Even after 11 years in Dubai, there are a few experiences we haven’t ticked off the list — SkyDive Dubai, a night in the Burj Al Arab, and until recently, the world’s longest zipline, located in Ras Al Khaimah. When a friend announced on Facebook that she was coordinating a group to go to Jebel Jais, I thought, ‘Sounds fun!’ Thus, on a hot afternoon in June, we made the 2+ hour drive to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai.
From my experience, here are a few things to consider:
- You will get lost. The instructions that accompany your booking request you arrive an hour early. THEY ARE CORRECT. As someone who prides herself as being punctual, between Google Maps errors, missed turns, detours, and a total lack of signage, it is REALLY in your best interest to show up earlier than you think. After everything, I think we only arrived within minutes of our assigned 2 PM appointment. Given the lack of signs, people who know what they are doing, and people who can correctly determine where you are supposed to be, approach this day with a fair amount of patience, or go with someone who’s done it before. I sincerely hope the RAK government is in the process of straightening out the entire area, which is confusing at best.
- Bring water. This statement more or less applies to doing anything in the UAE, but even though we had our Nalgene bottles, the smarter thing would be to pack a cooler for after the flight. While there is water to purchase at the top, having a few chilled bottles on hand back in the car would’ve really saved the day. There was a fair amount of standing around without access to water, so hydrate on the drive up (and be sure to use the bathroom before getting suited up).
- Prepare to sweat. Once checked in, you will be dressed in all the gear needed for the experience. The instructions mention wearing exercise gear, and they are correct. Given all the equipment, it’s in your best interest to be streamlined. Think yoga pants, sports bras, and sun cream.
- You don’t have time to be scared. As we made the final climb in our van and approached the platform, I began to worry about whether or not I would have the courage to step off said platform. Fortunately, after being strapped in, you’re pretty much on your way without considering the fact you’re about to whip up to 160kph down a 2+ kilometer wire. There’s no official countdown, and even though I was lined up next to Hubs, I finished much faster than he did.
- It will take longer than you think. There is a fair amount of waiting in the process. It’s neither a good or bad thing, but more, this will be something that takes the better part of a day. If going with out of town friends, consider having a relaxed meal at home instead of going out, or, as a more leisurely day trip from one of the Ras Al Khaimah hotels (I recommend the Ritz-Carlton or Waldorf Astoria).
- You need some upper body strength. Coming off The Cold That Refused to Die, I had been out of the gym, but in the second part of the zip line (there are two sections), guests have to use their biceps/triceps to keep straightened out. It was more difficult than I thought it would be.
- It’s not as scary as you think. Honestly, I felt nothing but peace and excitement as I flew down the wire. The whole thing is a bit surreal, and there’s really no time to consider how far above the earth you are flying. I thought the experience was less intense than paragliding.
- Go during the summer to save money. Summer rates are definitely cheaper (AED325) than the full price (AED650). I don’t think it’s worth AED1300 for a couple, but then again, there are a lot of security checks and personnel in place to make the experience a safe one. Hubs is already to go back, but it’s a one and done for me.
Have you visited Jebel Jais Flight yet? Would you go back?
