The United Arab Emirates has become one of the UK’s most-loved holiday destinations in recent years - and it’s easy to see why. The country boasts deserts, oases, mountains, valleys and more. There’s truly something for everyone and that’s before you consider the millionaire, or billionaire, lifestyle on display all year round.
The UAE also holds jet-setting jewels such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in its hospitality crown. But, there is another desert paradise, just an hour away from Dubai, that has been dubbed the country’s hidden gem by visitors. Harry Leach set off for the man-made Al Marjan Island, in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) – the northernmost of UAE’s seven emirates, in November seeking adventure.
He did not have to look hard upon arrival to find it. “Ahead of me, adrenaline junkies shoot across the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, reaching hair-raising speeds of up to 100mph on the 1.75-mile journey," he said.
"Suspended in Superman positions, 4,869ft above sea level, I can just make out their gleeful shrieks as they reach safety after a three-minute dopamine hit. “To my right is the Jais Sledder: a 1.14-mile mountainside toboggan on a low-slung track.
It’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, and I’d argue far more exhilarating than any rollercoaster at Alton Towers. “This is Ras Al Khaimah, only a short 45-minute drive away from Dubai airport. It’s a thrillseekers’ dream destination while also a relaxing desert paradise.
” Harry spent four .