Ras Al Khaimah attracts visitors for bike festival

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority held the emirate’s third annual mountain bike race around Jebel Jais.

Ras Al Khaimah’s majestic Jebel Jais, which is the UAE’S highest mountain, was the setting for the annual Awafi Mountain Bike (MTB) Festival.

Now in its third year, the race took place on December 18. The event attracted 150 participants, a 50% increase on last year’s attendance.

The incentive for competitors was a cash prize. The prizes for the top 30 pairs were worth a cumulative $13,612 (AED50,000).

The event is sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, as well as Ras Al Khaimah Economic development, Ras Al Khaimah Public Works and AWAFI Festival.

According to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority CEO Haitham Mattar, the annual race is one of many events that drives visitors to the northern emirate, particularly sport and adventure enthusiasts.

“Jebel Jais is the ideal setting for adventure seekers in the UAE,” Mattar said. “We have more events planned for the coming months, from hiking to camping and much more, which will certainly create memorable experiences for residents and visitors to Ras Al Khaimah.”