• Ras Al Khaimah’s own Bear Grylls Survival Academy on Jebel Jais will be the latest addition to its rich portfolio of adventure tourism products

• The Bear Grylls Survival Academy will offer a variety of courses and events on Jebel Jais, operated by its highly trained experts

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) entered into an agreement with Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) to establish and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s own Bear Grylls Survival Academy on Jebel Jais, as part of its ongoing drive to attract more adventure seekers from around the world. Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced the latest addition to the Emirate’s varied portfolio of adventure tourism products at Arabian Travel Market today.

A brainchild of Bear Grylls, the most recognised face of survival and outdoor adventure, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy offers thrill seekers an opportunity to learn his extreme survival techniques at 20 locations around the world. The partnership with Bear Grylls Survival Academy is a testimony of Ras Al Khaimah’s ongoing efforts to expand and develop its adventure tourism offering in what is fast becoming known as the region’s adventure tourism hub.

The Bear Grylls Survival Academy on Jebel Jais, which is scheduled to open in Q1 2020, will offer participants a wide selection of courses suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The courses include half-day (5 to 6 hours), 24 and 48-hour courses designed for families and adults; team building activities for corporates; and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts, where participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness.

The courses will comprise of a combination of survival and adventure tasks that will conclude in a wilderness expedition designed to put the participants’ new-found skills to the ultimate test. Techniques include how to make a fire in the wilderness, build emergency shelters, learn best ways to use a knife for survival, remote medical trauma, training on navigation techniques, rock climbing and extreme weather survival. The Academy will be run by highly trained professionals trained by Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy on the upcoming academy on Jebel Jais. This partnership to establish our upcoming adventure product recognizes a sector of our tourism proposition that is fundamental to the growth of Ras Al Khaimah as a global destination. With the increasing number of visitors, we’re witnessing year on year, we believe that the introduction of new adventure attractions is essential to maintain Ras Al Khaimah’s strong position on the world tourism map.”

Paul Gardiner, Managing Director of Bear Grylls Survival Academy said: “As the UAE’s highest mountain with its breathtaking views and adrenaline-packed activities, Jebel Jais is the perfect choice of destination to expand our presence in the region. Attracting thrill seekers from around the world, Jebel Jais is truly the nature adventure hub of the Middle East. We look forward to welcoming Ras Al Khaimah’s visitors at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy for a new memorable and thrilling experience.”

The Emirate already presents an extensive selection of adrenaline-fuelled activities from hiking, trekking and cycling to rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking. Over the last few years, Ras Al Khaimah has significantly expanded its adventure tourism offering – positioning itself as the nature adventure hub of the Middle East while complementing the offering of the neighboring Emirates.  The notable adventure tourism attractions include the Arabian Gulf’s first commercial Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (iron path) which features hiking, climbing and zipline challenges and the Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline that attracted over 29,000 thrill seekers from around the world in under a year.

In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has shown a strong potential to become a sustainable and competitive tourism destination in the region. As defined in its Destination Strategy 2019-2021, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority will continue to prioritize sustainable nature-based adventure experiences with ambitious goal to secure 1.5 million visitors by 2021 and 3 million visitors by 2025.