Ras Al Khaimah has been named the GCC’s ‘Favourite Adventure Destination’ at the 2017 Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards - the region’s premier travel industry honours.

One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long- standing history dating back 7,000 years. The emirate boasts an array of breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

The award recognises the major strides the emirate has taken to develop international-standard adventure and activity tourism offerings centred around Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest mountain peak which towers 1,934 metres above sea level. These include the opening of the immensely successful Jebel Jais Via Ferrata – the region’s first commercial ‘iron path’ – which sees intrepid travellers hike, climb and zip line against the stark Hajar Mountain backdrop.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), which develops and regulates the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and initiates its domestic and overseas promotions commented that he views this award “as a resounding vote of confidence in the emirate and our efforts to transform it into the region’s adventure destination of choice.

“It is also significant that this year’s awards were focused on the future of luxury travel, including experiential, authentic and off-the- beaten-path approach to travel. Ras Al Khaimah answers these specific demands and is consistently demonstrating that luxury travel means more than sitting by an infinity pool. We hope that this recognition also provides added confidence to the many developers now eyeing the emirate as a high potential location for the development of exciting resort and wellness product within our mountain, beach and desert landscapes.”

Ras Al Khaimah is focusing on adventure and wellness tourism as a means of leveraging its considerable natural assets including mountain terrain, sweeping coastline and expansive desert and its ancient heritage much of which dates back 7,000 years. “Authenticity and differentiation are now key to our strategy of attracting a million visitors to the emirate by the end of next year. We have more exciting products in the pipeline, including the imminent opening of what we intend to be the world’s longest zip line which will deliver an experience which is unique within the region.”

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