musandam travel blog

What you need to know for your Musandam trip in Oman

By Joan Torres 23 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

We had already been driving across the country for a few hours, all the way from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah.

The road was ugly and boring but, thanks to a few beers we managed to sneak in and a bunch of cool playlists we downloaded for the weekend, the early morning journey to Musandam was more fun than expected.

However, as soon as we crossed the border into Oman , the road that crosses the desert land of the UAE suddenly became an awesome coastal road, with impressive rising above us.

The landscape was absolutely gorgeous and, with all those striking viewpoints, we could not believe that such natural beauty was so close to the Dubai jungle.

But we should not have been surprised because Musandam is internationally known for being the Norway of the Middle East , a region with impressive Arab fjords and a variety of wildlife like nowhere else in the Arab Gulf.

This guide contains travel tips you should know for your Musandam trip .

In this Musandam travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Where to stay
• Things to do
• Visa requirements
• Border crossing
• Dubai to Musandam by road
• Other practicalities
• More Information

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😍 Intro: Why visit Musandam, the Norway of the Middle East

Musandam is a peninsula and an Omani enclave within the United Arab Emirates, which means that it is a piece of territory that belongs to Oman but is separated from it.

The capital is Khasab and, along with some Iranian islands, the Musandam peninsula is of great strategic importance as, basically, they shape the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gate to the Persian Gulf and the path which most of the world’s gas goes through.

The Musandam peninsula is barely populated and, outside of Khasab, you are likely to find just a few settlements, at least in the western part of the region, which is the most accessible one.

Musandam is also home to some traditional villages, only accessible by boat, which has been able to preserve the traditional Persian Gulf culture,  Qeshm Island in Iran  being one of the very few places.

However, the main reason why you should make a Musandam trip is that this region has some of the greatest landscapes and most fascinating marine wildlife in the Arab Gulf Peninsula.

From dolphins and manta rays to epic cliffs with striking views to the ocean, Musandam is a great day trip from Dubai and the ultimate weekend getaway.

Read: How to travel in Dubai on a budget

🏨 Accommodation – Where to stay in Musandam

Camping is allowed all over the Peninsula. 

As per hotels, there are a couple of them close to Khasab, the cheapest one being a 3-star hotel. 

Budget Hotel – Diwan Al Amir – A 3-star hotel with awesome views to the sea and Musandam mountains and actually a great choice for budget travelers who want to use it as a base to explore the area. 

4-star hotel resort – Atana Musandam Resort – For those looking for a good place to chill, this resort is built just by the sea and it is made of traditional architecture from the region, very beautiful. It is actually not expensive for what you get. 

Big, entire villa – Al Yaqeen – Alternatively, if you are a group, or you want a lot of space and privacy, you can also rent this traditional house built in Khasab. 

Read: Dubai off the beaten track

Things to do in Musandam

You may like: The best excursions, day tours and activities in Oman

To be very honest, Musandam doesn’t really have many specific sites to visit but it is a place to get lost and stop in random spots.

Most travelers will just book a tour on a dhow cruise and the most intrepid ones will try to explore some off the beaten track villages on their own.

Map of the places to visit in Musandam

Going on a dhow cruise on your Musandam trip

The fjords of Musandam are, definitely, the highlight of visiting Oman and the best way to enjoy them is on a dhow cruise.

A dhow is a traditional Arab boat and the cruise consists of sailing around the fjords, some dolphin sightseeing and, if you like, snorkeling as well.

There are many different tour companies, all of them offering different options and deals. Typically, most travelers go on a half-day cruise, in a big boat shared with other tourists.

However, there is also the possibility of renting a smaller one for just your friends and family, as well as going on a 2-day cruise and staying overnight.

Actually, some of my friends rented a big one for the weekend and organized a pretty cool night party on the boat. And yes, alcohol was allowed 🙂

Where to find the best beach

Musandam has tens of kilometers of pretty virgin beaches, all the way from the border to Khasab. The best spot where to swim, however, would be  Khor Najd, a pretty hidden beach which is 30 kilometers from Khasab.

To get to Khor Najd, you need first to drive to the top of a small mountain from where you get stunning views of the bay and the Omani fjords.

I have no doubt that Khor Najd is one of the prettiest spots in the Musandam peninsula and, if you come during a quiet hour of the day, you are likely to see turtles approaching the shore.

Khasab, the capital of Musandam

The capital of Musandam is a small town, where you can get a small glimpse of what the Omani culture is like.

There is a fort from the 17th century, which was built for the Portuguese, not for military reasons but for logistics, as it served as a supply point for dates and water for the Portuguese ships.

In case, you are wondering, the Portuguese ruled in the Strait of Hormuz for around 200 years.

More things to do in Musandam

If you are into diving or snorkelling , Musandam is the best place to do it. There is a decent amount of coral and really big marine animals.

Actually, I saw a huge manta-ray snorkeling that scared the shit out of me, as I saw it all of a sudden only one meter away from me.

Moreover, you can’t leave Musandam without trying any of the seafood they are famous for. Many restaurants in Khasab will serve you fresh shrimps, calamari and other kinds of fish, which are delicious and surprisingly cheap!

If you have a 4×4, you should fo the Khasab Daba Road (marked as Jeep Road on the map), which is a stunning mountain road with epic views of Musandam. Please note that only 4×4 can go on this road. I tried to go on my own car and it was impossible to drive it.

The road goes all the way to the UAE border but only Omanis and Emiratis are allowed to use it.

Read: The ultimate 7-day itinerary in Dubai and the UAE

🗺️ Tours for Musandam

There are quite a few companies that offers tours to Musandam and some of them can pick you up wherever you stay in Dubai for very little money.

Additionally, if you are self-driving, you can just book the dhow cruise tour and reach the harbor by yourself.

Options are endless.

The most typical tour is the day trip to Musandam, including transportation, dhow cruise, and lunch but there are many other options.

🪪 Musandam trip visa requirements

Musandam has the same visa rules as the rest of Oman.

Many nationalities would get a visa on arrival and the price would be 50AED (14USD) for UAE residents and 200AED (55USD) for non-UAE residents.

Please note that this rule applies to citizens from the Schengen area, Japan, Canada, Australia and USA, among many others. You should check with your embassy what are the rules based on your passport and your residence, as well.

There is a small exit and entry fee for the United Arab Emirates. I can’t remember the exact amount but it was not very expensive, around 10USD.

Read: Where in the Middle East is safe?

UAE – Oman border crossing

If you are going from Dubai to Musandam by road, currently, there are two borders:

The coastal border is open to everybody. The process is quite simple but just remember that, on weekends and during public holidays, the border gets really busy, so try to get there as early as possible.

Wadi al Baih

Closed to foreigners, even to expats with Omani residence visa. Moreover, only 4×4 cars are allowed to go through this border, as it is a real mountain road. Actually, I tried to do it from Musandam on a normal car and could not drive beyond 500 meters.

🛺 Transportation – Dubai to Musandam by road

How to go to musandam from dubai by car.

The best way to go to Musandam is in your own vehicle, as the peninsula can’t be explored in another way than by car. You should just go all the way to Rask al Khaimah and then to the border close to the city. 

How to go to Musandam from Dubai on a tour

If you book a dhow cruise tour in advance, most tour companies can pick you up very early in the morning on a bus or van along with other customers. The transportation cost is always included in the whole package price.

How to go to Musandam from Dubai by public transportation

Oman and the United Arab Emirates are, perhaps, the least public transportation-friendly destinations in the world. However, apparently, it is possible to get to Khasab from Dubai, on a very inconvenient bus journey.

For this, first, you will have to go to the main bus station located in Deira and, from there, take a bus to Ras al Khaimah, from where there should be a bus that goes to Khasab. However, I am not sure about schedules and departure location, so you will have to figure out by yourself. If you do, please, let us know in the comments section!

How to go to Musandam from Dubai by hitchhiking

Despite being a hitchhiker myself, having traveled the Pamir Highway ,  backpacking in north Pakistan   and half Kyrgyzstan without taking any buses, I have never hitchhiked in the United Arab Emirates and don’t know of anyone who actually did it, even after living there for three years. In Oman, however, is pretty common among locals.

Other practicalities for your Musandam trip

Camping in musandam.

Musandam is the ultimate destination for camping. You can camp all over the peninsula, anywhere you want. The locals from Muscat and other parts of Oman also come here to camp and they are always happy to share a meal with you.

Khasab has a couple of good restaurant choices and, alternatively, there is a LULU Hypermarket selling all kinds of food, including prepared meals to take away.

Best time to visit Musandam

Like the rest of Arab Peninsula. summers are extremely hot and humid here, so winter, early spring and late autumn would be the ideal months to travel to Musandam. 

❗ More information for visiting Musandam

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Don’t forget to check our travel guide to Oman .

As well as all our Oman articles:

• Muscat Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Muscat
• Best Activities, Tours and Excursion in Oman
• A City Guide to Salalah Dhofar
• Oman Budget Guide
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Oman
• Is Oman Safe?

23 comments

For Musandam do we need to apply for visa in advance in online ? Or can I get it at the border ?

UAE residents visa holder with Indian passport

Hi Abdul, thanks for your comment but, like I say in the article, I don’t know about visa requirements for people outside of the Shengen area and a few more other countries. I suggest you call the Omani Consulate in Dubai.

Actually, if you get the information, it would be really nice if you post it here, so other Indians know how to proceed.

Thanks for sharing all the information, please advise if we want to go to Musandam in the 1st week of November is it good time to go and visit.

Hi Deepak, November is a great season to visit Musandam

I am travelling with my own car (on mortgage loan in dubai), can you suggest us as to how we can obtain car insurance and how much time it generally take.

I don’t know. Perhaps you should contact the current insurance you have?

Hi Joan, Appreciate and thank you for sharing your travel experience with others. It would be very helpful. Best Regards

Hi, One of the agency told me that if we’re going by our own car, they might not allow our car to go inside the border because they need an assurance that we’ll leave the country. So it’s either we book tours or book an accommodation. We planned what you suggest to just book directly in the location for activities, but seems it will be a problem. Please advise.

That’s not true. This agency is telling you this, so you book a tour with them.

Hi, do you know anything about the “secret staircase”? My understanding is that it is close to Dibba however not sure on where to cross border or where exactly is the staircase. Thanks in advance

I don’t know much about this trek but, if I am not mistaken, it starts in UAE and then you enter Musandam somehow. Anyways, I just checked and there are quite a few articles online about this trek that include directions.

Hello! Apparently there is only one border crossing allowed for rented cars, it would be Hatta, have you heard about it? And many rented cars are being denied to cross the border

Hello Eduarda, this post is about Musandam and Hatta is not the border that leads to Musandam but Oman mainland

Hi, we would like to rent a car in Dubai and visit both Musandam and main land Oman. It seems that car rentals in Dubai either dont allow any border crossing at all, or only into mainland Oman, not to Musandam. Can you suggest a rental place in Dubai that allows both border crossings? Thanks!

Hello. Most rental companies should, like Hertz or Budget Rental but you need to buy a specific car insurance for Oman, which has a daily cost (not very high). Probably, if you look at their website doesn’t say but when you hire it, you just say that you want the additional car insurance for Oman

can u guide please, i am a Dubai Resident and I want to visit in my personal car with my family, what exactly is the procedure to get there, which border to cross, what documents are required and how much visa and border crossing is going to cost me. Thanks

Will I need to do a covid test if i want to enter musandam? And can I go and return in one day by my own car without staying there?

Hi there, I think Oman hasn’t opened its borders yet.

Most importantly covid pcr test required? If yes with the same test we can return? Or another test to be taken before coming back to dubai? Kindly guide?

Hola Joan, I have a few questions: 1. Is a rental car needed to get around in Musandam? (We intend to arrive by ferry from Oman mainland and live to Salala by plane). I assume there is no public transport? And hitch-hiking probably unreliable and not recommended for two girls? 2. Is it possible to rent a car in Khasab? 3. Is a four-wheel needed to go up to Jabel harim mountain and to the “hidden beaches”? 4. Is there any possibility to visit those villages in the region that are only accessible by boat and is it possible to sleep there? Thanks a lot & kind regards, Meike

Hi! Which rental company allow to bring rented car in Musandam? Budget told me that is not possible.

Check rentalcars.com

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THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MUSANDAM

THE ESSENTIAL MUSANDAM GUIDE

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Musandam is a special place. Part of Oman, but surrounded by the UAE, it has a unique geography, culture and history that sets it apart from its Arabian neighbours. Jutting out into the narrow Strait of Hormuz, Musandam’s jagged coastline has earned it the nickname ‘Norway of Arabia’. While its fjords are indeed impressive, the expansive Musandam mountains are equally worthy of exploration. Hiking, snorkelling, diving, camping, off-roading, and relaxation opportunities abound. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Dubai, or a week long adventure, Musandam is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and traditional Omani culture.

Khasab is the regional capital of the Musandam Governorate, and the majority of things to see and do in Musandam are around this northern area. Dibba (Daba) Al-Baya is a smaller province, located in the south of Musandam. This area is perhaps most notable as the location of the Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort. While the two regions are technically connected via a mountain road, only Omanis are permitted access, making it impossible to drive between them without having to exit Oman and re-enter via the UAE. Additionally, Madha is part of Musandam, but is enclaved by the UAE. For these reasons, most people focus on just one region, with the Khasab area offering the best variety of things to see and do in Musandam.

MUSANDAM MAP

Use the map below to find everywhere mentioned in this Musandam Travel Guide. You can also download an offline version  to Maps.me ( iOS / Android ). Tap the menu button at the top left for more details, to toggle layers on and off, and switch between satellite and terrain view. Tap the star symbol to save to your own Google Maps.

WHAT TO SEE & DO IN MUSANDAM

MUSANDAM COAST MUSANDAM MOUNTAINS DIVING MUSANDAM

MUSANDAM PRACTICALITIES

WHERE TO STAY WHEN TO VISIT HOW TO GET AROUND HOW TO GET THERE VISAS FOR OMAN USEFUL RESOURCES

From cruising the fjordlands to fossil hunting, there’s a surprising amount to see and do in Musandam. Some areas can be explored independently with a 2 or 4WD, while less accessible areas will require you to hire a boat or join a tour.

MUSANDAM COAST

Khasab coastal road.

Crossing the border at Ras Al Khaimah, the differences between the UAE and Oman are immediately apparent. Leaving a world of industry, highrises and construction behind, a rugged expanse of mountain and sea views extend before you. Low-rise traditional houses clustered in small villages line the entrances to wadis on your right, while stretches of attractive beaches come and go to your left. The coastal road to Khasab has literally been blasted out of the mountainside, a stretch of smooth tarmac tucked between soaring ochre layered cliffs and unspoilt coastline. It’s a pleasure to drive and offers numerous opportunities to stop at beaches, old forts and scenic viewpoints along the way.

Limestone cliffs of Musandam rising above the curving  coastal road, behind the beach at Al Jadi

Limestone cliffs of Musandam rising above the curving coastal road, behind the beach at Al Jadi

Bukha is the largest town between the border and Khasab, with an impressive mosque and old fort. Around 6 km beyond lies an attractive stretch of beach, perfect for camping, picnics or watching a magical sunset. Rounding the headland, the road climbs briefly and turns south towards Khasab, offering wonderful views over the Strait of Hormuz. You’ll wind your way around little inlets and past Bassa Beach, another popular picnic spot, before reaching the regional hub of Khasab.

