Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority And Fujairah Adventures Join Forces To Create The UAE’s First Cross-Emirate Adventure Experience
*Featured image for illustration only. generated by AI
Okay adventure junkies, hold on to your hiking boots—because the UAE’s got a brand-new thrill trail, and it’s the first-ever cross-emirate hiking route! That’s right, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Fujairah Adventures just shook hands (officially, with a fancy MoU and everything) to create a mega outdoor playground that links epic peaks, wacky wadis, and culture-packed trails across not one, but two adventure-loving emirates.
Picture this: you start your morning ziplining through Jebel Jais’s sky-high thrills, trekking across rugged ridges, and sipping coffee on a cliff-edge balcony. Then, by sunset, you’re wandering through Fujairah’s ancient trade routes, stumbling upon hidden sulphur pools, and reading centuries-old petroglyphs that make Indiana Jones look like a rookie. Yup, it’s that cool.
Why This Is a Big, Dust-Kicking Deal
We’re talking about more than just trails here—it’s a full-blown, nature-packed, multi-emirate adventure corridor. Ras Al Khaimah brings the fire with its Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, the swooshy Jais Sledder, and a hiking network that could give your step counter a nervous breakdown. Fujairah, not to be outdone, rolls out its Altaybbah Historic Route and the Seven Summits Hike with coastal views that scream “Instagram me!”
This tag-team move is also all about sustainable tourism—think nature, not neon. They’re keeping the landscapes wild, the heritage intact, and the communities involved. So, it’s not just about adrenaline—it’s also about authenticity.
Brent Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer, RAKTDA said: “This collaboration isn’t just about expanding our tourism offerings – it’s about creating meaningful connections between landscapes, communities, and cultures in ways we’ve never seen before. By partnering with Fujairah Adventures, we are not only enriching adventure tourism in the UAE but also setting a precedent for cross-destination collaborations that celebrate diversity, champion sustainability, and inspire a new era of exploration across the region’s most breathtaking terrains.”
Amr Zein Eddin, Fujairah Adventures Center Manager, said: “This MOU represents a strategic step toward strengthening the adventure tourism landscape in the UAE. By joining forces with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, we enhance our collective presence on the international stage, positioning both emirates as key players in the region’s adventure tourism sector. This collaboration allows us to share expertise, align development efforts, and create a more interconnected and competitive offering that attracts global adventurers while preserving the unique identity of each destination. Additionally, it highlights the rich culture and heritage of both emirates, ensuring that adventure tourism is deeply rooted in the authentic experiences and history that define our regions.”
A strategic partnership at a pivotal moment
The timing of this partnership is particularly significant given the rapid growth of the adventure tourism sector. From 2022 to 2025, adventure tourism has substantially contributed to the local economy, with projections estimating the sector will reach AED 30 million by 2030. Global travel trends indicate the adventure tourism segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15% over the next five years, with market studies suggesting that by 2030, the market could contribute up to 35% of the Middle East’s total tourism revenue. This collaboration is a strategic response to these upward trends, positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah as key players in the region’s adventure tourism boom.
Building on a legacy of cross-destination collaboration
Teaming up with Fujairah Adventures builds upon RAKTDA’s ongoing commitment to borderless tourism and destination partnerships, including its successful collaboration with Musandam Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman to promote joint travel experiences. The collaboration between Ras Al Khaimah and Oman has already demonstrated the power of regional partnerships in driving international tourism. By facilitating and promoting cross-border experiences, Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a gateway to the region’s most compelling adventure destinations, complementing the offerings of its neighbouring emirates and beyond.
What’s the Endgame?
Simple: to make adventure tourism in the UAE as iconic as camel selfies in the desert. With adventure travel forecasted to grow faster than your weekend to-do list, this move positions Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah as THE go-to duo for thrill-seekers in the Middle East. And if you’re wondering just how big this will be—spoiler alert—the sector’s projected to rake in AED 30 million by 2030. Not bad for a bunch of rocks and hiking boots, eh?
So, whether you’re an experienced explorer or just here for the #hikevibes, it’s time to strap in, lace up, and get moving. The mountains are calling—and this time, they’re calling from two emirates.
