotel took about an hour, during which time we also passed the Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al-Qaiwain.
A first easy activity is to relax on the beaches of Ras Al-Khaimah.. The hotel had a fairly large swimming pool with sun loungers and a bar available to tourists, as well as a beautifully landscaped beach with turquoise waters. I admit that in my short time at the hotel, I did not venture to the beach. Except for the first day, when I rested and managed to solve more problems, on all other days I had a fun and busy schedule.
Dinner at Sonara Camp Al Wadi
Another very nice activity that I recommend is to go at dinner at Sonara Camp Al Wadi. Following the same award-winning concept as Dubai's sister location, this stunning desert hideaway Ras Al-Khaimah is located on the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi, in the beauty of the Arabian wilderness, with herds of Oryx and Gazelle. Within a few minutes drive of the hotel, the camp is super accessible to all. The atmosphere was animated by magicians, singers and a guy who played with fire (literally).
The mountain hosts the longest zip line in the world, named Jebel Jais Flight
I spent most of the next day on the mountain. I went to Jebel Jais. About 55 kilometers northeast of Ras Al-Khaimah, Jebel Jais is part of the Hajar mountain range and is the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, with its peak at 1.934 meters.
The mountain hosts the longest zip line in the world, named Jebel Jais Flight, which stretches for 2,8 kilometers. From the take-off point, near the top of Jebel Jais, the zip lines cross the depression, the winding road, offering the "possibility to be able to fly" at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.
With all the desire to experience this zip line, I couldn't give up. The moment I was hooked on the zip line, I felt my heart pounding. The position is lying face down, not like the classic zip lines, without any other control over the freedom to fly to the end. Those who gave in were extremely pleased.
In addition to the thrill of the flight itself and the stunning mountain scenery along the way, an important point is the landing on the platform of the zip line, which is suspended in the air.
There is also Jais Sky Tour, a series of seven zip lines, connected by suspended platforms on the edge of the mountain, on a five-kilometer route. There is a maximum limit of 100 kilograms here.
With the sleigh Jebel Jais Sledder
But I still experienced something extreme and that's it Jebel Jais Sledder. It is a track dedicated to toboggans that takes place on the mountainside. Here speeds can reach up to 40 km / h, but the sledge is equipped with a manual brake. Offers great views of the Hajar Mountains. The fully controllable journey takes about eight minutes during the 1.840 meters delighted by the tight curves and the undulating track.
Other activities in Ras Al Khaimah
Maybe on another trip I'll get in Rak City to visit traditional malls and bazaars or maybe vand experience desert safaris. There are also in the area many historical sites just waiting to be visited.
Ras Al Khaimah is an ideal destination for families with children
I would like to mention that Ras Al Khaimah is an ideal destination for those who love adventure and extreme sports, for those who want relaxation and fun, for those who love history and archeological sites, Arab traditions, etc. But all this can be done on a trip with friends or family, with fun activities for children as well. The hotel I stayed in was full of families with children!
I conclude by thanking the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) for the invitation and experience (via Anca RAKTDA representative for Romania).