Hiking in the Hajar mountains can be fun for many.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ras Al Khaimah, the adventure capital of the Middle East, is giving outdoor enthusiasts the chance to reach new professional and personal heights with the introduction of Hajar Mountain Adventures – the first certified adventure training company in the UAE that will teach the skills needed to join the growing field of adventure tourism.

The first Mountain Leader training courses will launch on January 15th, 2022, and in line with the new UAE working schedule, will take place over three weekends. Licensed and authorised by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, the new entity will offer fundamental skills training and leadership and assessment courses covering hiking, climbing, abseiling, canyoneering and mountaineering.

 Jebel Jais mountains, another go-to spot for exciting outdoor adventures.

Hajar Mountain Adventures will also offer a fast-track instructor scheme, covering all training and assessment aspects of adventure activities to become a fully certified leader. Led by UK qualified and highly experienced instructors, Hajar Mountain Adventures is the only company in the country to deliver such courses within Ras Al Khaimah’s majestic Hajar Mountain Range.

Launching in January 2022, Hajar Mountain Adventures will offer the Mountain Leader Award, a first-of-its-kind, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority accredited, scheme that provides training and assessment in technical and leadership skills for those who wish to lead groups within the Hajar Mountains. This will also include the leadership of parties in lowland hill areas, wadis and desert terrains, integrating experience, training and assessment in challenging and testing conditions.

For those simply looking to experience the wonder of the great outdoors, Hajar Mountain Adventures also offers single or multi-day adventure trips including half-day taster sessions for under 16-year-olds. Hiking trips are available at different levels that can be tailored for all abilities and fitness levels.

Hajar Mountain Adventures also provides activities in rock climbing, abseiling and dry canyoneering adventure days. Lee Ellison, Owner and Director of Training, said “It is an honour to be licensed by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to become the only certified adventure training entity in the UAE. Through our progressive skills development courses, leadership training and certified assessments, our mission is to provide visitors with a professional adventure instructor certification framework, ensuring even safer outdoor experiences in the Emirate.”

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “‘We are seeing adventure travel becoming more and more popular because it is what people are looking for – to be outdoors in nature. Hajar Mountain Adventures not only contributes to making tourism a sustainable driver of the economy, but also ensures that more people can safely enjoy the thrill of adventure sports in our beautiful Emirate.

By supporting companies like Hajar Mountain Adventures, we are creating more opportunities for growth and liveability within Ras Al Khaimah, redefining the destination as the ideal place to visit, live and invest.” Over the past year, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has unveiled a series of exciting sustainable adventure projects on the mountain, with more still to come.

Home to a number of world-class attractions, the Jais Adventure Park is a gateway to such experiences including the Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline, the Jais Sky Tour and the world’s first Bear Grylls Branded accommodation, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Also known as a world apart for cyclists, Ras Al Khaimah is geared towards mountain bikers of all levels, offering dramatic views mixed with varying ascents.

Visit www.hajarmountainadventures.ae or Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s social pages – Instagram, YouTube and Facebook – for more information on Hajar Mountain Adventure and the array of outdoor activities available in the Emirate. 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.