The mosque at Bukha, glowing golden in the early morning sun

Fjords Dhow Cruise

To fully appreciate the beauty of the fjordlands around Khasab, you need to take to the water. Numerous half day, full day and even overnight dhow cruise options are available, sailing out of Khasab harbour. Dhows are traditional wooden fishing boats, usually with an open deck kitted out with cushions for lounging around on, plus a shaded area. Some have two or even three levels. While you’ll still see dhows used for fishing throughout Oman, these are all used solely for tourism and are pretty comfortable and atmospheric.

A dhow boat cruises around the sun-kissed ‘fjords’ of Musandam

Most tours follow a similar itinerary: cruise into Khor Ash Shamm, stop at Maqlab ‘Telegraph’ Island for a snorkel, then return to Khasab. The island’s nickname dates from its use as a telegraph booster station in the 1860s for the cable route between Bombay and London. You’ll pass small villages clinging to the cliff sides and no doubt encounter dolphins along the way. If you opt for a full day trip, lunch on the boat is usually included and you’ll get to explore at a more relaxed pace. Check if snorkelling equipment is included or if you need to bring your own. You can compare options and book your trip easily on Viator or Get Your Guide .

Khasab Castle

One of the few actual ‘tourist sites’ in Musandam, Khasab Castle is well worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about the history and unique culture of the area. Originally established by the Portuguese in the early 17th Century, it soon changed hands and has been periodically modified and restored over the centuries. Today it houses a fascinating museum, detailing all manner of history, culture and customs pertaining to the region. You can climb up the tower and wander around the various rooms. There are numerous boats on display in the courtyard, including a traditional dhow with wood sewn together in a custom unique to the area. There’s also examples of traditional palm leaf and Bait al-Qufl (House of the Lock) structures, again specific to Musandam. 

The drum tower of Khasab Castle in the afternoon sun

The local boat sewing tradition

The tower of Khasab Castle in the afternoon sun

Wood panels of a dhow boat sewn together in the traditional fashion

Rocky Beach

Our favourite beach in Musandam, this secluded little spot is perfect for escaping the crowds (if there are any). Hidden away at the bottom of a steep and winding dirt track near Harf village, it’s best accessed with a 4WD, but a 2WD can handle it if you’re careful.

Morning view from the best camping area at the northern end of Rocky beach

The small beach, a mixture of rocks and sand, sits snuggly between towering cliffs of layered limestone that plunge right into the sea. There’s a graveyard behind, and a couple of fresh water tanks which are filled up by boat once a week. You can swim in the clear water of the Arabian Gulf surrounded by colourful fish, and rest in the shade of the makeshift palm leaf shelter by the tanks. This also makes for the perfect camp spot , where chances are your only company will be a few goats.

CHECK OUT MUSANDAM IN OUR ROAD TRIP VIDEO

The view over Khor Najd, complete with switchback road winding steeply to the coast, is a Musandam classic. You can reach the viewpoint in a 2WD, although the descent to the shore is best tackled in a 4WD.

The spectacular view over Khor Najd

This is a popular spot for family picnics, camping, and fishing. Expect it to be busy, especially at the weekend or during national Oman or UAE holidays. There are fresh water tanks here too, and plenty of space to pitch up either close to the shore, or set back towards the cliffs. While the setting is no doubt spectacular, we couldn’t help but feel the view from the top is better than the reality at the bottom and it was our least favourite camp spot in Musandam (granted, we were there during a very busy period).

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Just get in touch via our contact page to let us know your rough trip plans and the kind of support you would like and we’ll get back to you with options and detailed pricing

Just get in touch via our contact page to  let us know your rough trip plans and the kind of support you would like and we’ll get back to you with options and detailed pricing

Sal Ala Acacia Forest

There’s an acacia forest (a rare sight in these parts!) at the end of the main road heading south from Khasab, about 7 km beyond the turn off for Khor Najd. It makes for an interesting side trip if you’re already making the journey to the fjord, or a good choice if you’re looking for a nice 2WD accessible picnic spot and a chance to do some hiking.

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Tawi Village & Petroglyphs

Some of Musandam’s best preserved and numerous petroglyphs can be found in Tawi village. It’s just a few kilometres up Wadi Qida, and if you’re in a 2WD, these are far more accessible than the ones found in the mountains near Jabal Harim (mentioned below). Turn off from the main Khasab Coastal Road, a little west of Bassa Beach, and head up the road for 2.6 km. You’ll see a collection of large boulders on the left before you reach the end of the road. Here you’ll find carvings depicting hunters on horseback, boats, wild animals and more. The village itself is picturesque too, with old wooden doors, roaming goats and steep cliffs rising all around.

Petroglyph of a hunter on horseback in Tawi Village

Goats always know how to pose

Hunter on horseback petroglyph in Tawi Village

MUSANDAM MOUNTAINS

If you’ve got your own 4WD, you’re in for a treat. Otherwise, the only way to get a taste of the spectacular Musandam mountains is by joining a tour, as the roads are impossible to access in a 2WD. There’s a lot of exploring to be done along the main mountain road south of Khasab. That road extends all the way to Dibba (also spelt Daba), although as previously noted, you can’t get beyond the checkpoint in Wadi Bih unless you’re an Omani national. If you’ve only got a day or two to spend in the mountains, make this area your focus. If you have longer, the Harf Plateau is another great area to get off-road.

The information board at the start of the mountain road south of Khasab

KHASAB – DABA MOUNTAIN ROAD

As sayh plateau.

Turning off the paved road south of Khasab onto the 4WD only mountain road towards Daba, the first scenic spot you’ll come to is the fertile As Sayh Plateau. It’s lush and green in winter: wheat and alfalfa fields mixed with palm groves stretch out for a couple of kilometres. 

The green fields of the fertile As Sayh Plateau as seen from the mountain road above it

There’s a small settlement of houses, some hard to distinguish from the rocky hillsides they’re built into. It’s a beautiful spot, hidden away in a seemingly hostile dry land.

The lush fields of the As Sayh Plateau seeming almost magical among the dry ground

The lush fields of the As Sayh Plateau seeming almost magical among the dry and stony ground

UAE and Stairway To Heaven Viewpoints

Turning right up the tracks from As Sayh will lead you to some fantastic viewpoints overlooking the UAE, as well as the Stairway To Heaven hike. You’ll need to get out and walk a bit for the best views, then return to the main track to carry on exploring.

PLANNING AN OMAN CAMPING ROAD TRIP?

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Fossils and Petroglyphs

When tectonic plates collided millions of years ago, they formed both the Zagros Mountains in Iran and the towering cliffs of Musandam. Predominantly limestone, these mountains in Musandam are much older than the Hajar Mountains in ‘mainland’ Oman. The varied colours and clearly visible layers of these hulking brutes are simply mesmerising. But they’re also home to fascinating treasures of the past, as long as you know where to look. If you hunt around on the rocks above the As Sayh Plateau, you’ll find numerous fossils confirming that this area was indeed once under the sea. And further up the road, near a military helipad, you’ll find petroglyphs depicting hunters and wild animals. These rock carvings are believed to date back to before 600 BC. The views are pretty incredible, too. 

We’ve marked the spots on our map to help you find them.

Fossils exposed in bare rock above the As Sayh Plateau

These petroglyphs are believed to be over 2,500 years old

Exposed fossils above the As Sayh Plateau

These petroglyphs of human figures are believed to be over 2,500 years old

Wadi Bih Road

Jabal Harim (that big mountain with a military installation on top) is the highest in Musandam at 2087m. You can’t actually drive to the top (due to said military facility), and if you’re on an organised ‘mountain safari’ tour this is likely where you’ll turn around. But if you’ve got your own wheels, the best is yet to come. 

Continuing on the road, with the peak to your left, the view laid out before you at the pass is utterly spectacular. Look closely and you’ll spot the road, hugging the mountainside, then twisting across a broad finger of land before dropping down to Wadi Bih. The odd house and pockets of cultivated green land cut into terraced fields complete the scene. It’s only 18km to the wadi bed, but don’t be surprised if it takes you an hour or more. The views will have you stopping constantly, and the terrain requires careful driving.

Snaking across the rocky mountainside, t he incredible Wadi Bih mountain road

The incredible Wadi Bih mountain road, snaking across the rocky mountainside

If you’re planning to camp, you’ll find one of our all time favourite spots 4km from the pass. Otherwise just pull off the road and admire the view before descending to the wadi bed.

Sunrise views over Wadi Bih from one of our absolute favourite camp spots

WILD CAMP SPOTS IN OMAN

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A’Rowdhah Bowl

Continuing straight over Wadi Bih and up Wadi A’Rowdhah at the small Qad Qad village, you’ll reach an expansive flat bowl surrounded by mountains. There are a couple of interesting cemeteries followed by a bizarre section of perfect tarmac road skirting the edge. The road curves around the wide open space, past numerous acacia trees, scattered houses and even an air strip. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic and a good place to camp. There’s every chance you’ll see camels roaming too.

The perfect shaded picnic spot in the A’Rowdhah Bowl

Camels on the move

The perfect picnic spot in the A’Rowdhah Bowl

A’Rowdhah Bowl to Limah Mountain Road

Beyond A’Rowdhah the brief section of tarmac ends. A steep switchback road heads up and over the mountains towards the coastal village of Limah. The views are, like most around here, spectacular. When we attempted the route in December 2018 we could only get so far, as part of the road on the descent to Limah was under construction. However, while still rough going, we believe the construction work is more or less complete now and it’s possible to drive to Limah. But even if you’re not planning to drive all the way, having made it as far as A’Rowdhah, it’s worth continuing up to the pass at least. There you’ll be rewarded with views back down over the bowl and out to the coast.

Note that you’ll need to retrace your route to get back to the main road so be sure to have enough fuel, water, food, etc.

Looking down towards Limah and the coast from the mountain pass above A’Rowdhah

HARF PLATEAU

For wonderful views over the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, head up the Harf Plateau. This off-road route runs roughly parallel to the Khasab coastal road, but high above on the top of those cliffs you’ve no doubt been admiring.

Parked up on the Harf Plateau with views of the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

You can access the road from the village of Harf. There are mountain villages to explore, like Herat, and numerous hiking trails leading to abandoned villages and ruins (although none officially marked). The views down over the beaches and villages are great, and there’s plenty of good spots for camping. 

Looking down from the Harf Plateau towards Al Jadi and Bukha under atmospheric stormy skies

DIVING MUSANDAM

Great scuba diving sites are found all over Oman and Musandam is no exception. The main dive hubs are Khasab and Dibba. If you’re looking to include some diving as part of a general Musandam trip, arranging a couple of dives with an operator in Khasab is ideal. If diving is the main purpose of your trip to Musandam, you may want to opt for Dibba, where you can also arrange overnight dive trips. 

Whale shark season is May to October, with September to January considered the best season for diving. February and March can be pretty choppy and windy. Visibility is unpredictable, with the nutrient rich Strait of Hormuz offering anywhere between 5 and 20 metres visibility. 

A couple of companies that come recommended are Musandam Discovery Diving , based in Khasab, and Sheesa Beach , based in Dibba.

SEE MORE OF OMAN

The Essential Guide To Salalah And Dhofar

10 Day Off-Road Oman 4×4 Itinerary

Our 1 Month Oman Road Trip Itinerary

10 Day Oman Itinerary: 2WD Road Trip

The Essential Guide To Musandam

19 Amazing Places To Visit In Oman

Scuba Diving In Oman

Oman Video | Part Two

Oman Video | Part One

11 Best Wild Campsites in Oman

Oman Camping Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know

Where to stay in musandam.

Accommodation in Musandam is fairly limited, centred in and around Khasab, or Dibba. Camping is a great alternative if you have your own gear and transport. Overnight dhow cruises are also an option, and offer a unique experience.

Khasab Accommodation

As is the case all over Oman, budget accommodation is hard to come by in Musandam. Khasab has limited hotels to choose from, with prices around $90 – $200 for a double room. Lake Hotel is the cheapest, with rooms from around $55. Other options include Ahlam Musandam Villa , Ahlam Villa Musandam , Khasab Hotel , Diwan Al Amir , Esra Hotel Apartment , and the pricier Atana Khasab Hotel and Atana Musandam Resort . There are also a couple of established beach campsites you can book which include all of your meals, camping equipment, etc.

SEARCH FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATION HERE

Dibba accommodation.

Six Senses Zighy Bay is by far the most famous luxury resort in the region, with Dibba Beach Resort a slightly more affordable option.

Camping Musandam

Oman is the perfect place for a camping road trip, and Musandam has loads of great spots to pitch up. From beaches to mountains, we spent a week camping around Musandam and have detailed a couple of our very favourite spots in this guide . We’ve also marked numerous possible camp spots for you on the map above to help you find the perfect place whether you’re in a 2WD or 4×4. 

One of our all time favourite camp spots, on the mountain road above Wadi Bih

As with everywhere in Oman, camping is of the ‘wild’ variety, ie. there are no official campsites (besides the fully inclusive ones mentioned in the Khasab accommodation section above). This means there are no facilities like toilets, water, sinks, etc., so it’s imperative that you follow the Leave No Trace principles when camping in Musandam. 

For more practical camping info, check out our complete guide to camping in Oman . Note that there’s a Lulu Hypermarket in Khasab, a great place to stock up on food and supplies. For fuel, there are petrol stations in both Bukha and Khasab.

Overnight Dhow Cruises

For a truly unique Musandam experience, why not sleep out under the stars on a traditional dhow boat ? You’ll have the chance to see dolphins, snorkel around Telegraph Island, eat dinner on board, and then sleep out on the wooden deck. Pretty idyllic! 

Or this option with Musandam Sea Adventure also includes a mountain safari the following day, visiting the As Sayh Plateau, Jabal Harim, Khor Najd and the Acacia Forest. It’s a great option if you’re short on time and want to see the very best of Musandam, or don’t have your own 4WD.

Stopping off and snorkelling around Telegraph Island while on a dhow boat cruise

Stopping off and snorkelling around Telegraph Island on a dhow boat cruise

WHEN TO VISIT MUSANDAM

The best time to visit Musandam is between November and March. Day time temperatures are a pleasant 25-30 °C , with those at night time dropping to around 20 °C.

A beautiful evening on Al Jadi Beach in early December, as the sun sets and the lights of Bukha spring to life

A beautiful evening on Al Jadi Beach in early December, as the lights of Bukha spring to life

The summer months (June to August) can be unbearably hot throughout Oman (apart from in monsoon cooled Salalah ). In Musandam, summer temperatures push 40 °C and rarely drop below 30 °C. So unless you’re planning to camp in the mountains (about 8 °C cooler), it’s best to avoid these months. 

April, May, September and October can still be pretty hot, making it uncomfortable for beach camping or hiking. 

As Musandam is accessed most easily from the UAE, it’s a popular weekend or holiday getaway for many locals and expat residents in Dubai and elsewhere. Be sure to check both Oman and UAE public holiday dates if you want to avoid the crowds.

