VIDEO: Two Emiratis conquer new heights after paragliding from 1,500 metres above sea level in Ras Al Khaimah

Adnan Okasha, Staff Reporter

In a breathtaking experiment that came after a year of successive attempts and repeated experiments, two citizens succeeded in paragliding from a height of 1,500 metres above sea level, from one of the peaks of Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, to draw picturesque and dazzling scenes as they were flying between the sun and the mountain heights.

The two adventurers are Khalifa Al Ghafri, from Ras Al Khaimah, and Abdullah Al Hammadi, from Sharjah. Their adventure, fraught with danger and excitement, began from the heights of Jebel Jais, and landed in the coast of Ghalila, near the mountain, about 30 kilometres north of Ras Al Khaimah.

Khalifa Al-Ghafri, a professional in the field of paragliding, adventures and jumping from heights, confirmed that they have set major goals for their adventure, the most important of which are self-challenge and fear, as well as promoting tourism in Ras Al Khaimah.

They were promoting “adventure tourism” in it specifically, and contributing to the development of the vital sector in the emirate, highlighting the natural and touristic landmarks of Ras Al Khaimah, attracting tourists, lovers of adventure and excitement sports.

The second thrill seeker, Abdullah Al Hammadi, said: “We have tried over the past 12 months to fly from the steep mountainous site, and to carry out the dangerous adventure, amid repeated experiences and attempts, without being able to achieve the dream, due to the extreme difficulty of the adventure, resistance to climatic and other conditions.”

They were deeply concerned about the extreme danger associated with it and the absence of any details of paragliding from this towering height in Jebel Jais.

Hammadi said he was able to tame the fear and overcome all obstacles, so that the adventure finally culminated in success.