An epic three-day hike is coming to the UAE’s highest peak
International hiking association HIGHLANDER is bringing its first GCC-based adventure to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah continues to build on its reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Emirate set to host the GCC’s first-ever ‘HIGHLANDER’ hiking this November.
Using new trails that will be specially created for the occasion, intrepid adventurers will have two options to select from, based upon general fitness levels: HIGHLANDER55 (55km hike over three days) and HIGHLANDER Experience (30km hike over two days). Both routes will physically challenge hikers across the rugged terrain of the Hajar Mountains as they will need to carry everything required for the trip along with being self-sufficient.
Running from Wadi Ghalilah to Shimal, the inaugural edition of the self-guided event will lead international visitors and local hikers along clearly flagged routes with more than half situated off-trail. Every hiker must be committed to nature preservation, aiming to complete the hike leaving no trace of their journey apart from footprints and photos capturing the stunning mountain views.
As night falls, participants will rest in their own tents as they prepare for the next leg of the journey. Safety is paramount and the HIGHLANDER team will staff the route and checkpoints with marshals and medical first aid stations. The hiking experiences also include yoga, Leave No Trace Talks, travel talks and the chance to share local folklore when at the camps.
Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, added: “Bringing the HIGHLANDER experience to Ras Al Khaimah is something we are immensely proud of as the rugged mountain terrain and the Emirates commitment to sustainable tourism aligns so well with the HIGHLANDER ethos. We are building the HIGHLANDER community internationally to embody the philosophy of “Take only pictures and leave only footprints” and see the addition of Ras Al Khaimah as the perfect new partner. We are already looking into the possibility of expanding the experience to two or even three times a year, each on a new trail; there is so much potential here in the Emirate.”
The hotly anticipated announcement was commemorated by a successful preview for the outdoor adventure community on Thursday 15th April to start building excitement for the inaugural HIGHLANDER Jebel Jais adventure taking in November 2021
HIGHLANDER, the only certified international hiking association globally, is widely renowned for its one-of-a-kind curated hiking experiences. Ras Al Khaimah will join locations such as Austria, Bosnia, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Russia and Portugal, all of which have played host to HIGHLANDER hikes.
GO: Visit highlanderadventure.com for more information.
