RAK unveils world's longest zip line cable

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) today (February 1) officially opened the world’s longest zip line measuring 2.83-km - equivalent to over 28 soccer fields, on Jebel Jais, the largest mountain peak in the UAE, to the public.

Delivery of the zipline, which features a steel cable weighing more than six tonnes and is suspended 1,680 m above sea level, had been in the planning phase for over a year, said the statement from RAKTDA.

The process involved extensive feasibility studies, master-planning, comprehensive surveys, soil tests and construction simulations, it stated.

Maintaining sustainable environmental practices within all construction acts, strong anchor holes were drilled into the rugged Hajar Mountains that alone took over six months, it added.

In a major boost to the RAK tourism sector, the ‘Jebel Jais Flight’ has been awarded the Guinness World Record after the emirate's latest adventure tourism product (measuring 2.2 km) broke the title for the world's longest zipline measuring 2.2 km held by 'The Monster' in Puerto Rico - a site also developed and operated by Toro Verde.

The official certification was handed over today to HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, by Hoda Khachab, the official adjudicator from Guinness World Records.

Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was the first to trial the new zipline this morning, following the official certification by Guinness World Records.

RAKTDA said the launch of the giant zipline was another milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s campaign to transform the emirate into the region’s adventure and activity tourism hub.

With the emirate benefitting from diverse landscape – including the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Jais – it has already built a following amongst walkers, hikers and cyclists with the campaign taking a leap forward in 2016 with the opening of the highly successful Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (Iron Path), hiking, climbing and ziplining product, said the statement from RAK tourism body.

The Ras Al Khaimah zipline is being operated by Toroverde Ras Al Khaimah, one of the world’s most experienced zipline managers.

“Toro Verde brings to Ras Al Khaimah immense zipline management experience earned through previous projects in Central and South America, including Toroverde Puerto Rico – the ‘Monster’ which, at 2.2 km previously held the zipline record now claimed by this ambitious emirate,” remarked its COO Ricardo Lizano.

Explaining the concept, Lizano said: "Thrill-seekers will be suspended above the mountain as they prepare to take the flight headfirst in a ‘superman’ style position. The experience will see participants fitted with a special suit and equipment for the adventure, with the longest flight itself taking approximately two to three minutes."

According to him, there are no age restrictions on ‘pilots’ but the requirements are a maximum weight of 150 kg and minimum weight of 45 kg for ‘fliers’ who must be at least 120 cm tall. The zip-line ride has been priced at Dh650 ($177) per head.

"Once completed, guests will finish the bucket list flight on a suspended landing platform – unique in the world - where they will be transferred to a second line, measuring in at 1 km, to complete their journey back to the ground," stated the official.

Jorge Jorge, the chief executive of Toro Verde RAK, said: "It actually comprises two main zipline cables, allowing friends and family members to experience and race together, adding to the fun and competitiveness of the facility."

"Zipline pilots will experience a flight like never before while being secure and safe. While the time and speed they complete the flight in is dependent on weight and weather conditions, the whole experience is expected to last around two to three minutes, with top speeds reaching between 120 and 150km per hour," explained Jorge.

"We anticipate the attraction accommodating a rider every five minutes on the two zip lines, equating to approximately 200 people per day, and around 100,000 per year," stated the senior official.

“We also believe given its location in Jebel Jais, which is traditionally 10 degrees cooler than average UAE temperatures, we can operate during the summer months,” added Jorge.

Talal Omar, the country manager for Guinness World Records Mena, said: "We have witnessed countless achievements in the Middle East, and as the global authority on record-breaking we are always proud to be a part of such great feats every day."

"Today’s event highlights an extraordinary attraction that now puts Ras Al Khaimah with UAE as a global primary destination," he added.-TradeArabia News Service