Ras Al Khaimah offers new hot air ballooning experience

A new tethered hot air ballooning experience called RAK Airventure has been launched in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

The attraction, available exclusively at Manar Mall, opened to the public on Saturday, April 30, to coincide with the extended holiday weekend to commemorate Eid Al Fitr.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) which announced the launch of the new experience, said that the attraction is for those between the ages of 5-75, with the flights lasting for approximately 10 minutes, according to news agency WAM.

Operated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flights can be availed of by people of determination too, although for safety reasons, passengers must be able to physically climb into the basket unaided.

The RAK Airventure attraction is open daily from 5pm until sunset at Manar Mall, although the flight availability could be altered due to weather conditions.

It offers views of the Hajar Mountains, dunes, mangroves as well as the city’s markets, palaces and mosques – as the balloon flies almost 30 meters above the ground.

“With nature, adventure and outdoor experiences at the very core of our destination strategy, RAK Airventure is a perfect addition to our portfolio, providing stunning 360-degree views of our unique landscapes,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA.

The launch of RAK Airventure follows the RAKTDA’s announcement at the Arabian Travel Market 2021of over 20 new sustainable tourism initiatives across the emirate marking an investment of Dhs500m in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The initiatives will include eco-hotels, glamping offerings, outdoor cinemas, and other activities geared towards experiential tourism.

Read: All you need to know about Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhs500m sustainable tourism projects

Ras Al Khaimah aims to attract 2.9 million visitors per year by 2025 and tourism is central to its economic diversification strategy.