I went to the winter sun hotspot known for adventures – with world’s longest zip line, toboggan rides and extreme hikes

THE black silhouette of the ­mountain range emerges in the distance as we drive through the barren desert.

It looks ­ominous, like a ­location from the movie Dune.

But perhaps that’s because my mind is on overdrive thinking about what awaits at the top of the peaks.

Not long after I’m staring across a yawning valley, hoisted horizontally onto a zipline and about to be launched over the cliff edge.

This is Ras al Khaimah, one of the lesser known Emirates that collectively make up the UAE.

While for the moment it remains in the shadow of its better known neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, intense development and ambitious plans for the region mean it could soon be on a par.

RAK, as it is also known, is carving out a niche as a destination for adventure.

Depart with a scream

Which is how I find myself on the edge of a precipice about to zipline across a valley at 100mph.

Lasting three adrenaline-fuelled minutes and covering a fear-filled 1.75miles Jais Flight is the longest zipline in the world.

The waiting is the worst bit.

With such a dangerous activity, safety is paramount which means thorough checks before each thrillseeker is launched off the side of the rocky, sand-coloured Jebel Jais mountain.

Most depart with a scream and seconds later they are lost, just a dot in the distance. Finally it’s my turn.

Whizzing down head first does strange things to one’s face. Imagine a dog gleefully putting its head out of a car window, tongue flapping, while travelling at full speed along a motorway.

After the initial rush (and yes, a scream) comes a feeling of gliding like a bird over the dramatic landscape.

Thanks to the extreme length of the zipline, there is also time to truly appreciate it.

But that is not all the Hajar Mountain range has to offer adrenaline junkies.

A ­little lower down the quiet winding roads is the terrifying Jais Sledder toboggan ride.

Much like the zipline, it’s massive. As your toboggan ascends slowly to the top, it climbs and climbs. And just when you think you are at the summit, it climbs again.

But what goes up must come down.

It feels much faster than its top speed of 25mph as it hurtles around sharp corners with nothing but sheer drops below.

It’s an absolute buzz and also great value for money at just 50AED (£10) a ride, or 120AED for three goes for anyone who believes fear is a byword for fun.

There are more thrills to be had in the mountains of Ras al Khaimah.

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp offers extreme ­experiences, with guests staying in a camp and learning survival techniques approved by the TV personality.

Opening soon will be Via Ferrata, an extreme hiking trail, featuring ladders and zipwires allowing non-expert climbers to ascend the mountain.

But for me it was time to leave the rugged terrain and head to the fishing village of Al-Rams to let my imagination go on an adventure.

Here I boarded a traditional wooden boat, with its decks covered in colourful rugs, destined for a pearl farm in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

There our guide, dressed in traditional clothing, explained the history of pearling.

His storytelling was aided by the use of props including ancient maps that would have been used hundreds of years ago in the pursuit of the precious gems.

It was impossible not to conjure images of the jewels being traded at bustling markets and picture those who dived for them ­centuries ago despite the very real risk of death.

Stepping off the boat after we were brought back to shore, it felt a shame to have to return to reality.

The UAE has a reputation for luxury, and RAK is no different, playing host to top hotel brands including Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and InterContinental along the 40 miles of soft, wide sandy beaches.

Thrilling journey

I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria which was impossible to fault.

Superb restaurants from a traditional grill to a vibrant Japanese ­eaterie were among the highlights of the sprawling 5* resort.

It also includes the Al Hamra golf course which, during my stay, was playing host to some of the world’s top golfers at a DP World Tour event.

From the hotel’s beach, an army of cranes at work across the water were signs of the intense construction taking place in the region.

RAK will soon feature the UAE’s first casino — Las Vegas behemoth Wynn is currently building a 1,500-room resort on a man-made island. It plans to open in 2027.

And there are already some great value mid-range hotels offering four-night stays with flights from just £885pp.

Already a destination for thrill seekers, Ras Al Khaimah is seemingly on a thrilling journey of its own.