UAE’s first cross-emirate hiking trail unveiled
Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah unite for adventure boom
DUBAI: In a landmark move for the UAE’s tourism sector, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Fujairah Adventures have joined forces to create the country’s first cross-emirate adventure experience.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the International Conference on Adventure Tourism in Fujairah this week. The signing took place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The collaboration sets a new benchmark in regional tourism by linking two of the UAE’s most dramatic landscapes – Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged mountains and Fujairah’s rich wadi networks. At the heart of the initiative lies the UAE’s first cross-emirate hiking trail, offering explorers the chance to traverse a diverse terrain that includes coastal ridges, desert paths, and historical trade routes.
Mountain meets Wadi
Ras Al Khaimah, home to the UAE’s tallest mountain Jebel Jais, brings world-class adventure to the table with attractions like the Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline – Jais Sledder, Jais Sky Tour, and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Its 97km hiking network and the signature Jebel Jais Rim Trail, a 40-kilometre loop with the country’s longest balcony walk, offer panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains and coastal mangroves.
These high-altitude attractions will now be complemented by immersive, multi-day trekking experiences enhanced with overnight camping in traditional mountain settlements – designed to spotlight cultural heritage and sustainable tourism practices.
Fujairah’s hidden trails
Fujairah adds an equally impressive portfolio to the alliance. From the ancient Altaybbah Historic Route to the panoramic Seven Summits Hike, its trails reveal geological wonders, lush oases, and ancient petroglyphs. Highlights include the Ain Al Sheria Trail, known for fossil-rich terrain, and the Wadi Al Dahir Hike, which features sulphur pools and striking natural formations.
Adventurers can also explore the canyon-like Wadi Al Abadilah with its year-round streams, or take in coastal and mountain views on the Sal Khail Trail and Alaqqah Coastal Ridge. All these routes now form a cohesive adventure corridor with Ras Al Khaimah’s own hiking hotspots like Jabal Mibrah, Showka, Dafta, Mamadoh, Esfai, and Esfini.
Adventure tourism in UAE
The partnership comes at a critical time as adventure tourism gains momentum across the UAE and beyond. The sector is expected to grow by 10-15% annually over the next five years. Regional projections suggest adventure tourism could contribute up to 35% of the Middle East’s tourism revenue by 2030. Locally, the UAE’s adventure tourism market is projected to hit Dh30 million by the same year.
Brent Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer of RAKTDA, emphasised that the partnership is about more than just tourism: “It’s about creating meaningful connections between landscapes, communities, and cultures in ways we’ve never seen before.”
Amr Zein Eddin, Manager of Fujairah Adventures, added: “This MOU enhances our presence on the international stage and allows us to share expertise while preserving the unique identity of each destination.”
This isn’t RAKTDA’s first foray into cross-border tourism collaboration. The Authority previously joined hands with the Musandam Governorate in Oman to offer combined travel experiences. These partnerships form part of RAKTDA’s broader strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a gateway to the region’s most exciting adventure destinations.