Highlander hiking event returns to...

The second edition of the two- and three-day Highlander hikes on Jebel Jais will take place in November 2022

From 18 to 20 November, hikers will have an opportunity to explore the great outdoors with Highlander Ras Al Khaimah 2022.

Taking place on the UAE’s longest developed hiking trail, the first adventure, Highlander 55, is a 55km hike over three days from 18 to 20 November 2022.

The Highlander Experience is a 30km two-day trek from 19 to 20 November 2022.

Both routes will offer exciting mental and physical challenges and the opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning mountain topography.

Hikers in RAK

This is the second time the event has been held in the emirate following the sell-out success of the first Highlander in November 2021.

Hikers will carry everything they need to be self-sufficient and navigate through the hiking trails across Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak

Encompassing 14km of newly developed trails, including the new Highlander trail, which stands as the longest developed hiking trail in the UAE, the route will take hikers through Wadi Ghalila, making their way through the iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail for the ultimate hiking experience.

Designed to be more challenging than the original trails, the new routes are divided into two sections; the lower segment connects the top of Jebel Jais to the lower trails, through the popular ‘Hidden Oasis’ spot, while the upper segment connects the various Jebel Jais trails to extend the longer distance routes.

With safety as paramount, there will be numerous Highlander checkpoints supported by marshals and medical first aid stations.

In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to become a sustainable tourism leader, Highlander’s global ethos follows the principles of sustainable tourism through its zero-waste policy.

Each adventure will feature a ‘Leave No Trace’ workshop as well as educational sessions on ecology and sustainability to highlight the importance of protecting the Emirate’s natural environment and taking home only memories and stunning photographs.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority chief executive officer Raki Phillips said: “Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the 'Nature Emirate', with its combination of sea, desert and mountains. Drawing on this natural heritage, we’ve worked closely with the local community to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, resulting in some of the most developed hiking trails in the region. As leaders in global adventure, we welcome Highlander for the second year to revisit some of their favourite trails on Jebel Jais and discover new paths of exploration.”

158 hikers attended last year

Highlander UAE managing director and Adventurati Outdoor founder Fadi Hachicho said: “Last year’s Highlander event saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 158 adventurers from the UAE and other European countries to explore the Emirate’s unique mountain ecosystem. I'm so excited to host a second edition where, together with the Authority, we will immerse the Highlander community in the natural beauty of our emirate.”

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Entries cost AED1,300 and include three meals per day, transportation to the start point, transportation of one 60L/20kg bag to the finish point and Mountain Rescue service fee. For more information, visit highlanderadventure.com/ras-al-khaimah