Longest Zipline in the World. Ras Al Khaimah

Having done the Zipline in Snowdonia, Wales, the longest zipline in the world has been on my radar. I've watched videos and read up on this zipline, tucked away in the Jebel Jais Mountains in the northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The facts: The 2.83 km span of the world's longest zipline is comparable to 28 soccer fields. The Jebel Jais Zipline is an unforgettable must-do activity. You will land on a top-of-the-line suspended platform after taking off from the highest point in the UAE (1,680 meters above sea level) and flying over the spectacular Jebel Jais mountains at an average speed of 120 km/h, with a peak speed of 160 km/h.

Now, I'm no adrenaline junkie, but if a thrill is accessible, then the brain will do a risk calculation, and the f**k it button will be pressed.

Leaving behind the coastal desert flats of Ras Al Khaimah, the Jebel Jais mountain range begins to loom. It reminds me of the hills on the way up to the North East when visiting Whitby or Staithes.

However, this thought is quickly replaced as we begin the climb on the immaculate roads in Ras Al Khaimah. 

The obligatory tourist photo on the way up, taken by my driver Venu, who I offered to experience the zipline with me, but a well-resounding "no" and raised eyebrows gave me that extra confidence boost.

Reaching near the summit at the booking reception is Puro Cafe, a small, swanky cafe overlooking the zipline descent. A glass of Coke to steady the nerves while awaiting to be booked in. Looking up to the left, I can see the launch zone in the distance, but down to the right, I cannot see the landing zone. This is some serious s**t I've gotten myself into.

I get booked in, sign the waiver, alongside three South African women, two Australians, and a mother and son from England. Flight information given, strapped up into our body bags, and into the minibus for the final ascent to the launch pad. Let me just point out at this time that everything is so professional, just as I expected it to be.

So here we are, standing at the beginning of the world's longest zipline.

Pointed out in the image below is the landing zone in the far distance, a glass-floored platform suspended above the mountainside. "Okay, who's first up?" as I try to shuffle out of sight.

We get another brief, explaining that we haven't been forced to sign our waiver to fly, and lots of other bits, which were just muffled noise in fairness as I tried to contain my thoughts.

First up, the two Australians. Then, little old me. As you get into a handstand position so that they can put the final pulleys and straps on you, you are facing straight down the mountain, with no ending in sight (blurry eyes).

I promised myself to sing some songs on the way down, just for a laugh, having thought of relevant songs in the previous days. Scared? Yes. Nervous? No. Lying there, all harnessed up, looking down the mountain, was actually a very peaceful moment in time. 

3-2-1, and off I went. Having done this before, I knew what to expect. The height and speed become irrelevant as you stare at the scenery below and around you. Like a soaring eagle, or maybe an old bald eagle in my case.

As the braking system kicks in, you arrive on a glass-floored platform anchored above the mountainside. One set of harnesses is taken off you, then you are clipped back in for a short ride across to the mountainside. Incredible, amazing, and fantastic are all words that came to mind.

 As I stood there looking up to where I had just flown down from, the moment of achievement, however small, overwhelmed me, and I had a moment of self-pride. Adrenaline still there, as we made our way back to base camp to get the video, I met my driver, who had the widest grin: "You made it, Sir!"

I certainly did, and I would do it again in a flash.

Adrenaline wearing off, I just wanted to sleep on the way back.

You just have to believe in yourself.