HOW TO GET AROUND MUSANDAM

As there are no public transport options or taxis in Musandam, the only way to get around is in your own vehicle or on a tour. You can bring your own car (or a rental) by road from the UAE, or on the car ferry from Shinas (more details below). Alternatively, you can hire a car in Khasab; no big name rental companies operate there, just a few local affairs. You can find some phone numbers and email addresses via a Google search if you want to try and confirm a car in advance.

As for tours, the two common itineraries cover a fjord dhow cruise, and an off-road mountain trip to Jabal Harim, the As Sayh Plateau, Khor Najd and a few other spots. Many tour operators offer Dubai pick up and drop offs too. You can search and book various options on Viator or Get Your Guide .

HOW TO GET TO MUSANDAM

You can get to Musandam by air, sea, or land. Your chosen mode of transport will likely depend on where you’re coming from, and your plans once you get to Musandam.

Fly To Musandam

There is a daily flight from Muscat to Khasab (and back) with Oman Air. It takes around 1 hour. This is the only flight option and obviously makes most sense if you are coming from Muscat. It’s a small regional plane, with a 20kg luggage limit. For the best views, try to sit on the left flying to Khasab or the right to Muscat. As you will be flying domestically, you won’t need to worry about multi-entry Oman visas or paying extra for cross border car rental insurance, etc. As noted above, there is no public transport in Musandam, so it’s best to arrange a tour or car hire in order to get around once you land.

ORGANISE YOUR FLIGHTS NOW

Ferry to musandam.

The National Ferries Company runs a car ferry service from Shinas (in the north of Oman near the border with the UAE) to Dibba, Limah and Khasab. The direct Muscat – Khasab ferry no longer runs. You can however book a combo bus/ferry ticket to get from Muscat to Shinas return with Mwasalat bus company. 

The ferries do not run every day. You can check the current schedules on the NFC website . This is a scenic way to travel, the 4 hour journey from Shinas to Khasab passing by the stunning Musandam coast. Taking the ferry also has the benefit of no border control hassle or extra visa costs. However it is fairly expensive, especially when taking a rental car with you, and it may work out more expensive than just driving. You can make reservations by phone or email with NFC, or book via a local travel agency.

Drive To Musandam

If you’re coming from the UAE, driving to Musandam is certainly the easiest option. If you’re planning a trip from ‘mainland’ Oman, driving is also possible, but there are extra considerations given that you must exit and re-enter Oman via the UAE.

UAE to Musandam Border Crossings

The main border crossing is at Al Dhara/Tibat, near Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. It’s a fairly straightforward process, but it can get busy at weekends or on public holidays. As far as we’re aware, to cross the border to Daba/Dibba you must be a GCC national or a resident of the UAE. If you’re an expat resident of Oman, or a tourist, you need to have a letter and confirmed booking in order to cross this border, from Six Senses Zighy Bay, Golden Tulip Dibba or a Dibba based tour company. It’s a good idea to check this directly with the hotel/tour company before confirming any travel plans.

Oman to UAE Border Crossings

If you’re planning on driving from ‘mainland’ Oman to Musandam, you’ll need to cross into the UAE, then back into Oman at either the Ras Al Khaimah or Dibba borders. There are numerous border crossings between the UAE and ‘mainland’ Oman, and with the limited information available, it’s a little confusing which ones you can use as non-GCC residents or nationals. Saying that, we (tourists on British passports) crossed with no problems at the Khatmat Malahah border post on the east coast between Shinas (Oman) and Fujairah (UAE), and also at the Mezyad/Hafeet border post south of Al Ain.

Camping for the night in northeastern ‘mainland’ Oman while driving to Musandam via the U.A.E.

Cross Border Rental Car & insurance

If you’re hiring a rental car in the UAE or Oman, make sure you are allowed to cross into the other country. You will be able to confirm this with your rental company before booking. You will also need to ensure you have the correct car insurance for crossing into the other country. We arranged our Oman rental car through Holiday Autos , ensuring cross border travel into the UAE was permitted in advance. When we picked up our car we advised the staff of the dates we planned to be in the UAE. They then arranged the insurance documents for us to collect the following day, costing an additional 25 OMR.

BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR HERE

Visas for oman.

Citizens of 103 countries can visit Oman visa-free for up to 14 days . You must have proof of a return flight within 14 days, confirmed hotel bookings for the duration of your stay, and health insurance. Many nationalities can also apply in advance for an e-visa for a single entry trip of up to 30 days (OR20), or a multiple entry 1 year visa which is valid for stays of up to 30 days at a time (OR50). You can find out more about visas and apply online here.

Do ensure that you have the correct visa to suit your itinerary. If you fly or take the ferry from Oman (Muscat) to Musandam, without entering the UAE, this will be classed as a single entry into Oman. However, if you drive via the UAE, you will be exiting Oman and re-entering again, so you may require a multi-entry visa. 

 Be sure to check your UAE visa requirements also. Note also that there is a UAE exit fee payable when crossing the border into Oman (we were charged 32 AED each).

USEFUL RESOURCES

Lonely Planet’s Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula guide book is the most up to date out of the main publishers, with The Rough Guide to Oman and Oman Bradt Travel Guide also useful.

If you’re planning to head off-road, the Explorer Oman Off-Road book is invaluable. You can order it direct from Explorer’s website, or pick it up at local bookshops, including the WH Smith at Muscat airport. They did have an app version of the book, but it is unavailable at the time of writing.

THANKS FOR READING!

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

We hope you’ve found this guide to Musandam useful. It’s a fascinating region in a really special country. If you have any questions at all, just use the comment section below. And if you know of anything we’ve missed, get involved with the discussion and fill in the gaps.

Happy travels!

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP TO MUSANDAM NOW

Still not sorted your travel insurance it’s not too late get a quote now.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

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9 Amazing Places to Visit in Musandam: A Detailed Guide

9 Best Places to visit in Musandam – Musandam is a pristine, beautiful drop of land located in the Omani Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Omani and the Persian Gulf, separated from the UAE by a strip of land. Here are the craziest things to do in Musandam .

So dramatic are its mountains and the roads that literally hug their sides, that Musandam is known fondly as the ‘Norway of Arabia’.

Spend a few days in Musandam and refresh yourself with lovely oceanic views, mountain 4WD rides, boat tours, limestone coastal scenery, and much more.

Table of Contents

Places to Visit in Musandam: Mode of Travel

There is more than one way to travel to Musandam. 

Mode of Travel and Time Taken

• By Road : Musandam is accessible from Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) by road, and also from Fujairah’s Dibba border. The nearest airport is Dubai International, from where it’s a 2-hour picturesque mountain drive to Dibba.
• By Air : You can grab an Oman Airlines flight from Muscat to Khasab and avoid the entire road experience, though you will miss out on the fabulous views. If you are traveling during the holidays, you might be able to charter flights through Gulf or Emirates airlines from Dubai to Khasab.

Also check out: Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: An immigrants take!

Musandam Entry Processes

• If you have a UAE tourist visa, you can get an Omani entry visa that’s free for ten days . This depends entirely on your nationality, so be sure to check with your embassy. If you don’t have a UAE tourist visa, purchase an entry visa at the Omani border. Visa expenses will be 50AED for UAE residents. Non-UAE residents will have to pay 200AED.  
• You’ll  have to pay less or more for your visa depending on your nationality . Your visa might take one to several hours to materialize, so be patient. 
• Obtain a token from the visa officials for your car and the number of people in it. The border police will need this when you enter Musandam.  
• Obtain Omani insurance for a private vehicle .  If your vehicle is rented, obtain a printed confirmation of the vehicle insurance.
• 1L gas costs only 0.05 Omani Riyals . Carry plenty of empty gas cans and fill them up at petrol stations in Musandam. 
• When you exit the UAE or enter it again from Oman, you’ll have to pay a fee of 10USD.

Transportation Facilities in Musandam

The best way to tour Musandam is by 4WD, private or rented. Musandam does not have any public transport. You can travel to different points by boat as well. 

Things to Do in Musandam – Where to Stay?

Musandam has several hotels, including ones bearing 4 and 5 stars. There are guesthouses, including a guesthouse for divers (with diving equipment and food).

Alternatively, you can camp on the beach ( obtain permission from the Musandam Municipality ). 

Best Time to Visit Musandam

If you’re into diving, then visit Musandam between October to January , when the water’s a nice, cool 21 degrees Celsius (69.8 Fahrenheit).

Else, visit from October all the way till March, when the heat’s still bearable. 

• Also check out: Visiting Nuvasa Bay Beach in Batam!

Travel Tips To Follow when Touring Musandam

• Keep your 4WD stocked with plenty of tires, water, food, and other necessities. The mountains don’t have any shopping facilities or even assistance. 
• The dust and heat will take their toll on your vehicle, so keep your vehicle well serviced. 
• You’ll find many Omani military training centers along the roads. Military vehicles have right of way, so don’t insist on getting ahead of them. 
• Note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures of military installations, vehicles, or soldiers.
• If you are in Musandam during Ramadan, do not eat, smoke or drink in public, while on land. There are specific hotels and B&Bs that serve food during the day.
• Take advantage of the special discounts and offers that are on in luxury hotels during Ramadan.
• During summer, when it gets very hot, you can enjoy great discounts on airfare, accommodation, dive packages, tour packages – the lot.

Why Visit Musandam?

So what makes Musandam so special? While the other countries are home to mind-blowing manmade wonders, in Musandam you will experience nature’s artistry at its very best.

Beautiful fjords, fabulous underwater marine life, excellent dive sites full of amazing coral, mountains that beg you to explore them. Feast your eyes on dolphins and manta rays underwater, while magnificent mountains and cliffs offer you amazing oceanic views.

You’ll also find lovely traditional villages accessible only by boat; these villages reflect the traditional Persian Gulf culture, such as the Qeshm Island in Iran.  All of these await you when you go to Musandam.

A Brief History of Musandam

Musandam’s people follow traditional Persian Gulf culture, with Iran being so close. Once a part of a Persian kingdom during the medieval times called Ormus, Musandam later became part of the Portuguese empire.

The people of Musandam speak a language called Kumzari, which is derived from Arabic, Persian, Hindi, and Portuguese. Today only the people of Musandam speak this language, so it is endangered. People also speak Hindi and Arabic. 

Things To Do in Musandam

Here are some of the top places to visit in Musandam and things to do in Musandam :

• Go scuba diving and snorkeling
• Visit Khasab Castle
• Explore the Enchanting Fjords
• Enjoy Musandam’s Beaches
• Enjoy a Speed Boat Tour
• Explore Jebel Harim
• Go Parasailing and Paragliding
• Visit Khor Najd Bay

Phew! There are tons of things to check out. Let’s go over each activity in detail:

1. Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Musandam’s marine life is world-famous for the most colorful schools of fish, many kinds of coral, and manta rays. You can obtain diving gear at a diving center along with diving instructors. Love those cute button-nosed dolphins which come out of the water just to say hello to you?

You can also spot plenty of friendly dolphins, both the humpback and the bottlenose ones. 

2. Visit Khasab Castle

Khasab is Musandam’s capital city. It was built in the 17 th century by the Portuguese colonials, who wanted to monopolize the Strait of Hormuz. This castle was used by Omanis when they kicked the Portuguese out of Oman, after which it became a prison and the residence of Khasab’s governor.

Tourists can view weapons, jewelry, clothes, wedding decorations, and kitchen equipment that were being used during the Portuguese occupation. Khasab Castle has a few traditional Omani boats from days gone by, and models of several buildings used to store dates and study the Quran.

3. Explore the Enchanting Fjords

Take a Musandam Dibba dhow cruise or get on one of the local boats and explore the gulf waters. Gaze in awe at the frothy water pounding through the rocky inlets or fjords. Chat with the locals and enjoy some Kahwa, which is Omani coffee along with dates. If you like, you can take a swim in the azure waters. 

4. Enjoy Musandam’s Beaches

Places to visit in Musandam –  Musandam has thousands of kilometers of pristine beaches with turquoise waters, golden sands, and many rare birds. The beaches are clean and unspoiled and offer great views of the surrounding mountains and cliffs.

You can go camping on the beach, swim in the water, go boating, or just lounge on the sands. Be sure to visit Khasab Beach, Bassa Beach, Khor Najd, and others. The beaches are one of the best places to visit in Musandam.

5. Enjoy a Speed Boat Tour

Musandam’s amazing crystal blue waters and fjords are perfect for some speed boating. You can either rent a boat or join a speed boat tour and travel along the picturesque coastline. You will thrill at the speed, the winds, and the amazing views of the sea and mountains all around. 

6. Explore Jebel Harim

The highest point in the region, Jebel Harim (Mountain of Women) is 2,087-meters tall. Women used to hide up in the mountain to save themselves from pirates, which is how this mountain gets its name.

Enjoy some fabulous views while trekking or while riding along the amazing mountain roads that take you up to the peak. 

7. Go Parasailing and Paragliding

Things to do in Musandam -With tall mountains, cliffs, and incredible valleys, Musandam is just perfect for both parasailing and paragliding. If you long to be sailing high, enjoying the best views in the world of pristine beaches, bays, lush valleys, mountains, and more, paraglide over Zighy Bay, which is 1,000-feet above ground.

8. Visit Khor Najd Bay

Musandam is all about natural beauty in remote places, and one such is the extremely enchanting Khor Najd Bay town. Located about forty minutes from Khasab, the road takes you through amazing mountain and valley views.

Enjoy watching the fjords from a height and photograph some of the best landscapes in the world.

9. Go Fishing

Where there’s plentiful water, there is bound to be plenty of fish, and it’s true of Musandam’s waters as well. Fishing is a sport that many tourists enjoy here. You can go kayaking by yourself and try your hand at fishing with a rod, or join a proper fishing tour.

These places to visit in Musandam are worth every penny and every moment of time you spend. The untouched wilderness that is laid out in front of you no matter where you look will truly take your breath away. When you are in the UAE on vacation, spend a weekend and these are the things to do in Musandam .

You’ll go back there time and again!

This is a guest post by Neha: Neha is a postgraduate in Mass Communications and a keen writer. She is passionate about traveling to new places, reading fiction, learning new things, and loves being a nature trekker.

Other blogs to check out:

• Crazy Dandeli Travel Blog
• A shoutout to Charlie Animal Rescue Center
• A Complete Guide to Gir National Park

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DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE

SHOP THE MAGAZINE

Inspiration , Oman

The complete travel guide to musandam, oman – a land of fjords and mountains two hours from dubai.

What to see, where to stay and how to get to Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, a land of breathtaking fjords, islands, mountains and historic villages, just two hours from Dubai

Isabella Sullivan

28 august 2023.

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Closer to the United Arab Emirates than mainland Oman , the Musandam Governate is one of the most scenically beautiful destinations in the Middle East. Officially part of the Sultanate but bordering the northern UAE and emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the wild enclave is a landscape of majestic fjords and rugged mountain ranges. Travellers come to Musandam Oman to reconnect with nature, to enjoy some of the most beautiful and mesmerising dive sights in the world, to glide on traditional dhow boats through the fjords and to stay in rustic-lux hotels – one being one of the most sought-after celebrity hideaways in the region.

