Fans heading to the second edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship are set to be treated to thrilling action both on and off the course, with the northernmost Emirate renowned for its outstanding nature, leisure, adventure and traditional experiences.
While defending champion Nicolai Højgaard, his brother Rasmus, Ryan Fox, Thriston Lawrence and Ryder Cup legends Thomas Bjørn and Padraig Harrington are set to delight the crowds attending Al Hamra Golf Club from February 2-5, fans are also being invited to make the most of the natural surroundings during the tournament, with ticketholders receiving discounted rates at some of the region’s best attractions.
From dinner under the stars in the desert, to knee-trembling, adrenaline-filled adventures and anything in between, here’s five things to do while visiting the final event of the traditional Desert Swing next month:
Strap in at the Jais Sledder!
If you’re a thrill-seeker then Jais Sledder will be right up your street. The alpine coaster, which opened in February 2022, is the region’s longest toboggan ride at 1,840 metres and can reach speeds of up to 40km/h as you wind down through the Hajar mountain range, offering riders panoramic views as they go. Due to the low-slung track, the speed of the ride seems to be amplified ten-fold because you are sitting so close to the ground. The total ride takes around eight minutes with hairpin curves and undulating waves adding to the excitement of this fun-filled adventure. Strap in, this is not for the faint-hearted!
Fly the world’s longest zipline
Located atop the cloud-piercing Jebel Jais peak, Jais Flight should be at the top of every adrenaline junkies wish list in the UAE. The world’s longest zipline sees riders soar across jagged mountain peaks and swoop through deep ravines at hair-raising speeds of up to 160 km/h! The first, and fastest, flight section sees you descend at high speeds in the ‘Superman’ (laying belly-down) position to a nine tonne glass-bottomed platform that resembles a hovering bird of prey suspended 80 metres above the ground. From here, your final flight will be the much shorter and relatively sedate 1km zipline that finally takes you to the foot of the mountains. The experience takes around three minutes but when you’re 1,680 metres above the Arabian Gulf travelling at high speeds it certainly feels a lot faster!
Ticketholders will receive 25% off both the Jais Sledder and Jais Flight by visiting the Jebel Jais Adventure Park tent in the Tournament Village during the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.
Enjoy the magic of Sonara Camp Al Wadi
After a day of following the DP World Tour’s best players around Al Hamra Golf Club, you’ll be looking for somewhere to enjoy a bite to eat in the evening. Look no further than Sonara Camp Al Wadi, which is home to a refined dining and entertainment experience located in the stunning Al Wadi nature reserve of Ras Al Khaimah. Enjoy a culinary journey with a sophisticated three course Mediterranean sharing menu, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking methods. Herds of Oryx and Gazelle and the elusive Arabian Red Fox will join you as dinner companions, while live exciting entertainment including musicians and fire shows are sure to keep the whole family entertained.
Visit Dhayah Fort
If adventure sports aren’t your thing you could always check out some of the historic sites in Ras Al Khaimah including the UAE’s only hilltop fort – Dhayah Fort. The castle-like structure is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and stands proud amidst the arid mountains and fertile date wadis, boasting amazing views from the mountains across palm trees and verdant lands to neighbouring Oman and down to the sea. The fort dates back to the Late Bronze Age when locals used it for settlement and fortification. The twin-peaked golden mud-brick fortress was built during the 19th century and restored in the late 1990s. It is an important historical monument where the 1819 battle between British troops and local Qawasim tribes took place. The climb to the top consists of 239 zigzagging steps but it’s well worth it for the stunning vistas.
Explore the history of pearling
Fans can learn more about the celebrated history of pearling in the region at Suwaidi Pearls. Founded in 2005 by Abdulla Al Suwaidi, the farm was established with the aim of preserving the Al Suwaidi family legacy and to revive the country’s proud tradition around pearl diving. Situated at the foot of the expansive Al Hajar mountain range in the northern district of Al Rams, the farm tour starts with visitors boarding a traditional pearling boat for a tranquil journey through verdant mangroves to reach the floating pearl farm. Visitors will learn about the historic significance of pearling, and gain insight into the lives of pearl divers, pearl cultivation and the harvesting process plus get an opportunity to experience the thrill of opening their own oyster and checking for pearls.
Ticket registration for the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship is now open, with fans invited to register for free tickets here.
Spectators who would like to elevate their experience at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship have the opportunity to purchase a place to play alongside DP World Tour professionals in the Monday Pro-Am. Click here to purchase a Pro-Am place or hospitality tickets.
