Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah to launch UAE’s first cross-emirate adventure trail, ET TravelWorld

In a landmark move for adventure tourism in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Fujairah Adventures have announced a partnership to establish the country’s first cross-emirate adventure trail. The agreement was signed during the Fujairah International Conference on Adventure Tourism, held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

The new trail aims to connect Ras Al Khaimah’s mountainous terrain, including Jebel Jais and its suite of hiking and adventure experiences, with Fujairah’s network of wadis, heritage trails, and coastal hikes. The initiative will support sustainable tourism by highlighting natural and cultural assets, encouraging community participation, and preserving biodiversity across both emirates.

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.”

Ras Al Khaimah’s contribution includes Jebel Jais’s 97km hiking network and its Rim Trail, a 40km route featuring the UAE’s longest balcony walk. These will be complemented by Fujairah’s offerings such as the Altaybbah Historic Route, the Seven Summits Hike, and trails like Ain Al Sheria and Wadi Al Dahir, which are known for their geological features and petroglyphs.

Amr Zein Eddin, Manager of Fujairah Adventures, said: “This MoU represents a strategic step toward strengthening the adventure tourism landscape in the UAE. We enhance our collective presence on the international stage while preserving the unique identity of each destination.”

The partnership arrives as adventure tourism gains momentum in the region, with estimates placing its potential value at AED 30 million by 2030. The sector is projected to grow at a rate of 10–15% annually, contributing significantly to the Middle East’s tourism revenue.

This initiative follows RAKTDA’s earlier collaboration with Oman’s Musandam Governorate, reinforcing its strategy of developing cross-border tourism corridors. By integrating offerings across emirates, the new trail positions Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah as central players in the region’s growing adventure tourism ecosystem.