The capital of Musandam is the small city of Khasab, the perfect base to explore the peninsula and home to hotels, boat tours and opportunities for adventures. Pods of dolphins swim, rest, feed and play in the bay, and nearby are local villages where a slower, more authentic look into Musandam can be seen. Boat trips to Telegraph Island or Khawr Najd are both unforgettable excursions – available over a day, or two, on a local dhow boat, while scoring an invite from a local and you can sail to the village of Kumzar – only accessible by boat. Here are the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get to Musandam Oman.

What to do in Musandam Oman

Explore the port of khasab..

When visiting Musandam, the two best bases to head for are the port of Khasab and Zighy Bay – near the sea town of Dibba and home to Musandam’s most luxurious hotel, Six Senses Zighy Bay. The former lies in the northernmost reaches of the peninsula, framed by mountains, beaches and oceans. Attractions in Khasab include the Khasab Fort, a 17th-century castle originally built by the Portuguese, and featuring stonr turrets and cylindrical central towers. The fort is currently home to one of the best ethnographic museums in Oman and the Bait Al Qufl, the ‘house of locks’ built by an Oman craftsman.

Boat trips from Khasab Harbour are also popular, with plenty of companies offering wooden boat cruises to the Strait of Hormuz, where rugged coastal scenery and dolphins are highlights.

Visit historical villages

The Musandam Govrenate is home to many charming local villages, many accessible only by boat, and others only accessible with an invitation from a local. One village accessible by boat is Lima, famous for its traditional handicrafts like the Al Jarz – a small traditional axe. The ride to the village is breathtaking – journeying through rock formations and ocean. Kumzar is another of Musandam’s traditional villages, located in an isolated bay close to the Strait of Hormuz, where villages speak their own language known as Kumzari. Visitors will need an invite to step foot in the 700-year-old settlement, but for those who don’t, it’s possible to take a boat close to the island and get a look at life here – a life which feels worlds away from the everyday. There are 5,000 inhabitants on the island, with a hodgepodge ancestory including Yemeni and Zanzibari.

Take a boat to Telegraph Island

Travellers to Musandam Oman will get used to travelling by boat, and another ride work taking is to Telegraph Island. Named after the island’s telegraph station, which the British built in the 19th century, the fascinating island is home to eerie abandoned ruins, left behind when the island was abandoned in the 1870s. Today, the island serves as a snorkelling and fishing hub.

Enjoy a dhow cruise

The most famous way of exploring Musandam’s coastline is on a traditional dhow boat. Many tour operators offer cruises that include swimming, barbecue and more, and some even offer overnight accommodation – allowing travellers to wake up surrounded by the beauty of the fjords. The most luxurious of these is Six Senses Zighy Bay’s own Omani dhow boat, equipped with en-suite bedrooms, a private chef, sundeck and available inclusive of all meals.

Made a trip to Dibba

Two hours from Khasab is the border town of Dibba, positioned in both Oman and the UAE. The charming town is best known for its famous oysters, and farmland, but also its breathtaking natural scenery – and is a popular dive and swimming spot.

Hike in spectacular mountain ranges

Along with its fjords and untrammelled beaches, Musandam is best known for its mountain ranges and hiking trails. Local tour operators offer mountain bike tours and hiking in the peaks, with the most popular for biking being Jebel Al Harim. With the highest peak at 1,600 metres above sea level, the snaking path carves through rocks, boulders and past ancient rock carvings depicting humans alongside gazelles, Arabian leopards and oryx. A fossil wall formed from sea bed rock and covered in fossiled crabs, starfish and shells is also a spot on the walk.

Check into a world-famous hotel

Popular with A-list celebrities from across the world – who fly in to disconnect, enjoy wholesome, organic produce, unrivalled privacy and wellness rituals – Six Senses Zighy Bay is one of the most saught-after spots in the Middle East. Located near the UAE border in a scenic and secluded bay, the stunning resort is inspired by a traditional Omani village. After ascending and descending to the resort via a rocky mountain road, guests arrive and are greeted by dusty lanes lined with ceramic ptos and dare palms, private pool villas, the Six Senses Spa, myraid charming bars and restaurants and an incredible array of activities – from tennis and paragliding to upcycling and creating sustainable handicrafts.

Getting there

Getting to Musandam Governate is relatively easy from both the UAE and Oman . From Dubai, it’s just a 2.5-hour drive to the port of Khasab, while Oman Air operates a daily one-hour flight to and from Khasab Airport from the capital of Muscat . Visas are available at the Al Dara Border Crossing for those with a tourist visa for the UAE. Oman offers visa-free entry for GCC residents , but you’ll need your original passports for stamping. The UAE exit visa is AED35 per person, and the Oman visa fee is AED50 per person – coming in at an affordable AED85 return journey. The visa is valid for 90 days, and it’s important to make sure you have a multiple-entry UAE visa – as all single-entry visa holders will have their visas cancelled on exit from the UAE. Always check the latest visa requirements and advice before travelling.

The Best Musandam Hotels For A Stay In Oman’s Spectacular Fjord-Filled Peninsula

Where to stay when visiting Oman’s breathtaking Musandam, from an ultra-luxury A-list escape to overnight dhow cruises and dive resorts

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Musandam Travel Guide

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One of the most enjoyable weekends I have spent and it was not just because of the beauty of Oman´s beaches, dunes and wadi but also because of perfect job...

At the northeastern most tip of the Arabian peninsula (and separated from the rest of Oman by a wide swathe of UAE territory) the dramatic Musandam peninsula is perhaps the most scenically spectacular area in the entire Gulf. Often described as “The Norway of Arabia”, the peninsula boasts a magical combination of mountain and maritime landscapes, as the towering red-rock Hajar mountains fall precipitously into the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, creating a labyrinthine system of steep-sided fjords ( khors ), cliffs and islands, most of them inaccessible except by boat. Musandam remains one of Oman’s great wildernesses, with a largely untouched natural environment ranging from the pristine waters of the coast, where you can see frolicking dolphins, basking sharks and the occasional whale, through to the wild uplands of the jebel , dotted with fossils and petroglyphs.

Bait al qufl: the house of the lock

The coastal road: khasab to bukha, the mountains, petroglyphs.

The main town in Musandam proper is lively little Khasab , at the top of the peninsula and connected to the outside world by the spectacular coastal road which runs down via Bukha to the UAE border at Tibat. Khasab offers the perfect base for boat (or diving) trips out on the marvellous Khor ash Sham or, further afield, to the remote town of Kumzar , as well as for mountain safaris up the mighty Jebel Harim and beyond.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Oman, created by local experts

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Omani Road Trip

Take a road trip through the Mars-like terrain of the Arabian Peninsula, marvel at Muscat's Grand Mosque, get hands on Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, experience imposing desert forts, all on this unique trip! Experience the magic of Oman with a self-drive trip through this stunning and varied country.

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The Great Outdoors of Oman

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Oman’s great outdoors: sleep under starry skies in the middle of the desert just as the native Bedouins do, hike around the crater of the Grand Canyon, watching as the light changes on the Jebel Shams Mountains, and swim in the Wadi Oasis.

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Classic Oman

Few countries in the world can match Oman's geographical diversity, which boasts palm-fringed white sand beaches, verdant mountains, rolling golden sand dunes and turquoise-watered wadis (water-filled ravines). Experience them all with this unique trip.

Almost every village in the mountains of Musandam is home to at least one bait al qufl (“house of the lock”), a distinctive type of local building – looking more like an antique bomb-shelter than a traditional house – which is unique to the peninsula. The bait al qufl developed in response to the migratory lifestyle of the local Shehi, who would leave their mountain homes during the summer months to go and work on the coast. Valuable possessions which they could not carry with them were left behind in the village, locked up in these miniature vaults. Although designed primarily for storage, bait al qufl were also used as living quarters, particularly in the depths of winter.

The bait al qufl was designed with the emphasis firmly on strength and security. Walls often reach thicknesses of 1m or more, fashioned out of enormous slabs of stone; the thickness of the walls had the additional benefit of keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter, as well as protecting its contents (and anyone inside) from the ever-present threat of rockfalls. Bait al qufl are usually around 6–7m high, although they look smaller from the outside since the floor is dug out 1m or so below ground level for additional strength and security; the buildings are also often surrounded with a raised platform to help drain rainwater and provide something to sit on. Huge earthenware jars were placed inside to store provisions such as water, dates and grains – the jars were often bigger than the actual door to prevent them being carried off, and had to be put in place before the walls were built up around them. Access is usually via a single tiny door, formerly secured with one or two chunky wooden padlocks, although most are now left open.

The coastal road (Highway 2) between the UAE border at Tibat and Khasab is still the only reliable land connection between Musandam and the outside world (at least if you discount the very rough road over the mountains from Khasab to Dibba). The 35km highway (around a 45min drive) is one of the most dramatic in the country, a fine feat of modern engineering with jaw-dropping sea views. If you fancy stopping for a picnic there are numerous little patches of beach with palm thatch sunshades dotted along the road – the best is just before the village of Al Jadi, about 3km north of Bukha.

Although the khors are the principal attraction of Musandam, the peninsula’s mountainous interior runs them a close second. Here you’ll find some of the wildest and most spectacular landscapes in Oman, comprising a string of great limestone peaks and massifs known by locals as the Ru’us al Jebel, or “Peaks of the Mountains”. These are usually explored from Khasab on either a half-day or full-day mountain safari with a local driver aboard a 4WD (for details on operators). Half-day safaris usually take in Wadi Khasab, Khor an Najd, Khalidiya, A’Saye and Jebel Harim. Full-day trips continue beyond Jebel Harim as far as the Rawdah Bowl. It’s worth doing the full-day safari if possible – the Rawdah Bowl itself isn’t especially memorable, but the mountain scenery beyond Jebel Harim and the ridgetop drive above Wadi Rawdah are simply magnificent.

There’s nowhere to stay up in the mountains, although camping is possible in a number of places, including the beach at Khor an Najd, among the acacia trees at Khalidiya or in the remote Rawdah Bowl.

Jebel Harim

From here, it’s another 20 minutes or so to the highest point of the road, below the summit of Jebel Harim , literally “Mountain of Women” and at 2087m the highest peak in Musandam. The mountain takes its name from the days when local women would retreat to caves up here in order to avoid being carried off by pirates or rival tribes while their menfolk were away on extended fishing or trading expeditions. The actual summit is home to a radar station monitoring shipping way below in the Straits of Hormuz and is out of bounds, although there are superb all-round views from the road, with breathtaking views back to Khasab and onwards towards Dibba. Many of the rocks up here are also studded with superbly preserved fossils , offering the remarkable sight of ancient submarine creatures – molluscs, fish, clams and numerous trilobites – now incongruously stranded near the summit of one of Arabia’s highest mountains.

The highest point of road (at around 1600m) sweeps through a large rock cutting next to an air-traffic control radar installation. Just below here, a track leads off to a fine collection of petroglyphs carved into mountaintop boulders: rudimentary but evocative weathered images chipped out of the stone, including matchstick human figures alongside animals such as gazelle, oryx, Arabian leopards and even what is thought to be a man on an elephant. Further fossils can be seen in the surrounding rocks.

Past the summit, there are sensational views of the road ahead, as it runs along a narrow ridge before descending towards the Rawdah Bowl, plus stomach-churning views into the deep gorge below. En route you’ll pass a remarkable fossil wall , formed out of what was originally a chunk of sea bed rock and covered in a dense layer of fossilized impressions among which the outlines of crabs, starfish and shells can clearly be made out.

Musandam boasts an unusually rich collection of petroglyphs (from the Greek petros , meaning stone, and glyphe , meaning carving): simple rock art images which have been chipped out of boulders, cave walls or other convenient pieces of stone using sharp bronze, iron or stone tools and highlighted using a white pigment made from coral. Ancient petrogylphs can be found throughout the peninsula, often in the remotest places, and depict a wide range of subjects including people, animals (particularly horses and camels), as well as abstract symbols and geometrical patterns whose meaning has been lost. Dating the images is difficult, although the fact that most of them depict human or animal figures suggests that they may well pre-date the arrival of Islam (which prohibits the making of images of living creatures). Of Musandam’s many petroglyphs, the most easily accessible are those at the top of Jebel Harim and those in Wadi Tiwi .

Musandam is inhabited by three main tribes; the Dahoori, Kumzari and, by far the largest of the three, the Shehi (often anglicized to “Shihuh”). The Shehi formerly had a rather mysterious and fearsome reputation, said to speak a language unintelligible to anyone but themselves and living a reclusive life up in the mountains, ekeing a frugal and difficult existence out of one of Arabia’s most inhospitable environments. Notably different from the Bedu and townspeople of the plains, many of the Shehi formerly lived in mountain caves or natural rock shelters, which were converted into simple little dwellings with the addition of a couple of stone walls and wooden doors. They also carried a small axe on a long handle (known as a jirz ), rather than the khanjar found elsewhere in Oman, which could serve both as a weapon and a climbing stick. The Shehi remain the dominant clan in modern Khasab – you’ll see the name Al Shehi on shop signs all around town, especially in the Old Souk – although many have now moved out to exploit the greater economic opportunities in neighbouring Ras al Khaimah (RAK), and RAK-registered cars are a common sight around town.

The origins of the Shehi remain unclear. One theory is that they were the original inhabitants of Oman who were gradually driven north into the mountains by waves of Yemeni and Nizari Arabs arriving from the south. Another, more colourful, tradition claims that they are descended from the survivors of shipwrecks marooned on Musandam’s rocks over thousands of years – anecdotes record the occasional birth of Shehi children with fair hair and blue eyes. Their language, too, had a similarly cosmopolitan flavour, although, unlike Kumzari, it remains a dialect of Arabic, rather than an original language. As Ronald Codrai, writing of a visit to the peninsula in the 1950s in his entertaining Travels to Oman: 1948–1955 , put it: “That they spoke a different dialect was soon obvious, but it was Arabic, although sometimes spoken more gutturally through closed teeth and, once or twice, I thought I detected a Somerset accent.”

The Shehi (along with other Musandam tribes) formerly migrated on a seasonal basis, spending the winters farming in the mountains or fishing in the khors before heading down to Khasab to harvest dates during the summer. Not surprisingly, given Oman’s rising prosperity, the Shehi and other tribes of Musandam, the younger generations particularly, are steadily abandoning the hard traditional life of their ancestors, meaning that many of Musandam’s villages are being steadily depopulated as their inhabitants depart in search of a more comfortable existence in Khasab or elsewhere, leaving nothing behind but locked houses and wandering goats.

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Musandam Peninsula (Oman) – Best things to do, Dhow Cruise…

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Let’s discover the Best things to do on the Musandam Peninsula. Discover the jewel of nature, called the ‘fjords of Oman’. Let me show you why you should not miss the place and how you can visit it, including great dhow cruise options.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Oman:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Oman: DiscoverCars

My favorite adventure from Muscat: Dolphin and Snorkeling

My favorite excursion from Muscat: Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole

My favorite places to stay:

• Muscat , the capital – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: The Chedi
• Sur , for the turtles – see the best rated hotels
• Khasab , Musandam peninsula – see the best rated hotels
• Wahiba Sands , in the desert – see the best rated hotels or my favorite camp: Desert Nights Resort

Why visit the Musandam Peninsula?

For the unique scenery.

