Launch platform at Jebel Jais, the
world’s longest zip line in Ras Al
Khaimah (Credit: Jebel Jais)
UP AND
AWAY
A pair of zip-line-based adventure initiatives, currently
under implementation in the Sultanate, promise to
make a holiday in Oman even more thrilling.
A
drenaline junkies can look forward to
adventure-filled holidays in Oman when
the first of two zip-line projects comes into
operation within the next year or two.
ip-lines are all the rage in popular holiday
destinations around the world, not least because
they offer the opportunity to experience gravity-
defying thrills safely and securely. nlike other
adventure-based pursuits that re uire a certain
degree of fitness and skill on the part of the
participant, zip-line riding is safe for individuals of
all ages (infants and toddlers being exceptions, of
course). Once you’re securely strapped into your
harness, you zip through the air sometimes a
couple of hundred feet above ground to enjoy
what promises to be the thrill of a lifetime.
n Oman, the first major zip-line project is in the
early stages of development in the pictures ue
village of Misfat al Abriyeen in Al amra Wilayat
in the interior part of Oman. An initiative of the
Ministry of Tourism, the project is being funded by
a subsidiary of Oman efreshment Company (O C)
as part of its CS programme. An agreement to this
effect was signed by the Ministry with O C late in
.
Another zip-line project is alsao envisioned in abal
Akhdar (The reen Mountain) also in the interior
20
Bird’s-eye view of Misfah Al Arbiyeen
region of Oman. The zip-line is a key feature of
the reen Peak Adventure esort billed as the
first adventure resort, which is under construction
in abal Akhdar. The sovereign wealth fund of the
Sultanate, Oman nvestment und (O ), is a key
shareholder in the resort development, which will
feature luxury hotels and restaurants, as well as a
number of adventure-based attractions.
As with any project of its kind, the Al amra and
abal Akhdar zip-lines will enable riders to soar
over the stunning landscapes of Oman’s Dakhiliyah
overnorate, characterized by majestic mountains
and plunging canyons. abal Akdhar is already a
hotspot for all kinds of extreme adventure pursuits,
including rock-climbing, abseiling, caving and
trekking.
oth initiatives will be integrated with an array of
outdoor adventure activities to appeal to a wide
cross-section of local and international visitors.
Combined with the governorate’s rich natural and
historical heritage, exemplified by its diversity
of imposing fortifications, enchanting date palm
gardens, ancient a ueducts, and craft industries,
zip-lines are set to inject a much-needed degree of
adventure to holidays in the mountainous heartland
of Oman.