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World's longest zip line opens to the public in UAE

RAS AL-KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates -- The United Arab Emirates claimed a record on Thursday with the opening of the world's longest zip line, measuring 1.76 miles in length.

Guinness World Records officials certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah on the same day the attraction opened to the public.

The Jebel Jais Flight takes thrill-seekers atop the country's largest mountain peak, from a launch pad 5,512 feet above sea level. For nearly three minutes, riders are suspended above the mountain as they glide past rocky terrain.

Emirates World Zipline Record
Thrill-seekers descend from the UAE's highest mountain as they try out a new zip line, on the peak of Jebel Jais mountain, 15.5 miles north east of Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. AP

It's the latest effort by the smaller, lesser-known emirate of Ras al-Khaimah to attract more tourists and expatriate visitors from neighboring emirates like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which has two separate zip line attractions whizzing past some of the world's tallest skyscrapers.

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