It is difficult to put words on why you should visit the Musandam. It is such a unique landscape! Colorful fjord-looking mountains dropping into intense blue waters where dolphins like jumping in front of boats!

Here is a selection of pictures that might help you understand why I mean:

This is why it is also called the ‘Norway of Arabia’. But those mountains are not actually fjords as they were not carved by glacier but shaped by the movement of the Earth crust.

For the authenticity

Especially if you are visiting from the UAE and not from the rest of Oman.

Even though the Musandam Peninsula is welcoming more and more tourists, the harsh environment remains mostly wild with only few villages here and there in the mountains. It sure offers a big contrast with the huge shopping mall of the UAE city.

People often say that it is the best part of their stay in Dubai. But check out Arzo’s Dubai itinerary for more ideas  here .

How to visit Musandam Dibba Oman?

Where is the musandam peninsula.

The Musandam Peninsula is a governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. But it is not adjacent to its mainland. It is located at the tip of the United Arab Emirates, not far from Dubai and at the strategic location of the straight of Ormuz.

How to get to the Musandam Peninsula?

3 main options to reach Khasab, the main town in the Musandam Governorate :

Oman Air completes daily short flights from Muscat to Khasab. It is fast, practical and reasonably priced. The flight lasts 1h10min

Ferries are run by the National Ferries Compay (NFC) between cities in the Khasab peninsula and between Muscat and Khasab. At the moment, they run 3 trips a week from Muscat and 2 returns a week. You would have to contact them directly to book. The ferry takes 6 hours to connect the 2 cities.

Or you can arrive on land for more flexibility. Khasab is only a 3h drive from Dubai (but plan some extra time to cross the border) – It is very appreciated as a  day trip from Dubai  or as a  long weekend getaway to Khasab . See further down more details about day trips. Or check out the options here .

And if you want to drive from Muscat, you will have to go through the UAE.  It will 6h30 take you to drive from Muscat to Khasab (plus the time to go through the Borders into and out of the UAE)

How to explore the peninsula

• The coast is easy to drive – 2WD sufficient
• If you want to explore inland, and go up in the mountains, you will need a 4WD

Need to rent a car in Oman?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• Consider their full coverage option – for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Of course, the peninsula is famous for its ‘Fjords’ – so booking a boat tour is a MUST. Learn more, further down in the article about your options.

Or check out these options

By organized tours 

You don’t have to drive and get a 4WD. There are guided tours possible, in the town of Khasab, in the mountains or along the coast.

Staying Overnight?

Are you staying overnight to have time to discover both the waters and the mountains? Great!

There is not a large choice of hotels in Musandam since many people do day tours from Dubai. One of the best rated accommodations is the  Atana Musadam Resort . Guests appreciate the friendliness of the staff, the sea views and the pools as you can see in the picture above. Check out photos and availability

Or  see best rated accommodations in Khasab

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Best things to do on Musandam Peninsula

Here is a summary of the best places to visit. 

#1 – The fjords & Dhow Cruises

This is the main interest of a visit to the peninsula. You can book just a cruise on a traditional Dhow Boat. Relax on the deck, go for a swim, admire the dolphins… or simply admire the mountains reaching 2000m in the distance! This is unforgettable. Dhows are traditional Omani boats and they take you on a cruise to admire the fjord-like mountains, see the dolphins jump and snorkel in the beautiful waters to admire the abundant colorful fishes.

Check out these options

Some companies also propose diving options, kayaking, and 2 day tours with overnight camping.

#2 – The mountains & 4WD safaris

For those who get seasick or want another view of the Peninsula away from everyone, you can go on a Mountain Safari. It will lead you to some of the best views in the area in the north or in the South. Away from the crowds, you will drive through a magnificent wadis and discover the Omani way of life.

#3 – Khasab city and fort

If you are staying a couple of days and want something a little bit different, you can explore the main city of the peninsula and learn more about its history. Explore the famous Portuguese Khasab Fort with its museum full of cultural items. You may also stop at Wadi Tawi to see prehistoric rock paintings.

Musandam Trips From Dubai

Musandam is a popular day trip from Dubai.

Tours are organised to help you: 

• Make the drive without being tired by the driving (3 hours each way)
• Crossing the border
• Exploring the peninsula 
• Enjoying a boat tour

Several tours can be booked covering either the waterside or the mountain side.

Don’t forget your passport to cross the border in each direction and be ready for a long day!

Check out the options here .

Want to see more of Oman?

• Best things to do in Oman – read article
• Best of photos from Oman – Landscapes – read article
• Where to stay in Oman –  read article
• Best days trips from Muscat – read article
• Planning a road trip in Oman – read article
• Renting a car and driving in Oman – read article
• Best things to do in Muscat – read article
• The impressive Wadi Shab – read article
• The Bimmah Sinkhole – read article
• The desert of Wahiba Sands – read article
• The Ras Al Jinz turtle reserves – read article

Planning a trip to Oman?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your dream trip in Oman thanks to my guide

• 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 190+ pre-selected locations
• Tips to make the most of your time
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• 100+ original photos to help you choose

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see More of OMAN?

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Reader Interactions

July 6, 2018 at 8:48 PM

Your hotel link goes to the sister hotel Atana Khasab Hotel. I would agree that the Atana Musandam Hotel is new and nicer. The staff are very friendly, the only issue is its a dry hotel.

July 7, 2018 at 8:41 AM

Corrected. Thanks

November 2, 2019 at 9:04 AM

wow, thanks for sharing such a nice place, i should visit Musandam and dhow cruise trip too.

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Discover the beautiful Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Welcome to Musandam, the most rugged, unique and beautiful part of the Arabian Peninsula

Many visitors miss the Musandam Peninsula off their Oman itinerary due to its difficult geographic location – separated from the main part of Oman by the UAE.  However, this is what makes it such a beautiful, fascinating, unexplored and truly magical corner of the world! In this article, we will cover

How to get to the Musandam Peninsula

What to see and do in musandam.

• Where to stay visiting Musandam
• Other practical visitor information

This post is part of our series exploring family travel in the Middle East.    

For more on oman and how to road trip around the country, pop over to our oman road trip guide , or head over here for more on outdoor adventures and camping ..

First though before we dive into it…

How did the Musandam Peninsula come to be?

This is truly one of the truly fascinating yet difficult to explain geography lessons! Politically, although part of Oman, it is enclave separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates .

During the early part of the 20th century, boundaries were drawn up in the region and tribal elders needed to pledge their allegiances.  Oman retained control of the peninsula with its strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz  – one of the world’s busiest waterways.

If you ever study the map of the UAE you will see it gets even stranger.  Within the Emirate of Fujairah you will find the Omani enclave of Madha – or also called Wadi Madha – which includes the village of Nahwa, part of Sharjah Emirate!

Also within the Emirate of Fujairah, you find another Omani enclave Dibba Al Hisn , which borders the Gulf of Oman and almost the Omani border.  Both of these enclaves are part of the Governate of Musandam. Clear right?

These smaller enclaves have no formal border crossing (however your mobile phone will apparently welcome you with a message from Omantel!) 

Crossing into Musandam though is a formal border crossing which we’ll explain below. Geographically, the region is just fascinating.  The Arabian continental plate juts on to the Eurasian plate and is apparently slowly sinking 5mm a year. 

Over thousands of years, the valleys of Kumzar in the far north has now filled with water.  Kumzar is still attached by land, just, by Khor ash-Shams. Beneath the vast limestone cliffs, a vast amount of marine life calls these gentle waters home. 

It is the stark, natural beauty of these fjords that has seen the area often nicknamed “the Norway of Oman” or “Norway of Arabia” .

Precariously perched at the end of the Arabian peninsula where the Gulf of Oman meets the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf), there are three options to get to the northernmost regional centre, Khasab; fly, drive or boat.

Flying to Musandam from Muscat

You can catch a twice-daily Oman Air flight from Muscat to Oman and vice versa.  It’s only a small regional aircraft.  As you are flying domestically there is no border control.  Prices are variable, so search current timing and costs here;

Boating into Musandam

It is unclear the exact timetable as we write this, but it looks as though there are options to take a ferry from Muscat (Shinas) direct to Khasab. You can also catch a ferry from Dibba al Hisn to Khasab that takes 2.5 hours and operates twice a week, or to the small port of Lima on the east coast. Ferry ticketing and further information on schedules can be found on  Direct Ferries.

Note you can also catch day trip boats from Dibba (the enclave in the UAE, via Fujairah) that take you into the waters of Musandam without touching land. Check details with each tour operator but you may not need to formally cross the border taking this option (certainly saving you on visa exit and entry fees for a day trip)

Driving to Musandam

This is the most common approach whether you are driving from the main part of Oman or starting your journey from the UAE. Approximate driving distances and times (without border stoppage time which can add 30 minutes to 2 hours approximately):

• Muscat to Khasab – 500kms; 6 hours 15 minutes
• Sohar to Khasab – 300kms; 4 hours 15 minutes
• Ras al Khaimah to Khasab – 120kms; 2 hours 15 minutes
• Dubai to Khasab – 200kms; 2 hours 45 minutes
• Abu Dhabi to Khasab – 335kms; 4 hours
• Muscat to Dibba – 380kms; 4 hours 20minutes
• Dubai to Dibba – 145kms; 1 hour 45 minutes

A guide to border crossing into Musandam

The west coast crossing into Musandam if you are headed to Khasab is via the Al Darah border post, at the northern tip of Ras Al Khaimah emirate, literally where the mountains start touching the ocean.

The crossing posts for UAE and Oman at Al Darah are immediately next to each other so its a popular spot for tourists in Dubai and the UAE to do ‘border runs’ (extending their 30-day tourist visas) as you need only stop once and walk between the 4 entry and exit offices; those visitors making the trip all the way to Khasab who are not GCC citizens will need to make two stops each way.

We have a fairly detailed account of what to expect crossing into Oman in this post if you are crossing into Oman at another border crossing so you can know what to expect.  Most importantly note these things in crossing the UAE-Oman border (at November 2017);

• The Oman entrance fees are 5OR for GCC residents or 20OR for a 30-day tourist visa (the 10-day visa seems to come and go over the years; you can apply for your Oman Visa online in advance)
• Leaving the UAE you will pay a 30AED per person exit fee (normally included in airline tickets)
• For all of these border crossings, foreigners must go inside the office to have their passports stamped and to pay (this includes everyone in the car, sorry that’s the sleeping kids too!)
• Check your vehicle is insured to be driving in both the UAE and Oman. If not, you will need to purchase car insurance (and make sure you have the vehicle owners permission to cross the border – eg if you have a hire car)
• There are no exit fees from Oman or re-entry fees to the UAE but make sure you pull over and get passports checked at both with your insurance docs

Get out on the water

Much of the beauty of Musandam is that it cannot be reached by road, you will need to get into a boat to see the khors and fjords that make up this amazing coastline.

Once in Khasab, there are many options for hiring a boat from the harbour.  Some offer very specific dolphin watching tours, while others are small private vessels that can be hired for exploring deep into Kumzar and the fishing villages that literally hug the coastline (which will undoubtedly include dolphin spotting too).

As well as dolphin spotting, many companies also offer snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, even kayaking.  Note, many operators don’t have websites, you can try your luck simply heading to the harbour and negotiating but it’s understandable if you’ve travelled this far you don’t want to come away disappointed!

Our dolphin watching experience from Khasab

Some companies operate services that pick up and drop off at Dubai hotels and will take you through the whole border crossing process.  If you are not familiar with the Middle East ways, I’d recommend this is the best option.  I recommend booking through a reputable agent such as Get Your Guide who use fully licenced and experienced local operators ~  always read reviews!!

Don’t forget the mountains

Whilst much of the mountains that surround Kumzar in the extreme north are pretty inaccessible, with a local guide there are some hiking options (not one we chose to do with kids!). 

Further south there are 4WD tracks that can take you to Jebel Hareem and there are various wadi’s to explore – make sure you pack a ground mat if you’re camping!

Things to do in Khasab

To be fair, we didn’t explore much in Khasab town.  The vast majority of the action is all in and around the harbour.  There is Khasab Castle for the history buffs which like many of Oman’s castles has been well preserved and contains a small museum. Lulu’s supermarket with its vast car park seems to dominate the centre of town and might be your rendezvous point with a guide or a good point to pick up supplies before hitting the water.

Bassah Beach is a wide sandy stretch located just before you enter the town of Khasab.  To be honest it didn’t look over appealing but had a number of vendors set up there.  If it’s a beach you’re after, hire a boat and ask them to take you to one of the more remote places along the coastline.

There are also small playparks and beaches dotted all along the coastal drive from the border up to Khasab, if the windy drive is getting too much there are plenty of beautiful little spots to pull over but all rather close to the freeway.

Where to stay in Musandam

Musandam hotels.

Accommodation of the four-walled variety in Musandam is fairly scarce. In Khasab, there are only a handful of hotel options to choose from.  We stayed at Atana Musandam Hotel,  which was great did the job.

It is pretty, though facilities fairly limited, one small pool and restaurant for breakfast included, it is dry. They also have a sister hotel Atana Khasab Hotel with some great ocean views and more dining choices.

Another neat and clean family option is Kamzar Beach Furnished Apartments   – don’t let the ah, period features put you off too much. No on-site facilities but a self-catering kitchen.

All are acceptable accommodation though I’m not sure compared to other resorts in the northern Emirates and east coast of the UAE you’d come here in preference, more a brilliant location to base yourself for the night.

If you are coming from the other coast of Musandam via Dibba, you can try Golden Tulip Resort Dibba with pool, kids play park area and a range of leisure facilities or……

Best Resort in Oman

If, however, you are looking for that amazing once in a lifetime experience, head to the east coast of Musandam via Dibba. Just north of the Golden Tulip, you will find one of the world’s most exclusive and remote resorts Six Senses Zighy Bay .

When the menu of choices for entering is via boat, 4WD or paraglide you know you’re in for something special.  Offering private villas with pools and a plethora of recreational activities, you’ve simply got to add this one to the bucket list! (Trust me, it’s on ours before we finish our time in the UAE!!)

Camping in Musandam

A popular choice for outdoor explorers and to get the most of the Musandam experience is to pitch your tent.  Camping on the beach at Khasab is permitted. 

If you’d like some of the work done for you in an organised camp with toilet block facilities, you can go with Khasab Musandam Campsite (note this costs about the same as the hotels though – and you get a 2-man tent only, not the best for families).

If you book with a private operator, many have their own magical spots away from the crowds where they will take you for an overnight experience on your own private beach, or even camp overnight on a dhow.

We went with a private provider Mohammed who operates several boats – he does not have a website but please contact us directly if you’d like his details.

We have a further detailed guide on Khasab tours on our Family Travel in the Middle East website. Note camping on the beach at Dibba now is expressly prohibited. I believe the mistreatment of the beach and excessive litter forced the municipality to close this off as an option. 

If you’d like to know more about how to camp in the UAE and northern Oman, pop over to our detailed desert camping guide.   It has loads of practical advice and where you can set up camp.

Other practical information and resources for visiting Musandam, Oman

• Grab yourself the Explorer UAE Off-Road guide . This covers the Musandam Peninsula.

