Khasab (Musandam)

The "Norway of Arabia": a fjord-carved peninsula on the Strait of Hormuz, with dhow cruises among dolphins and 4x4 drives up Jebel Harim.

Khasab is the capital of Oman's Musandam Governorate, on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula that juts into the Strait of Hormuz; it is an Omani exclave separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. Spurs of the Hajar Mountains plunge straight into the sea, forming winding fjords that have earned it the name "Norway of Arabia". The climate is hot and dry: from October to April temperatures range from 20–30°C, ideal for boat trips, while May–September often tops 40°C with oppressive humidity. There are two main ways to explore. The first is by sea: board a traditional dhow at Khasab port to cruise Khor Sham, watch dolphins and snorkel off Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, or take a speedboat to the village of Kumzar on the northern tip. The second is by 4x4 into the mountains: climb the gravel roads up Jebel Harim, passing the Sayh Plateau, then descend to Khor Najd, a fjord you can reach by car. In town are the Khasab Castle museum, the port and the old souq, and along the coastal road to the southwest you'll find Bukha Fort and the Tawi rock carvings. Getting there: most visitors come from Dubai (about a 3-hour drive) via the Tibat border crossing in Ras Al Khaimah, or take a domestic flight from Muscat to Khasab Airport; visitors entering overland from the UAE need an Omani visa and should check their car insurance. Plan on 2–3 days: a full day on a fjord cruise, a day in the mountains and half a day in town. Local customs are conservative, so dress to cover shoulders and knees; during Ramadan most restaurants are closed in the daytime.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries