Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, is home to the world’s longest zipline. Measuring 2.83 kilometres, the six-tonne suspended steel cable starts at a height of 1,680 metres above sea level in the rugged Hajar Mountains.
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s most northern emirate, the Guinness World Records certified zipline is unique in its design. Anchored at the top of the mountain the line soars above the spectacular scenery and finishes on a 9.5 tonne glass bottomed suspended platform, from where participants transfer to a second line, which flies them for a further kilometre until they are back on the ground.
Participants are fitted with a special suit and harness that suspends them underneath the line, headfirst in a ‘superman’ position. It comprises of two main zipline cables, allowing friends and family members to experience and race together.
‘Zipline pilots will experience a flight like never before, while being safe and secure. As 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 Jorge, CEO of Toroverde Ras Al Khaimah, the zipline’s operators.
For more information on the Jebel Jais Flight visit: www.toroverdeuae.com or www.jebeljais.ae
Words: Ian McHarg
Images: ©Reuters; Jebel Jais RAK; Toroverde