• A standard saloon car will easily get you up to Khasab with sealed roads all the way (and extensive reinforcement works going on to stop the cliffside drive from collapsing!), but if you want to explore any further inland, particularly from the Dibba side you will need a 4WD.
• Don’t forget your passports! Although the border connections might seem fairly seamless and it’s hard to believe you’re in another country, you are!
• The official currency is Omani Rial but your dirhams may well be accepted by local operators (they get a slight upside in the exchange rate using 10AED:1OR.
• Power plugs we saw were round two-pin, not the British 3 rectangular pin; from the UAE you might need a converter plug  if staying in a hotel – or heading out on the water and beyond just unplug altogether!!

Found this helpful? Bookmark this page or save to Pinterest for later!

Have you visited Musandam yet? Do you have a favourite spot you’re willing to share!?

Need more travel inspiration?

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you sign up for our special family travel group on Facebook all about the Middle East.  We know for newcomers it can be an exciting but daunting time trying to organise travel to a region that has not been highly commercialised and little information is available.  Our friendly group of parents will advise you on the ins and outs of visiting the region and hopefully inspire you to see more too!

Disclosures:  We paid for all activities and accommodation on this trip for ourselves.  We have included some affiliate links to activity and hotel partners who we trust which may earn us an affiliate income. You can find our full disclosure policy here. 

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27 thoughts on “ Discover the beautiful Musandam Peninsula, Oman ”

Great article, thanks for providing the information about Oman. Its really helpful for me.

Truly an amazing place to visit and activities are really interest and breathing.

Oman is destination of thousands of visitors visitors across the world. There are few must watch place and one of them is Khasab Oman.

I am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The web site style is great, the articles is really nice

Hi Keri! We are currently planning our Oman road trip for October. I am curious to hear how long you waited at the border. We are planning to drive directly from Nizwa. Do we have to expect to add up to two hours at each border? So up to two hours getting into UAE and another two getting into Musandam? If so, we might have to rethink if it’s doable in one day, especially given the fact that we don’t want to drive in Musandam in the darkness. Thanks for sharing your insights!

Hey thanks great question. I think 2 hours would be on a bad day. If you go mid-week, out of school holidays, and not on a Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon you can be through in 30 minutes. Nizwa to Musandam in 1 day is a very long drive. Would you consider a pit stop overnight in Al Ain maybe, tackle it in two halves? Make sure your vehicle insurance covers Oman & UAE and you have a multi-entry visa. Even if it’s same day the shorter tourist visa I am pretty sure they cancel as soon as you cross the border and you need a new one then for Musandam.

It hasn’t occurred to us yet that splitting the drive in two parts might be the better option (we are not fans of one night stops). But you totally have a point. And Al Ain absolutely doesn’t look like a bad place to spend a night. Great! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂

Musandam Is such amazing place. I wish you went with us. By the way, which activity you mostly liked in our your Musandam trip?

Oh well maybe next time Shehzad – get in touch with us [email protected] and we’ll see what we can do for a weekend soon? We only did a half day dolphin tour on our last trip not sure if the kids would have their sea legs but we enjoyed it so much we’d love to camp on the boat next time and maybe do some snorkelling.

Anyone will definitely want to visit when you see the spectacular photos in this post. We are gutted we missed this area when we were in Oman the other week. Thanks for linking up to Monday Escapes.

Its really easier to combine with a Dubai city stop rather than Muscat as its so remote! It’s certainly a photographers paradise!

I’d love to take my girls dolphin watching here and the organised camping sounds like good fun. I might prefer that to the hotel s 🙂 #MondayEscapes

Definitely the camping looks like the better alternative up in this corner of the world, and a far more authentic experience!

What a comprehensive and interesting post. Even having lived in Oman for two years we didn’t make it to musandam, which is something we regret. i didn’t realise it was so water based and similar to the fjords of norway. This is definitely on my list for a trip to Oman whenever that might be! #mondayescapes PS. How do you get a photo onto all the comment sections in posts? Hope you don’t mind me asking….

I can completely understand how you’d miss it living in Muscat – its a much easier land connection for us and we still took 5 years to get out here! It won’t be the last time though, definitely hope to head back later in the winter with a group and do the overnight boat it looked amazing! And yep its pretty much all ountains and water, how they found room to build a runway in Khasab is incredible!!

PS not sure what you mean photo on the comments section? Is it people’s WordPress Gravatars maybe?

Such an informative post Keri, looks amazing. Who would’ve thought you would see scenes like this when you are surrounded by the desert. Hopefully we are off to explore next month!

Its a very busy winter of local exploring ahead of us, so much fun! So glad the kids are just that little bit bigger and longer weekends like this are now possible without too many toilet stops and toddler meltdowns!!! Once you hit the mountains in RAK its such a stark contrast to the rest of the country, its like to clock turned back 40 years!!!

Well, this is an interesting post to read since I am a geography / history freak. I have noticed a line on the UAE map but didn’t know a piece was part of Oman. Seeing the land from the water looks great. I love to sail and do boat rips. I am sure I will enjoy this activity. #MondayEscapes

Oh you will absolutely love this region then! Some of the facts still aren’t even clear to me after researching it a lot as a lot of the decisions made way in the past have no actual written record. Nonetheless, both geographically and politically, just fascinating!!

Not somewhere I’d considered visiting before but seems a very interesting destination…

It really is one of those hidden gems but worth the long drive and border crossings to get there!

What a super helpful post Keri. I am ashamed to say that I know so little about the middle east and I did google UAE borders. While Dubai has never really attracted me, this looks like an area we would really love. Exploring by boat looks like the perfect way to do it. Is the snorkeling any good? i wonder if it is similar to the red sea? #mondayescapes

Oh if the bright lights of Dubai put you off this is definitely a far better alternative. What I suggest to people is to mix a visit to Musandam with Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. So maybe go and do a couple of days up on the peninsula with a boat, then come and enjoy one of the beautiful coastal resorts in RAK, you’ll get a very different view of the country than what you’ll see just staying in Dubai.

This is definitely on my list for our return visit to Oman (whenever that is!) – I’d have loved to go on our last trip, but it was simply too tricky to fit into a week. The whole area looks so beautiful and I’ve always fancied the idea of paragliding into the Zighy Bay! Not sure what my five-year-old would think of that though 🙂

Oh Zighy Bay still remains the dream!! Definitely, before we leave the UAE I think hubby and I need to go spoil ourselves and a paraglide in, how cool!!!!! We were supposed to go up there about 4 years ago and what do you know, it was the one day they had to close it for flooding!!! We ended up at Qasr al Sarab instead which isn’t a bad alternative. No, you must get up there still. It’s probably easier done from Dubai, so next time you have a fly through add a couple of days for the drive north.

Hi, I am glad I came over and had a read. It sounds amazing – I LOVE the camping options!!! So cool….a visit is now on my (Very long!) list!!

What we’d recommend for sure is actually camping on the boat. There were some companies that provided tents etc on the little hidden sandy beaches but this way you don’t need much gear, they cook the meals for you, you sleep on the decks! Definitely one for the ever-growing list!

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Things to do

10 Best Things to Do in Musandam, Oman

Last Updated: March 15, 2022

Musandam is a pristine, magnificent Omani peninsula separated from the rest of the UAE by a strip of land. Musandam is located at the northernmost point of Oman. Bordered by two gulfs – the Arabian and the Omani, the Omani Governorate has several remarkable natural wonders and architectural treasures to share with the world. Once you’ve visited this part of the world, you will want to come back for more. The best thing is that it lies in close proximity to the UAE, and you can easily here with an Oman visa from Dubai. Here are several things to see and do in the Musandam Peninsula area.

Best Things to Do in Musandam, Oman

1. go camping on jebel harim.

Image Source: marypink/flickr.com

The Jebel Harim peak stands tall and proud at 2,087 meters. It’s the highest peak in Musandam and one of the best places to visit in Oman . The name Jebel Harim literally means ‘Mountain of Women’. It’s been named this way given that during the days of piracy and colonization by the Portuguese, Omani women would hide up the mountain fearing kidnapping and molestation. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and villages from the top of this peak. You can also camp on this mountain and trek or hike to your heart’s content.

2. Splash Around In Khasab’s Golden Beaches

Image Source: Robert Haandrikman/flickr.com

Musandam, Oman, has many beaches strewn with golden sand and blessed with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The rich and varied marine life makes this place a welcome haven for divers and snorkelers. Enjoy swimming, water sports, and beach bumming on the stunning beach or go boating. You can even camp on any of Khasab’s golden beaches for the night.

3. Interact With The Friendly Dolphins Around Musandam

Every now and then, two different kinds of dolphins pay a visit to the Musandam waters. These are the humpback dolphins (Sousa Chinensis) and the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). The best way to meet with these dolphins and get to know them is to take a boat ride. The dolphins are friendly and curious, and they will come and say hello to your boat.

4. Enjoy A Paragliding Adventure Over Zighy Bay

Image Source: sixsenses.com

Here’s some great news for adrenaline junkies. If you think Musandam is just for beach lovers, think again. It’s one of the best-known destinations in Oman for paragliding and parasailing. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the beaches, valleys, bays, mountains and more when you’re up at that height. Get your straps and take off from the Zighy Mountain, 1,000-feet above the ground. Glide over the pristine bay and enjoy the incredible views all around.

5. Go Diving and Snorkelling In Musandam’s Crystal Clear Waters

Image Source: Keith Parker/flickr.com

Underneath the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Musandam lies a secret. Perfect reefs here house a varied marine life that any diver or snorkeler would give their eye-teeth to see. Enjoy Musandam’s hidden gems and treasures under the ocean. Khasab especially has some magnificent underwater treasures that are a must-see for divers.

6. Enjoy Multiple Adventures In The Hajar Mountains

Image Source: Mariusz Kluzniak/flickr.com

What can be more fun than a 4×4 natural rollercoaster adventure in the Hajar Mountains? These mountains have natural highs, lows, and multiple valleys, known as ‘Wadis.’ No rollercoaster could offer you the amazing views and the incredible high you’ll get when you roar in and out of the wadis.

Visit the Wilayat Khasab wadi and check out the site where the Jebel Hareem Fossils were found. These fossils of fishes and other marine animals that are 250 million years old! Wadi Shab and Wadi Rawdha have canyons with water flowing around them; try your hand at cliff jumping, canoeing, and swimming.

7. Check Out Khasab Castle

Image Source: Daniel Jo/flickr.com

Khasab Castle is located in the Musandam Peninsula’s capital, Khasab Province. The Portuguese built this castle in the 17th century as part of their undertaking to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and colonize the Khasab Province. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf to the Arab Peninsula and is a prominent trading route and entry into the Arabian Gulf. The Omanis used the castle during their battles with the Portuguese in 1624, after which it became Governor Walli’s residence. The castle also served as a prison. It is now a museum with several exhibitions on the history of Musandam. There’s also an exhibition of old documents, clothes, weaponry, jewelry, and other household items from those distant times. Use our blog post as a guide and check out this wonderful museum’s secrets for yourself.

8. Sail Around Musandam’s Fjords

What could be more wonderful than a blissful sail around the fjords of Musandam on a Dhow? Enjoy the sight of the unique fjords, which are very much like those found in Sweden, Norway, and other Scandinavian countries. Don’t forget to sip a cup of the delectable Kahwa (Omani coffee) and munch on some Omani dates as you enjoy your leisurely sailing adventure. If you feel like a dip in the crystal clear water, you can ask the dhow captain to anchor for a bit. Enjoy the refreshing weather and the lovely breezes as you sail around the peninsula and back. Sailing around the fjords is one of the top things to do in Musandam, Oman.

9. Camp On The Magnificent Bassa Beach

Image Source: ttnotes.com

Visit the popular Bassa Beach whose calm and warm waters are ideal for swimming and diving. It’s a shady beach; you can camp here and have some extended family time. When it storms, the beach is full of attractive seashells – grab some treasures for your own collection! You might also spot a shark or two swimming in the shallow waters after a storm.

10. Enjoy A Dhow Boat Ride Along The Strait Of Hormuz

Nearly 30 tankers traverse the Strait of Hormuz each day. Along the strait are magnificent islands and unique rock formations that create beautiful views. The best way to enjoy the strait is to take a dhow cruise; you can take a day cruise or a night cruise, both of which are excellent. You sail from the Musandam Port and sail over to small villages such as Nadifi, Quanah, and Maqlab. Check out the old houses, the wind towers, and the cultural aspects of the villages as you pass by. The Khor Shem Fjords have rock formations that look like wild creatures. Bird watchers can have a whale of a time on Bird Island, and dolphin lovers will be amazed at how many dolphins come to say hello.

Musandam is beautiful and has many scenic locations that would be perfect for any occasion. Musandam is becoming very popular as a tourist haunt because of the spectacular inlets, untouched beaches, lovely and quaint winding roads, and the thrilling wadis. It also makes one of the best day trips from Dubai . Just make sure you book your tour with the right operator, and you’re guaranteed a smooth trip without hiccups.

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Aanchal Iyer

Aanchal is a writer by profession and an avid foodie. She loves travelling, exploring and adding cherished experiences to the book of life.

The crystal-clear blue water of Musandam has got me hooked. I can see swimming and snorkeling can be a joy. Can you tell me a few things abut the marine wonders to explore?

To enjoy wonderful marine wonders, visit the Telegraph Island dive site. Its calm waters and vibrant marine life make it ideal for divers of all levels. Here, you can see colorful coral gardens, clownfish, and also some gentle rays.

Wow! Musandam looks like a piece of paradise. All the activities to be enjoyed at this beautiful and adventurous spot are intriguing. I am looking forward for an outstanding adventure and relaxation.

Absolutely, Musandam is a gem! For relaxation, water adventure, and sightseeing, we recommend you to take a Musandam Dibba Cruise. The cruise will take you through rugged fjords, scenic places, and also indulge in snorkeling.

When I was on a UAE trip, I took the Musandam Dibba Cruise from Abu Dhabi. The tour operator took us in a car and handled the formalities at the border of the UAE and Oman on their own. The cruise was fantastic, and we enjoyed fjords, swimming and snorkeling, and fishing.

Glad that your Musandam Dibba Cruise was fantastic. If you haven’t tried paragliding Adventure Over Zighy Bay and a rollercoaster ride to the Hajar Mountains, contact us for these adrenaline-pumping activities.

Thanks for the post. It is a wonderful guide, providing the essence of Musandam, Oman’s beauty. The highlighted activities are exciting, promising an enriching experience for anyone planning a visit to this captivating destination.

I never knew that Musandam would be so beautiful. All I had in my mind about Oman is unending desert stretched up to miles and miles. You blog is an eye-opener for me.

Like you, many are unaware about Musandam. This magnificent peninsula of Oman has alluring natural wonders and magnificent architectures that will leave your shocked.

I am elated to see the many outdoor activities visitors can enjoy in Musandam, Oman. All the activities are so enticing that I am confused which one to chose.

Musandam is a paradise for nature lovers. You will love driving through the winding roads of Jebel Harim, which is called the Mountain of Women. After reaching to the top, the panoramic views of the valleys will be a rewarding experience for you. Moreover, you will also get to see ancient fossils.

I am fortunate to have visited Musandam, Oman. I took a Dhow cruise tour and was overwhelmed by the beauty of this region. I literally felt like sailing in one of the Scandinavian countries.

