The United Arab Emirates has become one of the UK's most beloved holiday destinations in recent years. The reason is easy to understand.
This country has deserts, oace, mountains, valleys and more.
There's really something for everyone, and that's before you consider a billionaire, or a billionaire that's on display all year round.
The United Arab Emirates also holds jets of fire such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the crown of hospitality.
However, there is another desert paradise just an hour away from Dubai, and is called by visitors as the country's hidden gem.
Harryleach set out in November to the artificial island of Almarjan in Rak, the northernmost tip of the UAE's seven-man Emirates.
He had to look hard on arrival to find it.
“Before me, the adrenaline addict shot Jay's Flight, the world's longest zipline, reaching speeds that lift up to 100 miles of hair on a 1.75-mile journey,” he said.
“It's suspended in the Superman position at 4,869 feet above sea level, so after a three-minute hit of dopamine, you can make their screams of joy when they reach safety.
“To my right is Jais Sledder: 1.14 miles of Mountainside Toboggan on a low track. It's certainly not for the timid, and I'm far more exhilarating than any of the roller coasters in the Alton Towers. I insist that.
“This is Ras Al Khaimah, just a 45-minute drive from Dubai Airport. It is a dream destination for thrill seekers and a relaxing desert paradise.”
Harry stayed four nights at the five-star Mevenpic Resort on one of four coral-shaped islands wrapped in the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf that make up the island of Al Marjan.
“When I arrived in late November, despite being in the winter cusp, the temperature was still above 30c,” he said. “Thankfully, the cool sea breeze prevented the sunlight from being anything but pleasant. And it comes from people who need to apply Factor 50 at all times in the UK summer.”
The hotel was full of old young tourists, family and loneliness, thrill seekers and deck chairs.
There were plenty of activities for Harry to try his hand, including spas, online gaming caves, arcades, children's play centres and regular live performances.
He said: “I follow up on a tough gym session and deal with the best post-workout diet available, Mövenpick's 'Chocolate Hour' – 60 minutes of free eclairs, truffles and chossy fondue. It's pure dul.
“There's a lot going on, there's a lot to see and a lot to do, but it doesn't feel overwhelming.
“It goes without saying that Mövenpick, an established European Swiss hotel management brand, has exceptional dining options. There are four top-notch restaurants.”
According to Harry, the hotel's food hall, market opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and was the heart of the hotel's heartbeat.
“It's about making meals with all your heart,” Chef Rajiv Ranjan Singh told him one evening while teaching him how to cook Resty, a Swiss national dish.
Mövenpick is famous for its gorgeous Neo Sky Bar, which oversees the 24/7 construction of the UAE's first casino, scheduled to open in 2027.
The £3 billion development will be a bit of a car trip from the resort, and promise to further boost tourism in Al Marjan, still relatively new in just 12 years and not discovered as a Western holiday destination I will.
Harry added: But five days later I felt like I had come back and refreshed. The warmth and familiarity of the locals, and the tranquility of the island, made it a tough farewell on the final morning.
“Dubai gets most of the attention and grabs headlines, and it's probably always the case.
“But Al Mahjan is the most protected secret in the country right now.”
The UK-to-Dubai fight is available on Emirates, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from a return of around £420. Transferring Ras Al Khaimah takes about an hour.
Rooms at Mevenpic Resort Al Mahjan in Ras Al Khaimah start at around £152 per night. movepick.accor.com
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