Jais Sledder, Ras Al Khaimah's new mountain toboggan ride, is now open


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Ras Al Khaimah’s latest thrilling attraction opened today.

The Jais Sledder, a 1,885-metre toboggan run that winds down through the Hajar Mountains offering riders panoramic views as they go, officially opened to the public on Wednesday morning.

What is the Jais Sledder?

The alpine coaster is capable of reaching a speed of up to 40 kilometres per hour, although each rider is securely strapped in and has access to a braking system, allowing them to control their own speed.

It's open to children from age 3, as long as they're accompanied by an adult. Youngsters up to the age of 8 can ride in two-seater sleds together with an older person, while older children who are at least 1.35 metres tall can ride alone or along with a friend or adult.

The Jais Sledder is open to children aged 3 and older, as long as they're accompanied by an adult. Photo: Jais Adventure Park
The Jais Sledder is open to children aged 3 and older, as long as they're accompanied by an adult. Photo: Jais Adventure Park

Tickets are available to buy at the counter between 9am and 5.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

It costs Dh40 for adults for a single ride or Dh90 for three rides. For an adult and child it's Dh60 for one go or Dh120 for three.

What else is coming to Jebel Jais this year?

The Jais Sledder, which is the region’s longest toboggan, is only one of a series of new attractions set to open at Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, over the coming months. And many of them have been designed with sustainability and eco-tourism in mind.

Also coming to Jebel Jais this year is Jais Wings, the first dedicated paragliding site in the Gulf. Then there's the Jais Swing, for those brave enough, which will offer unrivalled views and is sure to be popular with Instagram users.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said the new attractions will "integrate seamlessly into the mountain ecosystem”. The enhancements on Jebel Jais are part of the 500-million-dirham investment announced last year by the authority.

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, which opened in 2020, has been expanded with redesigned cabins added, while the highest restaurant in the UAE, 1484 by Puro, now boasts a larger deck and a new rooftop lounge, The View by 1484, which offers breathtaking vistas across the mountain.

Also set to open in 2022 is Earth Altitude, a pop-up hotel, with 15 eco accommodation units and a swimming pool, and Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais, a sustainable glamping experience with 30 accommodation units.

Basecamp Jais, also scheduled to open in late 2022, will offer affordable accommodation and will be a leisure hub, with yoga and cultural experiences.

More information is available at visitjebeljais.com

The specs: 2018 Honda City

Price, base: From Dh57,000
Engine: 1.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 146Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km

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Tips on buying property during a pandemic

Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.

While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.

While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar. 

Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.

Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities. 

Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong. 

Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.

Squads

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Updated: February 16, 2022, 9:44 AM