Move over Dubai - the overlooked destination you can reach from Manchester Airport that's one of travel's best kept secrets
29.03.2024 - 17:03
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Staring down at the stunning views of Ras Al Khaimah, I couldn’t believe I was hundreds of metres in the air - and in control of a plane. Moments earlier I’d lived out my Barbie girl dreams by stepping into a hot pink light aircraft at Jazira Aviation Club - the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates.
A flock of white-feathered flamingos chilling beside an island, a bale of turtles splashing through the waves of the Arabian Gulf and a (literal) overview of the emirate’s luxury hotels and white-sand beaches were among the breath-taking views.
For a short while - which felt like an eternity - I was in control of the aircraft. With the pilot directing me, I felt the pull of the plane underneath us. So too did I feel my stomach, flipping with a mix of excitement and nerves.
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Upon an effortlessly smooth landing courtesy of the pilot, I understood exactly how people get hooked. It’s an addictively exhilarating hobby. With some 50 aircrafts at the aviation club, including gyrocopters, one dedicated member told me he loves to fly up to eight times a day.
Light aircraft flying is just one of the many thrill-seeking activities on offer in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the UAE, just over an hour’s drive from Dubai airport. While the glitz and glamour of Dubai is a huge draw for the rich and famous, many are now flocking to Ras Al Khaimah. A luxury retreat in a more laid-back setting, there really is something on offer for everyone - including daredevils and nature lovers.
I stayed at the Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa - which has been frequented by the likes of Peter Andre among other