Sailing around the fjords of Musandam on a Dhow is an unforgettable experience.

The Bassa Beach looks impressive. What is the shade that cover a major part of the beach? Is it because of a mountain?

You’re right! The Bassa Beach is covered by mountains.

Do you arrange paragliding adventure, diving and snorkelling, and mountain safari in Musandam, Oman?

We are expert in organizing all these adventures and would gladly do it for you.

Will it be safe to camp at Jebel Harim?

Yes! It is safe camping at Jebel Harim.

I wish I had read this blog when I was vacationing in the UAE. That way, I wouldn’t have missed this wonderful venue. Thanks for the beautiful photographs and engaging write up.

You’ll get ample opportunities to make it out.

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Musandam Peninsula in Oman (Adventure in Oman’s Epic Arabian Fjords)

• by Jonny Duncan
• January 27, 2017 September 27, 2022

The Musandam Peninsula sticks into the Persian Gulf at the most northerly point of Oman, and makes an excellent getaway from Dubai.

It has been described as the “Norway of Arabia” with its Musandam Fjords.

Dubai is mentioned here for visiting from as Musandam is a good place to go for the weekend, or a very long day trip from there.

The Musandam Peninsula

It’s a popular place to visit to see dolphins from a traditional Arabian dhow boat in the fjords, camp by a wildfire on the beach, go kayaking, and visit remote villages with their own traditions.

Cruising on the dhow boat and spotting dolphins is the best part!

Driving from Dubai it takes around 3 hours to reach Khasab, from where you can take the dhow boats into the fjords.

If you want to makes things easy you can book a day tour from Dubai to visit the Musandam Peninsula by dhow boat.

The traditional dhow boats used are generally of a small design but good for a day trip. However if you want to really treat yourself there is a stunning boat called Rubba designed by a local man based on a traditional dhow boat design.

It’s huge and very luxurious. You can even take it out for multiple nights with it’s comfortable cabins to sleep in.

Relax and take it easy. Go fishing. Cruise around the fjords. The boat is run by Musandam Sea Adventures .

If you don’t want to rush back to Dubai then consider camping overnight on a beach with your friends/family. You can have some tasty barbecued fish while enjoying the peace of being around the fjords.

The main reason to go to the Musandam Peninsula is the adventures on the water, but you can also do a mountain safari inland for a few hours to the Peninsulas highest peak and spot old sea fossils.

Back in Khasab itself which is the main town and place to stay on the Musandam Peninsula there isn’t much to do, but Khasab Castle is good to go and see.

You can also go to some remote villages accessible only by boat and learn more about the seafaring culture of the region.

The most northernly village in Oman is here called Kumzar and is a good one to see.

But aside from the adventure and cultural activities that you can do another great reason to be in Musandam is the friendly local people.

They have an interesting culture and are very welcoming.

Getting to The Musandam Peninsula

From Dubai:

If you are living in Dubai, or on holiday there, Musandam makes an awarding trip for part of your adventure in the region.

Visiting the Musandam Peninsula is in fact easiest done from Dubai.

One good option is to take a day tour from Dubai on a traditional dhow boat.

Where to Stay

If you’re coming from Dubai you can do it on a weekend getaway for example, as well as many other places in Oman.

Maybe you want to treat yourself to somewhere nice to stay in some luxury hotels in Oman , including Musandam.

Go and visit the Musandam Peninsula and its Fjords

Further reading:

This is my  travel guide for all of Oman .

Useful Links for the Musandam Peninsula:

Book places to stay in Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula here.

Best guidebook for the Musandam Peninsula and Oman.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

I personally used Musandam Sea Adventures for my trips there and can highly recommend them. They are very professional, decently priced, and the staff are so friendly to deal with.

You can book a dhow boat cruise and other activities with them at their website here – Musandam Sea Adventures .

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Valuable information. These are important tips that we should all keep in mind. I will try to create travel blog. Thanks sharing this idea.

I went to some wadis near Oman once (although I think I was still in the UAE – this was many years ago!) and we spent the whole day throwing ourselves of ledges into the water. It’s an adventure I’ll always remember!

Awesome! So much fun cliff diving.

Very useful information. Such a nice place to visit.

Really beautiful!

I love kayaking with the family. I bet the dolphins made it fun. 🙂

Yes was awesome!

What an incredible place, the photos are beautiful, I would like to visit!

Wow!! This is awesome! I should put this on my list! Thanks for this great info man! Two Thumbs up!

No problem! I have a big guide to Oman coming up soon so check that out as well!

It’s beautiful.

Hi Jonny, nice share. I really enjoyed reading this article.

To see the best of the fjords, I was landed in the water. There are many boat charters around the town (Khasab) and my hotel was stuff helped me find the best boat for the ride. The boats used are traditional Omani fishing boats (dhows).

The boat will take you around the bays of Khasab, whilst be surrounded by tall fjords on all sides. It’s other-worldly – but maybe that’s just for someone like me, who hasn’t seen a fjord before.

Beautiful place. Would consider checking Fjords again – definitely.

what a wonderful place. A dream to know such beautiful places even than the internet.

Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.

Amazing pictures!!!

Amazing pictures!

An incredible place, very nice pictures!

Wonderful place!

Awesome photos! Lots of important information I found here. I would love to visit this place in near future. I’m a great fan of traveling. Thanks for sharing this awesome post!

Awesome place!

It’s really amazing this place!

Yeah beautiful place.

There are just so many beautiful islands. Unfortunately we don’t all have unlimited vacation time or budgets to see them all! A cruise is a great way to see at least a few of them on your trip.

Loved the tips, I need to come back here more often.

Really trustworthy blog. Please keep updating with great posts like this one. I have booked marked your site and am about to email it to a few friends of mine that I know would enjoy reading. musandam tour

Beautiful pictures, congratulations on the post.

what a wonderful place !!

It is a very beautiful place. Congratulations on the matter. It’s amazing how we have beautiful places in this world.

what a wonderful place show.

show demais!!

Eu gosto muito parabéns em breve eu poderei viajar to torcendo!

It’s really amazing those place!

Really amazing this place, I fell in love!

Fera gostei!

Beautiful photos!

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Nice photos, I love it

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🗓 Best Time To Visit: October to April

⏰ Open Hours: 24 hours

🏖 Things To Do: Dhow Cruise, Snorkeling, Mountain Safari, Visit Khasab Fort, Dolphin Watching

💰 Budget: Varies according to activities. Dolphin watching tours from $50, Dhow cruise from $30

🧳 Traveller Types: Families, Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers

🔍 Known For: Stunning fjords, vibrant marine life, traditional Omani culture

🚄 Distances: From Muscat International Airport: 375 km, From Dubai: 160 km

📌 Tips: Carry your passport at all times, as the region borders UAE

🐬 Unique Experiences: Musandam is often called the 'Norway of Arabia' due to its beautiful fjords

📚 History: Home to prehistoric tombs and ancient rock art

🎣 Local Specialties: Fresh seafood, particularly Hammour (Grouper)

Musandam is a stunning destination in Oman that offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions. Located at the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Musandam is separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE and surrounded by the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Musandam is known for its dramatic mountains, scenic fjords, rich marine life, and diverse heritage. Whether you want to explore the historic fort of Khasab, cruise along the breathtaking khor ash Sham, admire the ancient rock art of Jebel Harim, or experience the traditional lifestyle of Kumzar, Musandam has something for everyone.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed guide to Musandam, covering the best places to visit, the best time to visit, how to reach, and the best packages for your trip. Read on to discover why Musandam is Oman’s hidden gem and how you can plan your perfect holiday to this amazing destination.

Musandam Attractions

Musandam is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Musandam:

Khasab is the capital and gateway of Musandam, and a popular base for exploring the region. Khasab is known for its historic fort, which dates back to the 17th century and houses a museum that showcases the local culture and history. Khasab also has a lively souk, where you can buy souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts. Khasab is also a great place to enjoy the scenic views of the mountains and the sea, and to watch the sunset over the horizon.

Khor ash Sham:

Khor ash Sham is the largest and most spectacular fjord in Musandam, and one of the main attractions of the region. Khor ash Sham is a natural wonder, with its turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves. The best way to experience Khor ash Sham is by taking a dhow cruise, which will take you along the stunning coastline and allow you to spot dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. You can also snorkel in the clear waters, and see the colorful coral reefs and fish. Khor ash Sham is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.

Jebel Harim:

Jebel Harim is the highest mountain in Musandam, and a great place to admire the panoramic views of the region. Jebel Harim is also a treasure trove of history and geology, as it is home to ancient rock art, fossils, and caves. You can take a 4x4 tour to Jebel Harim, which will take you through the rugged terrain and the scenic villages. Along the way, you can see the petroglyphs, which depict animals, humans, and symbols, and date back to thousands of years. You can also see the fossils, which are embedded in the rocks and reveal the ancient marine life of Musandam. You can also explore the caves, which are formed by erosion and offer a cool respite from the heat.

Kumzar is the most isolated and traditional village in Musandam, and a unique attraction for those who want to experience the local culture. Kumzar is located at the mouth of Khor ash Sham, and can only be reached by boat. Kumzar is inhabited by a mixed ethnicity of Arabs, Persians, Baluchis, and Africans, who have their own language, customs, and lifestyle. Kumzar is a fishing village, and you can see the locals going about their daily activities, such as fishing, weaving, and farming. You can also interact with the friendly villagers, and learn about their history and heritage.

Madha is an enclave of Oman within the UAE, and a curious attraction for those who want to see a different side of Musandam. Madha is a small territory, with an area of about 75 square kilometers, and a population of about 3,000. Madha is surrounded by the emirate of Sharjah, and has a border crossing with the UAE. Madha is known for its natural beauty, with its green valleys, rocky hills, and freshwater springs. Madha also has some historical sites, such as the ruins of an old fort, a mosque, and a watchtower.

Other attractions:

Musandam has many other attractions to offer, such as Lima, Dibba, Bukha, and Ras al Khaimah. Lima is a village on the east coast of Musandam, where you can see the traditional boats, called limas, and the lime kilns, which are used to make lime for construction. Dibba is a town on the border of Oman and the UAE, where you can enjoy the beach, the market, and the fort. Bukha is a town on the west coast of Musandam, where you can see the two forts, Bukha Fort and Al Qala’a Fort, which are built on the seafront and offer a great view of the bay. Ras al Khaimah is an emirate of the UAE, which is adjacent to Musandam, and where you can enjoy the luxury resorts, the malls, and the amusement parks.

Musandam Weather

Musandam has a hot and dry climate, with high temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in Musandam is about 28°C, but it can reach up to 40°C in the summer months, from June to September. The winter months, from November to March, are the best time to visit Musandam, as the temperature is moderate and the rainfall is low.

The average temperature in the winter months is about 20°C, and the average rainfall is about 10 mm. The winter months are also the best time to enjoy the outdoor activities, such as cruising, snorkeling, hiking, and camping.

The spring and autumn months, from April to May and from October to November, are also good times to visit Musandam, as the temperature is mild and the crowds are less. The average temperature in the spring and autumn months is about 25°C, and the average rainfall is about 5 mm. The summer months, from June to September, are the least favorable time to visit Musandam, as the temperature is high and the humidity is high. The average temperature in the summer months is about 35°C, and the average rainfall is about 1 mm. The summer months are also the peak season for tourism, as many visitors from the Gulf countries come to Musandam to escape the heat. If you visit Musandam in the summer months, you should avoid the midday sun, drink plenty of water, and wear sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

What to Pack

When you pack for your trip to Musandam, you should consider the weather, the activities, and the culture. You should pack light and comfortable clothes, such as cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics, that can keep you cool and dry. You should also pack a jacket, a sweater, or a shawl, that can keep you warm in the evenings and in the mountains. You should also pack a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes, that you can use for the water activities. You should also pack sturdy and comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, sandals, or boots, that you can use for the land activities. You should also pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, that can protect you from the sun.

You should also pack a flashlight, a mosquito repellent, and a first aid kit, that can help you in case of emergencies. You should also pack some snacks, water, and toiletries, that you can use during your trip. When you dress for your trip to Musandam, you should respect the local culture and customs. You should dress modestly and conservatively, especially when you visit the villages, the mosques, and the public places.

You should avoid wearing revealing, tight, or transparent clothes, such as shorts, skirts, tank tops, or dresses, that can expose your shoulders, knees, or chest. You should also avoid wearing clothes that have offensive or provocative slogans, images, or symbols, that can offend the local sensibilities. You should also avoid wearing jewelry, watches, or accessories, that can attract unwanted attention or theft.

Musandam Transport

Musandam is well-connected by different modes of transport, such as flight, road, and waterways. Here are some of the ways to reach Musandam:

The easiest and fastest way to reach Musandam is by flight. Musandam has a small airport in Khasab , which is served by Oman Air. Oman Air operates daily flights from Muscat to Khasab, which take about an hour. You can also fly to Khasab from Dubai, which is served by Air Arabia. Air Arabia operates flights from Dubai to Khasab, which take about 45 minutes. You can also fly to Ras al Khaimah, which is served by several airlines, such as Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia. Ras al Khaimah is about 70 kilometers from Khasab, and you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Musandam from there.

The most scenic and adventurous way to reach Musandam is by road. Musandam is accessible by road from Oman and the UAE, but you will need to cross the border and show your passport and visa. If you are coming from Oman, you can take the coastal road from Muscat to Khasab, which is about 500 kilometers and takes about 6 hours. You will need to pass through the Hatta border checkpoint, where you will need to show your passport and visa, and pay a fee of 50 AED . If you are coming from the UAE, you can take the E11 highway from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah, and then take the E18 road to Khasab, which is about 200 kilometers and takes about 3 hours. You will need to pass through the Tibat border checkpoint, where you will need to show your passport and visa, and pay a fee of 35 AED. You can also rent a car or hire a taxi to drive to Musandam, but you will need to make sure that the car has the proper insurance and registration for crossing the border. You can also take a bus to Musandam , but the options are limited and the timings are irregular. You can take a bus from Muscat to Khasab , which is operated by the Oman National Transport Company (ONTC), and costs about 10 OMR. You can also take a bus from Dubai to Khasab, which is operated by the Mwasalat , and costs about 55 AED.

The most fun and relaxing way to reach Musandam is by waterways. Musandam has several ports and harbors, such as Khasab, Dibba, Lima, and Bukha, where you can take a ferry, a speedboat, or a dhow to Musandam. You can take a ferry from Muscat to Khasab, which is operated by the National Ferries Company (NFC), and costs about 45 OMR . The ferry takes about 5 hours and offers a comfortable and scenic ride. You can also take a speedboat from Dubai to Khasab, which is operated by several companies, such as Musandam Sea Adventure, Khasab Sea Tours, and Dolphin Khasab Tours, and costs about 200 AED . The speedboat takes about 2 hours and offers a thrilling and adventurous ride. You can also take a dhow from Dibba to Khor ash Sham, which is operated by several companies, such as Musandam Dhow Cruise, Musandam Dibba Cruise, and Musandam Dibba Tour, and costs about 150 AED. The dhow takes about 4 hours and offers a traditional and leisurely ride.

