I tried the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, in Ras Al Khaimah

Zara, aged 17, is not a daredevil but as a typical teenager, loves the thrill of speed and adventure. She recounts her recent family holiday in Ras Al Khaimah, an Emirate just an hour’s drive away from Dubai, and her exhilarating experience of the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight.

“My family and I enjoyed an all-inclusive holiday in Ras Al Khaimah, about 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai airport. My friends thought we were a bit crazy to go in August (one of the hottest months of the year) but Ras Al Khaimah is in the north, in a stunningly beautiful mountainous region, and offers a slightly cooler climate. Although it’s not one of the most well-known holiday destinations yet, it’s become popular as the hotels were packed with families from all over the world.

 
We had arranged an excursion to experience the longest and fastest zipline in the world, Jais Flight. The zipline is 2.83 km long and it is located 1.68 km above sea level, with a beautiful scenic view as you are gliding down from the top of Jebel Jais Mountain. It was a relaxed and comfortable drive, just over an hour from the city, and is along a zig-zagged winding road up the mountains, straight out of the scenes of a Bond movie.

We were welcomed by very professional staff for the experience, plus you don’t need to take anything as all the equipment is provided, including lockers for your bags. Anyone can do the zipline as long as they meet height and weight requirements, so even my 12-year-old sister and Dad joined in the fun. If you are a bit light, they can add weights to make sure you meet the recommended weight, ideally between 40-150 kg.

Once we had the safety briefing, we were given a backpack for our valuables, plus time to take photos and videos of the breathtaking views. After that we were taken to the top of the zipline by a minibus, suited up with all the safety equipment, eased into a superhero position face down, and once the instructors triple checked I had been buckled in correctly… I was off!

The zipline can go up to speeds of 120 to 150 km per hour (93 mph) and once I got over the initial adrenalin rush, it was a very relaxing experience. With the wind flying through my hair, I was completely immersed in the stunning mountain views. The ride took about 3-4 minutes, after which I had a break and stopped at a landing platform suspended in the air, about 58 meters above sea level. After that, I continued on another zipline, this time in a sitting position, which was only one kilometre long, before returning to solid ground.  

That wasn’t the end of the thrills though as my family and I also visited the Jebel Jais Sledder next door, which is the region’s longest toboggan ride. There is the option to be in a sled by yourself or a maximum of two people, and you must be a minimum height of 135cm. The track is about 1.84 km swerving though the mountains of Hajar. I could control the speed with the accelerator handle and you can go as fast as 40 km per hour. There is even a braking handle to slow yourself down around curves if you feel like you are going too fast. This toboggan ride is perfect for adrenaline junkies as it gets your heart racing! My sister said that the curves were the most exhilarating part as she felt like she was flying and could not stop screaming from excitement. The ride lasts around eight minutes depending how fast you are going, and you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Hajar mountains. I definitely recommend visiting Ras Al Khaimah for a holiday and these unique activities and experiences. The zipline and sledding will be forever etched in my memory. I’m so lucky to have ticked it off my holiday bucket list!”

For discounted holiday package offers to Ras Al Khaimah, plus tours and tickets to family friendly activities including Jais Flight, Bear Grylls Adventure Camps, Pearl Diving Tours and more, contact our travel specialists for fantastic deals. Plus, if you book a holiday for 2023 in 2022, lock in a fixed price now with a low deposit, and avoid unpredictable price increases for your family holiday.  Book before 31st October 22 and visit www.brightsun.co.uk/2023offers