Video: UAE’s new zipline set Guinness World Record for being world’s longest
Ras Al Khaimah has achieved a Guinness World Records title with its latest adventure tourism product – ‘Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline’.
The official certification was handed over today to HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, by Hoda Khachab, the official adjudicator from Guinness World Records.
HH Sheikh Ahmad bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi was the first to trial the new zipline this morning, following the official certification by Guinness World Records.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said the world’s longest zipline will earn the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah considerable recognition on the local, regional and global stage and propel the destination into the major leagues of global adventure tourism.”
The world’s longest zipline, measuring 2.83km – equivalent to over 28 soccer fields, and spanning the chasm of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s largest mountain peak at over 1,680 metres above sea level, was opened to the public on February 1, 2018.
“The Ras Al Khaimah zipline is being operated by Toroverde Ras Al Khaimah, the world’s most experienced zipline managers.”
Ricardo Lizano, COO of Toro Verde, said they bring to Ras Al Khaimah immense zipline management experience earned through previous projects in Central and South America, including Toroverde Puerto Rico – the ‘Monster’ which, at 2.2 km previously held the zipline record now claimed by this ambitious emirate.
“Delivery of the zipline, which features a steel cable weighing more than six tonnes and is suspended 1,680 metres above sea level, has been in the planning phase for over a year.”
The process involved extensive feasibility studies, master-planning, comprehensive surveys, soil tests and construction simulations, he added.
“Maintaining sustainable environmental practices within all construction acts, strong anchor holes were drilled into the rugged Hajar Mountains that alone took over six months.”
Thrill-seekers will be suspended above the mountain as they prepare to take the flight headfirst in a ‘superman’ style position. “The experience will see participants fitted with a special suit and equipment for the adventure, with the longest flight itself taking approximately two to three minutes.”
Once completed, guests will finish the bucket list flight on a suspended landing platform – unique in the world – where they will be transferred to a second line, measuring in at 1 km, to complete their journey back to the ground, he said.
“It actually comprises two main zipline cables, allowing friends and family members to experience and race together, adding to the fun and competitiveness of the facility.”
“We anticipate the attraction accommodating a rider every five minutes on the two zip lines, equating to approximately 200 people per day, and around 100,000 per year,” explained Jorge Jorge, CEO of Toro Verde RAK.
“We also believe given its location in Jebel Jais, which is traditionally 10 degrees cooler than average UAE temperatures, we can operate during the summer months,” added Jorge.
Talal Omar, The Country Manager for Guinness World Records MENA, said “The event highlights an extraordinary attraction that now puts Ras Al Khaimah with UAE as a global primary destination.”
Source:khaleejtimes.com
