![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z4L7Y5HIPNDCBILVBHSPUFX5RM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7a688a179fdf6490f7225d86b005d779ab4a0943991ca03602982d303527c58f&width=400&height=225)
In his current role, he is involved in development strategy to grow the destination in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HPOKKCE3LRDAJNKU66WVUPA2EU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2ade7e02826f6750bec8424e140722f77f24708b47595e536e4c90450f19374f&width=400&height=225)
Former British Royal Marine Philip Durrell is the senior director of RAK Leisure, responsible for operations at Ras Al Khaimah's mountain attractions. All photos: Philip Durrell
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ADXGX3FOZZFHJE7YS35MTSZ4UY.jpg?smart=true&auth=feb84a3c067c6597de09e8336ff945455a3447b59d45ecb18ab5cbca0fccf7b3&width=400&height=225)
Mr Durrell, 51, also spearheads development of future activities with a multinational team, looking after Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/27IQJLTMBBH4HK4TZIPOK2HTTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fb1b7424fa0d966a5838d08a294b640bcbe8e77d2d09fdc6db7cd398e579f0a&width=400&height=225)
The keen diver, sailor and Ironman also overseas Wadi Shawka mountain biking and coastal water sports
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PNJBGOI5GBBWJCDN5TSRQZLPRU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9dd6f69ddd9be12f737bf2654db405229fe3e8fda5c43489d2053d49553b0d8e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Durrell has always been involved in the outdoors since he was a child and later joined the British military
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D5FUQOJETFEURGXP6TYC6WFPOY.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd35ff9682216523cea35a81039166fee1c2bf2d77c9714caa2038e32fa74831&width=400&height=225)
He has led expeditions for World Challenge to Costa Rica and another to Peru
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z4L7Y5HIPNDCBILVBHSPUFX5RM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7a688a179fdf6490f7225d86b005d779ab4a0943991ca03602982d303527c58f&width=400&height=225)
In his current role, he is involved in development strategy to grow the destination in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HPOKKCE3LRDAJNKU66WVUPA2EU.jpg?smart=true&auth=2ade7e02826f6750bec8424e140722f77f24708b47595e536e4c90450f19374f&width=400&height=225)
Former British Royal Marine Philip Durrell is the senior director of RAK Leisure, responsible for operations at Ras Al Khaimah's mountain attractions. All photos: Philip Durrell
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ADXGX3FOZZFHJE7YS35MTSZ4UY.jpg?smart=true&auth=feb84a3c067c6597de09e8336ff945455a3447b59d45ecb18ab5cbca0fccf7b3&width=400&height=225)
Mr Durrell, 51, also spearheads development of future activities with a multinational team, looking after Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline and the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/27IQJLTMBBH4HK4TZIPOK2HTTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5fb1b7424fa0d966a5838d08a294b640bcbe8e77d2d09fdc6db7cd398e579f0a&width=400&height=225)
The keen diver, sailor and Ironman also overseas Wadi Shawka mountain biking and coastal water sports
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PNJBGOI5GBBWJCDN5TSRQZLPRU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9dd6f69ddd9be12f737bf2654db405229fe3e8fda5c43489d2053d49553b0d8e&width=400&height=225)
Mr Durrell has always been involved in the outdoors since he was a child and later joined the British military
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/D5FUQOJETFEURGXP6TYC6WFPOY.jpg?smart=true&auth=fd35ff9682216523cea35a81039166fee1c2bf2d77c9714caa2038e32fa74831&width=400&height=225)
He has led expeditions for World Challenge to Costa Rica and another to Peru
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Z4L7Y5HIPNDCBILVBHSPUFX5RM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7a688a179fdf6490f7225d86b005d779ab4a0943991ca03602982d303527c58f&width=400&height=225)
In his current role, he is involved in development strategy to grow the destination in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way
Working Wonders: The RAK mountain boss giving Bear Grylls a run for his money
Philip Durrell, senior director at RAK Leisure and former British Royal Marine, teaches young explorers the spirit of adventure at high altitudes
David Dunn
28 December, 2023
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