Thanks to a set of augmented reality goggles, thrill-seekers stuck in the city can now fly down the world’s longest zipline, usually found in the United Arab Emirates, just across the river from the Houses of Parliament in central London.
Jebel Jais Flight, perched on the UAE’s tallest mountain in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, was recently crowned the world’s longest zipline, and it has now partnered with the longest city zipline in London for the best of both worlds.
After kitting up, visitors climb the 35m-high tower in south London’s Archbishop Park, with views over some of the city’s most iconic monuments, including the River Thames and the London Eye. After being strapped in, you walk down a few steps to launch yourself from the tower, zooming down the zipline and reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour.
The second time around is completely different, as you’re essentially blindfolded with a set of augmented reality goggles, which instantly transport you to the hazy, camel-coloured Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah. As you step off the steel tower, you’re flying above the desert peaks instead of a central London park. London’s 225m zipline is only a fraction of the 2.83km-long version on top of Jebel Jais, but it’s a good way to get a taste of the adrenaline before heading to the Middle East.
Ras Al Khaimah is starting to promote itself as an adventure destination for travellers seeking a thrill. Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, ‘With world-leading experiences such as the Jebel Jais Flight, we’re transforming Ras Al Khaimah from an undiscovered emirate to the adventure hub of the Middle East, making our stunning mountain range accessible and enjoyable for the first time. The Jebel Jais Flight London is giving adventure seekers a completely unique way to experience riding a record-setting attraction from an undiscovered part of the globe, but from right here in the heart of the city’.
Tickets for the Jebel Jais Flight London can be booked on Zip Now London’s website and are available until 9 September.
Want to keep the thrills going? Here are other best spots to get an adrenaline rush in Ras Al Khaimah.
Lauren Keith rode the Jebel Jais Flight London with compliments of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
