The third edition of the hugely popular event will take place in February, offering hikers and adventure lovers the chance to explore the UAE’s highest peak, while reinforcing the destination’s sustainable tourism credentials
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, XX, May 2023: Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as one of the world’s true adventure hotspots is set to gain another boost, with the renowned HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2024 hiking challenge confirmed to make a welcome return in February 2024.
The adventure challenge, which drew hundreds of participants from across the world when it was last staged in November 2022, offers hikers and adventure lovers the chance to physically test themselves on the UAE’s longest developed hiking trail while exploring the Hajar Mountains’ impressive rockscapes, rugged canyons and famous wadis.
Like previous years, HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2024 will comprise of two distinct formats. HIGHLANDER Pegasus is a 37km hiking challenge named after the constellation seen in the northern sky and the winged horse of Greek mythology. The event, which will be staged over three days from 2 – 4 February, will test the mettle of hikers while offering them the unique opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning mountain topography.
Meanwhile, HIGHLANDER Orion takes its name from the prominent constellation that is located on the celestial equator and is visible throughout the world. This 30km trek will traverse the Hajar Mountain range over two days (3 – 4 February) and offer participants the chance to explore this famous and rugged location while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the valleys below.
Both hiking routes will cross several old settlements and active farms that not only highlight the history and diversity of Ras Al Khaimah, but also showcase how communities have lived and worked in this rugged region for centuries.
With the safety of hikers being paramount, organisers have confirmed that there will be numerous HIGHLANDER checkpoints across both routes supported by marshals and medical first aid stations.
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The decision to shift HIGHLANDER 2024 from November to February will also provide the added benefit of showcasing the natural beauty of Jebel Jais following the winter rains, with stunning wildflowers and grass blanketing the mountain range.
Aligned to Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to become a regional sustainable tourism leader by 2025 and underscored by its ‘Balanced Tourism’ strategy, HIGHLANDER is keen to create awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting nature while encouraging participants to enjoy the great outdoors while minimising their impact on the environment.
HIGHLANDER participants will also be offered 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. These talks will reinforce the nature-driven aspect of hiking, drawing awareness and appreciation of hikers towards the diverse natural landscape and the need to preserve it, as well as the rich culture of the Emirate.
Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “In line with our vision to become a leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, we are proud to support landmark events such as HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah, which works to foster adventure tourism in ways that generate employment and showcase the emirate’s unique history and culture to visitors from across the world.”
Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, said: “We are excited to host the 3rd edition of HIGHLANDER in Ras Al Khaimah. For us, HIGHLANDER is not just an adventure sport event, it is an opportunity to showcase the majestic Hajar Mountains to a global audience of adventure lovers and hiking enthusiasts. HIGHLANDER has helped put Ras Al Khaimah on the global adventure map. As a leading sustainable tourism destination and adventure hub, HIGHLANDER showcases the best Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. For 2024, we are also expanding our collaboration with international adventure clubs across Europe as well as partnering up with several DMCs to offer HIGHLANDER participants a more convenient travel experience. There is so much to explore in Ras Al Khaimah on and off trail.”
Registrations for HIGHLANDER 2024 are now open at https://highlanderadventure.com/en-us/ras-al-khaimah. Participants can take advantage of Super Early bird tickets and can also benefit from HIGHLANDER’s zero interest instalment plan. Participants who complete the full trail will receive a HIGHLANDER finisher badge and certificate, ID, Bib number, map and access to an exclusive finish point celebration. For further details visit the website or the HIGHLANDER Instagram page.
To discover more exciting outdoor activities in the Emirate go to visitrasalkhaimah.com and visitjebeljais.com or Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s Instagram, YouTube and Facebook pages.