Tag Archives: Paul Gardiner

RAK Leisure (RAKL) announced that the world’s first Bear Grylls Explorers Camp (BGEC) will open close to the Via Ferrata on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah this October. As travellers across the globe navigate through the ‘new normal’, the opening of BGEC aligns seamlessly with travel experiences set in expansive, open and natural environments and that are curated for smaller groups with safety protocols and social distancing measures fully in place. Following the huge success of Bear Grylls Survival Academy in the United Kingdom, his globally renowned survival courses will debut in the Middle East in addition to the world’s first Bear Grylls branded camp accommodation opening in 2021 and featuring 20 recycled and redesigned containers, lending to the overall mountain experience. “Within a larger global context, the launch of BGEC represents both innovation and resilience during what has been a very challenging year for the travel and tourism industry,” said Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding. “Under the expert guidance of our RAK Leisure division, BGEC will further enhance the growing adventure offer on Jebel Jais and raise the profile of Ras Al Khaimah on the world stage.” Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development (RAKTDA) added, “As a tourism destination, Ras Al Khaimah has demonstrated time and time again, a robust identity aligning with current travel sentiment for remote and curated experiences, which is exactly what BGEC offers travellers in a new era of travel. In 2018, we launched the world’s longest zipline on Jebel Jais and are delighted to announce another first with the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp on the UAE’s highest mountain.” Paul Gardiner, Managing Director of Bear Grylls Survival Academy concluded, …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) entered into an agreement with Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) to establish and operate Ras Al Khaimah’s own Bear Grylls Survival Academy on Jebel Jais, as part of its ongoing drive to attract more adventure seekers from around the world. Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced the latest addition to the Emirate’s varied portfolio of adventure tourism products recently. A brainchild of Bear Grylls, the most recognised face of survival and outdoor adventure, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy offers thrill seekers an opportunity to learn extreme survival techniques at 20 locations around the world. The Bear Grylls Survival Academy on Jebel Jais, which is scheduled to open in Q1 2020, will offer participants a wide selection of courses suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The courses include half-day (5 to 6 hours), 24 and 48-hour courses designed for families and adults; team building activities for corporates; and instructor courses for outdoor enthusiasts, where participants will be exposed to practical and extreme survival techniques necessary to survive some of the toughest terrain in the wilderness. The courses will comprise of a combination of survival and adventure tasks that will conclude in a wilderness expedition designed to put the participants’ new-found skills to the ultimate test. Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “This partnership to establish our upcoming adventure product recognises a sector of our tourism proposition that is fundamental to the growth of Ras Al Khaimah as a global destination.” Paul Gardiner, Managing Director of Bear Grylls Survival Academy, said, “As the UAE’s highest mountain with its …