HIGHLANDER RAK Launches New Summit Challenge for November

• HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah adds a new 25 km 'Summit Challenge' taking place in November 2026.
• The event features a steeper, more technical route through the Hajar Mountains compared to the longer formats.
• HIGHLANDER RAK is part of a global adventure hiking series that attracts participants from over 50 countries.
• The new format aims to broaden participation and boost off-season tourism in RAK's mountain zones.

• 2026 — Key year
• 24 — Volume / scale

What is the new HIGHLANDER Summit Challenge and when does it take place?

HIGHLANDER, the international long-distance hiking series, has announced a new event format for its Ras Al Khaimah edition: the HIGHLANDER Summit Challenge. According to Emirates 24|7, the inaugural Summit Challenge will be held in November 2026 and covers a 25 km route with significant elevation gain across the Hajar Mountains. Unlike the flagship 60 km and 100 km formats that span two to three days, the Summit Challenge is designed as a single-day, high-intensity hike with steeper ascents and technical sections. Registration opened this week, with capacity capped at 500 participants to ensure safety and minimise environmental impact on the fragile mountain ecosystem.

How does this event fit into RAK's adventure tourism strategy?

Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as the UAE's adventure tourism capital, leveraging the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais (the UAE's highest peak), and the world's longest zipline (Jebel Jais Flight). The HIGHLANDER series, which originated in Croatia and now operates in 15+ countries, has been held in RAK since 2021 and has grown into a signature annual event. The addition of the Summit Challenge addresses feedback from regional hikers who wanted a more accessible yet challenging option that fits into a long weekend. The November timing is strategic: it falls after the summer heat but before the peak winter tourist season, helping to smooth occupancy for mountain lodges, camps, and adventure operators in the Jebel Jais area.

What are the economic and community benefits of expanding the HIGHLANDER series?

Adventure tourism generates high per-visitor spend due to equipment rental, guide services, accommodation, and dining. The HIGHLANDER RAK 2025 edition attracted over 2,000 participants from 50+ countries, with an estimated economic impact of AED 12 million. The new Summit Challenge is expected to add 500–800 participants annually, many of whom bring friends and family. Beyond direct spending, the event promotes RAK's natural assets globally through participant social media and partner media coverage. It also encourages local community engagement — schools, corporates, and Emirati hiking groups often form teams. The RAK Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) supports the event through marketing, logistics, and safety coordination, viewing it as a low-infrastructure, high-return tourism product.