UAE opens world’s longest zip line

Ras Al Khaimah : The United Arab Emirates claimed a record yesterday with the opening of the world’s longest zip line, measuring 2.83 kilometers (1.76 miles) in length.

Guinness World Records officials certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah on the same day the attraction opened to the public.

The Jebel Jais Flight takes thrill-seekers atop the country’s largest mountain peak, from a launch pad 1,680 meters (5,512 feet) above sea level. For nearly three minutes, riders are suspended above the mountain as they glide past rocky terrain.

It’s the latest effort by the smaller, lesser-known emirate of Ras al-Khaimah to attract more tourists and expatriate visitors from neighboring emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which recently opened the world’s longest ubran zip line whizzing past towering skyscrapers.

A temporary zip line attraction last year hoisted riders with a close view of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower.