The Ras Al Khaimah's new flagship adventure tourism product - the region's first commercial Via Ferrata (Iron Path) - was put to the test when the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Haitham Mattar, and Emirati adventurers Huda Zowayed and Hamad Al Mazrouey climbed, trekked and zip-lined the challenge set against the backdrop of Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain peak.
The trio's 'acid test' of the three-course via ferrata came as the via ferrata - the first commercial facility of-its-type in the region - opens to the public this week.
Mattar said this product is a tremendous tribute to the country's advancement over the past 45 years and in particular to its natural assets and its advancing tourism industry, which is a key pillar in the UAE's economic diversification.
"It was an exhilarating experience, one which definitely gets the adrenalin flowing and which, we are convinced, will attract a keen following from the local, regional and international adventure tourism segment."
With RAKTDA currently developing Jebel Jais into an adventure and activity tourism hub, the rugged terrain already plays host to extreme climbing, hiking, driving and trekking enthusiasts, he added. "For the less adventurous, Ras Al Khaimah's natural mountain beauty will soon be available to enjoy from observation decks that are being planned for the Jebel Jais peak."
The three-course Via Ferrata spans the rocky facades of Jebel Jais, which rises to 6,266 feet and is part of the rugged Al Hajar mountain range where the average climate is 10 degrees Celsius below mean Gulf temperatures.
For Dubaian Huda Zowayed, adventurer, the via ferrata challenge was another experience to add to her growing portfolio of adventure feats which have seen her trailblaze cultural exchange with an Ethiopian tribe and traverse five countries in Asia, the Subcontinent and the Middle East in a pioneering tuk tuk drive.
"I found the whole experience invigorating. This via ferrata means we don't have to look outside of our home country for experiences to test our capabilities, grow our personal confidence and build resilience, which are just some of the benefits I have found from adventure travel," said Huda. "There's plenty research now that shows that adventure activities actually deliver powerful physical and mental health benefits and the beauty of this Via Ferrata is that a wide range of ages and abilities can attempt it."
Ras Al Khaimah's 470 metre-long via ferrata is unique to the region in that it comprises three individual start and finish points, as well as three zip-lines measuring 165 feet, 195 feet and 985 feet to expand possibilities for various age and fitness capabilities.
"I loved it," said Al Mazrouey, Emirati adventurer. "The whole experience is a cross between rock climbing and mountaineering. It gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to reach the same high, vertical faces as rock climbers, without the same strenuous training or severe risk because of the metal-ladder rungs fixed into the rocks and the cable to which you are secured. This is where accessible adventure meets the extreme," adds the seasoned climber who has scaled some of the highest peaks in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia, Australia and Europe.
- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
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