International hiking association HIGHLANDER to take participants on a thrilling adventure atop UAE’s highest peak with specially designed two-and three-day hikes

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, November 2021: With only a few spots left, the team at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is gearing up to host the inaugural HIGHLANDER hiking experience – and first ever in the GCC – from 18th November to 20th November 2021. Run by the only certified international hiking association in the world, adventurers are invited to immerse themselves in the breath-taking surroundings of the rugged Ras Al Khaimah mountain landscape and secure their place at the one-of-a-kind experience that will take place on the UAE’s longest developed hiking trail.

Running from Wadi Ghalilah to Shimal, participants will traverse along clearly flagged routes with more than half situated off-trail, including exclusive access to areas previously restricted. Intrepid adventurers have two options based on experience and fitness levels: HIGHLANDER55 (55km hike over three days) and HIGHLANDER Experience (30km hike over two days) carrying everything they need for the trip to be self-sufficient. Both routes will challenge hikers physically as well as nourishing their appreciation for nature to soothe the mind, body and soul. Participants who register can take advantage of the group discount with prices at AED 3,000 ($817) for teams of three and AED 4,000 ($1,090) for teams of four.

Running from Wadi Ghalilah to Shimal, participants will traverse along clearly flagged routes with more than half situated off-trail, including exclusive access to areas previously restricted. Intrepid adventurers have two options based on experience and fitness levels: HIGHLANDER55 (55km hike over three days) and HIGHLANDER Experience (30km hike over two days) carrying everything they need for the trip to be self-sufficient. Both routes will challenge hikers physically as well as nourishing their appreciation for nature to soothe the mind, body and soul. Participants who register can take advantage of the group discount with prices at AED 3,000 ($817) for teams of three and AED 4,000 ($1,090) for teams of four.

In addition to hiking, participants can enjoy some much-deserved relaxation each night, swapping stories from the day around the campfire, before the next leg the following day. Each night, a host of interactive activities and experiences will take place including sunset meditation and sunrise yoga, a ‘Leave No Trace’ workshop and basic first aid training by Blue Guard. In support of the local community, the second night camp will be hosted within the settlements of the mountain tribes, where hikers will be treated to a showcase of traditional dance, famous tribal call, live heritage music, live cooking of Luqaimat & Regag Bread and a traditional meal prepared by the local families of Jebel Jais.

Making their experience even more memorable, hikers have the option to visit the Emirate the day before their HIGHLANDER experience and enjoy a one-night stay at three partner hotels (Citymax, Hilton Garden Inn & Hilton Resort & Spa) to rest and fuel up before the big day. With packages starting from AED 180, the respective hotel will provide transportation to the event starting point and back, luggage storage and deliver the HIGHLANDER kit for the hiker to their hotel room.
HIGHLANDER’s vision and its global community’s ethos follow the principles of sustainable tourism through its ‘Leave No Trace’ Policy, which aligns closely with Ras Al Khaimah’s focus on environmental preservation. 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.

HIGHLANDER hikes take place all over the world sharing its vision to reinforce the importance of outdoor activities for mental and physical wellbeing and raise awareness of the importance of preserving and appreciating nature for future generations. Ras Al Khaimah will join the ranks of iconic locations such as Austria, Bosnia, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Russia and Portugal, all of which have played host to HIGHLANDER hikes viewed as the most significant events to take place within the global hiking community.
Visit highlanderadventure.com/ras-al-khaimah/en-us and its Instagram platform for more information, as well as Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s Instagram, YouTube and Facebook pages for information on more exciting outdoor activities in the Emirate.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

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For further information, please contact:

Asda’a BCW
+971 (4) 4507600
[email protected]

Alka Winter
Vice President, Destination Marketing & Communications
+971 50 652 8204
[email protected]

Gehan Sidky
Senior Manager, Destination PR & Communications
+971 50 427 3033
[email protected]