Ras Al Khaimah, 13th Jan 2010 (WAM)-- H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today inspected the construction works of the 36- kilometre long road to the top of Jebel Jais mountain- the highest point in the UAE.
Sheikh Saud reviewed the progress of the ambitious infrastructure project which would make the 1950- metre high Jebel Jais peak accessible by road and opens up enormous possibilities for tourism development in the area. He was briefed about the work progress by the officials of the Ras Al Khaimah Public Works and Services Department. Abdulla Yousuf, Head of the RAK Public Works and Services Department, said that the road has now reached an elevation of 1300 metres and the work is currently in progress at the 30- km mark. Asphalting has been completed till 14.5 km and the road work is expected to be complete by February 2011. It will be open to the public only after full completion of the works. The road starts from the Wadi Al Beah area near the foot of the mountain cluster and winds its way up to the top of Jebel Jais in a 36- kilometre long stretch. The project is part of the development master plan which seeks to develop and connect the emirate's natural assets and explore the untapped tourism potential of the Jebel Jais mountains. The mountain had witnessed heavy snowfall last year when nighttime temperatures dropped to as low as -3 degree Celsius on the top. The mountain peak usually has a temperature gradient of 10 to 13 degree Celsius, making it significantly cooler even during the summer months. RAK Government has plans for several unique tourism projects to be set up on Jebel Jais to capitalize on the spectacular mountain scenery and attractive climate offered by the area.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.
