THE black silhouette of the mountain range emerges in the distance as we drive through the barren desert. It looks ominous, like a location from the movie Dune. But perhaps that’s because my mind is on overdrive thinking about what awaits at the top of the peaks.
Not long after I’m staring across a yawning valley, hoisted horizontally onto a zipline and about to be launched over the cliff edge. This is Ras al Khaimah, one of the lesser known Emirates that collectively make up the UAE . While for the moment it remains in the shadow of its better known neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi , intense development and ambitious plans for the region mean it could soon be on a par.
READ MORE ON DUBAI RAK, as it is also known, is carving out a niche as a destination for adventure. Depart with a scream Which is how I find myself on the edge of a precipice about to zipline across a valley at 100mph. Lasting three adrenaline-fuelled minutes and covering a fear-filled 1.
75miles Jais Flight is the longest zipline in the world. The waiting is the worst bit. Most read in Beach holidays With such a dangerous activity, safety is paramount which means thorough checks before each thrillseeker is launched off the side of the rocky, sand-coloured Jebel Jais mountain.
Most depart with a scream and seconds later they are lost, just a dot in the distance. Finally it’s my turn. Whizzing down head first does strange things to one’s face.
Imagine a dog gleefully putting its head out of a car win.