When you travel to Musandam, you will need to have a valid passport and visa, as you will need to cross the border between Oman and the UAE. You will also need to have a COVID-19 negative test result, as you will need to show it at the border checkpoints and the airport. You can apply for a visa online, through the e-visa portal of the Royal Oman Police , or offline, through the Oman embassy or consulate in your country.

You can also get a visa on arrival, at the border checkpoints or the airport, but you will need to pay a fee and wait in a queue. The visa fee varies depending on your nationality, duration, and type of visa, but it usually ranges from 5 OMR to 50 OMR. The visa duration varies depending on your purpose and plan of visit, but it usually ranges from 10 days to 30 days. The visa type varies depending on your mode of transport and entry point, but it usually falls under one of the following categories:

Oman e-visa: This is an electronic visa that you can apply for online, and receive by email. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get a visa for Musandam, as you can avoid the hassle of visiting the embassy or waiting in the queue. You can apply for an Oman e-visa through the e-visa portal of the Royal Oman Police, where you will need to fill an application form, upload your passport copy and photo, and pay the fee by credit card. You will receive your Oman e-visa by email within 24 hours, and you will need to print it and show it at the border or the airport. You can apply for an Oman e-visa up to 30 days before your trip, and you can use it for a single entry or multiple entries, depending on your choice. You can also apply for an Oman e-visa for your family members or friends, if you are traveling together or sponsoring them. You can also apply for an Oman e-visa for your GCC residents, if you have a valid GCC residence permit and you are traveling by road. You can also apply for an Oman e-visa for your GCC citizens, if you have a valid GCC passport and you are traveling by air or waterways.

Oman visa on arrival: This is a physical visa that you can get at the border or the airport, and stick on your passport. This is a less convenient and slower way to get a visa for Musandam, as you will need to pay a fee and wait in a queue. You can get an Oman visa on arrival at the border checkpoints or the airport, where you will need to fill an application form, show your passport and photo, and pay the fee by cash or card. You will get your Oman visa on arrival within a few minutes, and you will need to stick it on your passport and show it at the border or the airport. You can get an Oman visa on arrival up to the day of your trip, and you can use it for a single entry or multiple entries, depending on your choice. You can also get an Oman visa on arrival for your family members or friends, if you are traveling together or sponsoring them. You can also get an Oman visa on arrival for your GCC residents, if you have a valid GCC residence permit and you are traveling by road. You can also get an Oman visa on arrival for your GCC citizens, if you have a valid GCC passport and you are traveling by air or waterways.

Musandam visa: This is a special visa that you can get for visiting Musandam only, and not the rest of Oman. This is a cheaper and easier way to get a visa for Musandam, as you will need to pay a lower fee and show less documents. You can get a Musandam visa at the border checkpoints or the airport, where you will need to show your passport and photo, and pay the fee by cash or card. You will get your Musandam visa within a few minutes, and you will need to stick it on your passport and show it at the border or the airport. You can get a Musandam visa up to the day of your trip, and you can use it for a single entry only. You can also get a Musandam visa for your family members or friends, if you are traveling together or sponsoring them. You can also get a Musandam visa for your GCC residents, if you have a valid GCC residence permit and you are traveling by road. You can also get a Musandam visa for your GCC citizens, if you have a valid GCC passport and you are traveling by air or waterways.

When you travel within Musandam, you will have several options for local transport, such as taxis, buses, and boats. Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get around Musandam, as they are available and affordable. You can find taxis at the airport, the port, the bus station, the souk, and the hotels. You can also call or book a taxi online, through the apps or websites of the taxi companies, such as Khasab Taxi, Musandam Taxi, and Oman Taxi. You can also rent a car or hire a driver to get around Musandam, but you will need to make sure that the car has the proper insurance and registration. Buses are the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get around Musandam, but they are limited and irregular. You can find buses at the bus station, the port, and the main towns. You can also check the bus schedule and route online, through the websites of the bus companies, such as ONTC and Mwasalat. Boats are the most fun and scenic way to get around Musandam, as they can take you to the places that are inaccessible by road. You can find boats at the port, the harbor, and the hotels. You can also book a boat online, through the apps or websites of the boat companies, such as Musandam Sea Adventure, Khasab Sea Tours, and Dolphin Khasab Tours.

Musandam Packages

Musandam is a perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable holiday, as it offers a range of packages that suit your needs and wants. Whether you want to spend a day, a weekend, or a week in Musandam, you can find a package that matches your theme, duration, and budget. Here are some of the best packages for your trip to Musandam:

Day trip to Musandam:

If you want to experience the highlights of Musandam in a short time, you can opt for a day trip to Musandam, which will take you to the most popular attractions and activities in Musandam. You can choose from different options, such as a full-day dhow cruise, a half-day mountain safari, a full-day city tour, or a half-day snorkeling trip. You can also combine two or more options, depending on your preference and availability. A day trip to Musandam usually includes transportation, guide, lunch, refreshments, and equipment. A day trip to Musandam usually costs about 200 AED per person, and lasts for about 6 to 8 hours.

Weekend getaway to Musandam:

If you want to relax and unwind in Musandam for a longer time, you can opt for a weekend getaway to Musandam, which will take you to the most beautiful and serene places in Musandam. You can choose from different options, such as a a two-night camping trip, a two-night hotel stay, or a two-night dhow stay. You can also combine two or more options, depending on your preference and availability. A weekend getaway to Musandam usually includes transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, and entertainment. A weekend getaway to Musandam usually costs about 500 AED per person, and lasts for about 2 to 3 days.

Week-long vacation to Musandam: If you want to explore and discover Musandam in depth, you can opt for a week-long vacation to Musandam, which will take you to the most diverse and adventurous places in Musandam. You can choose from different options, such as a 7-day dhow cruise, a 7-day mountain trek, a 7-day cultural tour, or a 7-day diving trip. You can also combine two or more options, depending on your preference and availability. A week-long vacation to Musandam usually includes transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, and entertainment. A week-long vacation to Musandam usually costs about 1000 AED per person, and lasts for about 7 to 8 days.

Musandam is a guide to Oman’s hidden gem, where you can enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of this amazing destination. Musandam has a variety of attractions and activities to offer, such as the historic fort of Khasab, the scenic fjord of Khor ash Sham , the ancient rock art of Jebel Harim, the traditional village of Kumzar , and the enclave of Madha.

Musandam also has a range of packages to suit your needs and wants, such as a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a week-long vacation. Musandam is a perfect destination for a memorable and enjoyable holiday, as it offers a unique blend of nature and culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Musandam, Oman’s hidden gem, and book your trip today.

Places To Visit In Oman

Travel Blogs for Musandam Oman

Taking a Family Tour of the Breathtaking Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Visiting the Musandam Peninsula of Oman is one of the absolute trips of a lifetime you need to take with your kids for it’s raw, dramatic beauty and tranquillity.

Here we’ll take you through all the practicalities of planning a tour to Musandam, either self-planning or with an organised tour group. We’ll take you through:

Where is the Musandam Peninsula

• Best times to visit
• How to get to Musandam from Dubai or Muscat
• Musandam Tour Options
• What there is to see and do in Musandam

You can learn more about visiting Oman as a family here.

So a little geography lesson first!

This is truly one of the truly fascinating yet difficult to explain geographic points on earth! Politically, although part of Oman, it is and exclave separated from the rest of the country of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.

During the early part of the 20th century, boundaries were drawn up in the region and tribal elders needed to pledge their allegiances.  Oman retained control of the Peninsula with its strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz  – one of the world’s busiest waterways.

If you ever study the map of the UAE you will see it gets even stranger.  Within the Emirate of Fujairah you will find the Omani enclave of Madha – or also called Wadi Madha – which includes the village of Nahwa, part of Sharjah Emirate! Also within the Emirate of Fujairah, you find another Omani enclave Dibba Al Hisn , which borders the Gulf of Oman and almost the Omani border.  Both of these enclaves are part of the Governate of Musandam.

These smaller enclaves have no formal border crossing (however your mobile phone will welcome you with a message from Omantel!). Crossing into Musandam and up to the regional capital of Khasab though is a formal border crossing which we’ll explain below.

The Musandam Peninsula has an area of 1,800 square kilometres (690 sq mi) and a population of 31,425 people, mostly Shihuh .

The Peninsular is pretty much entirely formed of rocky mountains, part of the Hajar mountain range. Water-filled valleys (called khors or fjords) have formed over hundreds of thousands of years, filled with unique marine life and tiny villages.

It is the stark, natural beauty of these fjords that has seen the area often nicknamed “the Norway of Oman” or “Norway of Arabia”.

Musandam Weather – Best time to visit

The best time to visit Musandam is in the cooler winter months from late October through to April where you should experience day time highs from around 24c to 30c.

It is possible to visit outside of these times but it will be a hot and sweaty experience for young children, later summer can bring with it poor visibility on the mountainous drive which spoils part of the experience.

We have a detailed guide to the best time to visit the different areas of Oman with expected weather and events here .

If you are not tied to school terms and local school holidays, it’s best to visit mid-week.

Getting to Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula

Khasab is the regional capital of the Governate of Musandam where most visitors will base themselves. The nearest large international airport is DXB in Dubai. From here it is approximately a 2-hour drive to the Al Darah border crossing point, and a further 45-minute drive hugging the coast to get to Khasab.

If you are driving from Abu Dhabi, add another 1 to 1.5 hours to this.

We have a complete guide detailing the land border crossing process from the UAE to Musandam here.

The border crossing process can be fairly quick and painless during the week, however on winter weekends and especially UAE public holiday weekends expect extensive queueing on both sides of the border to complete formalities – with or without a vehicle it can take time.

If you are coming to Musandam as part of a larger Oman road trip read this guide – it explains exactly how you can come by either land crossing through the UAE, or by plane or even boat from Sinas in Oman.

• Best places to stay in Musandam

There are limited accommodation options in Khasab, but there’s no reason you cannot be flexible in either camping in a pre-designated area, or sleeping on a boat. There’s a lot of choices for Musandam!

• The two main hotels that we would recommend as suitable for families are Atana Musandam Resort and the Atana Khasab Hotel .

You can see our complete guide to Musandam accommodation options here , including camping choices and staying in Dibba on the east coast.

Khasab Tours, Musandam

Join a group tour to khasab from dubai.

There are plenty of guided tours that can take you to Musandam from Dubai, we’ve included a selection for you here offered by reputable third-party agent Get Your Guide

(Especially if you are visiting from overseas this is the prefered option as it includes your transportation, guidance through the border crossing process and other formalities that may be a little daunting if you are not familiar with the UAE & Oman and do not speak Arabic) .

Musandam Dibba tours

There are also tour options that leave from Dubai and explore the eastern coast of Musandam known as Dibba. This trip does not involve a formal land border crossing so can be the easier option for day-trippers.

Check out Dibba Tour Options from Dubai here.

Group Tours from Khasab

If you are self driving, it is easier to arrange a private guide or skipper from the dock in Khasab.  There are a number of smaller tours you can join, or even charter your own boat.

Some tours tout themselves specifically as dolphin tours. But let’s be honest, they are wild creatures a dolphin-spotting tour has as much chance as seeing them as any other tour boat. You are a very good chance of spotting them either way. Other charters may more specifically focus on water sports and diving spots.

Self-tour in Khasab

Privately arranged tours can be organised in advance or on spec if you turn up at the port in Khasab (we wouldn’t suggest ricking this on busy weekends though).

For a privately arranged tour, just agree with the skipper or owner the number of hours and charge per head. If you have a boat just to yourselves this may be a little more and they’ll charge you for kids.  In a larger group they may only charge you for the adults and a set price for the total time on the water.

Locally prepared meals are likely included too, you may even negotiate overnight camping on the boat – though be warned this is as al-naturale as it gets – but for those clear, star-filled starry nights…

A private tour has the advantage you can also choose your pace, how long you want on the water (you normally charted for a half-day or full-day) and simply ask your skipper to take you to their favourite spots.

What to do in Musandam

It is largely about engaging with and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.  The options include:

Taking a boat into kumzar

As we’ve described above, the most common activity is to take a boat out on to the waters around Kumzar in the very furthermost northern tip of Musandam. Kumzar is still attached by land, just, by Khor ash-Shams but for the most part, these tiny villages are really only accessible by water.

Most boats will head from Khasab into the Elphinstone Inlet, the inner inlet of Khasab Bay, perhaps stopping for lunch near the historic Telegraph Island.

Camping in Musandam

A time to get in touch with nature, either beach camping or 4WD through the mountains. You can either have a boat take you to a small and secluded beach , or there are arranged camping (“glamping”) tours by the likes of Khasab Musandam Camping Site.

If you have a 4wd and your own gear you can tackle some of the even more remote spots like Khor Najd Camping Area – not beautiful in and of itself but the drive!!!

Diving in Musandam

There are a couple of well-known dive spots to be found in Musandam. “The Cave Island” found near Ras Sannat on the east coast is known for stingrays and sharks, whilst on the east coast near the township of Lima, you will find Lima Rock. The limestone formations here are reported home to a variety of coral and marine life, but for advanced divers only due to the deep water and strong currents.

Those just interested in snorkelling can do so in the calm waters near to Khasab.

Enjoying unparalleled luxury experiences

We can only be talking about Siz Senses Zighy Bay ! This luxury resort on the eastern/Dibba coast of the Musandam Peninsular offers unparalleled luxury and remoteness. We talk more about Six Senses Zighy Bay here .

History tour

The town of Khasab is not a big city, but it does have a few points of interest that visitors will want to stick their head in to.

The Khasab Fort is definitely impressive. Like many of Oman’s historic forts, extensive renovation work has taken place.

The Khasab Museum is also of note too.

Enjoy the drive

As long as you don’t have any motion sickness sufferers in the car, the drive itself into Khasab is all part of the adventure.

On the drive up from Dubai, you will also pas through Ras al Khaimah, it’s well worth as part of a longer road trip stopping in a night or two for everything there is to see and do in RAK .

A great stop to incorporate (though its quite the leg-burner!) is stopping off for the climb to Dhayah Fort in northern Ras Al Khaimah. There’s a large information board at the car park level explaining the forts historic role in the region.

Is it safe to visit Musandam?

Musandam is situated in a very precarious geopolitical location. The very tip of Oman justs into the Strait of Hormuz , one of the most important sea routes in the world, with both Iran and Oman claiming the waters that 21% of world’s daily crude oil supplies are shipped through.

The khors of Kumzar, however, still feel like the land that time forgot and sit in peaceful defiance to the politics that surrounds them. We would have no hesitation at the time of writing saying that there is no safety threat to tourists in this area of Oman.

You should, of course, always keep abreast of the developing situation in the Middle East and check any safety concerns you might have with your own Government Foreign Office. You can read the current US State Office warnings for Oman here. The whole country at present is regarded as Level 1, normal risk.

Our general safety warning would be no different from any other part of the Middle East.

Musandam is the perfect escape for city dwellers in the UAE and overseas visitors alike and should be a must on your Middle East itinerary for unique and enjoyable family experiences.

Have you visited Musandam with your family? Do you have a tour company you would like to recommend?

More on Musandam & Oman

Before you go, don’t forget to read our guides on:

• Dubai to Musandam road trip planner
• How to get from Muscat to Musandam
• When to visit Oman
• Family-friendly highlights of Oman
• Oman with Kids
• Best of Muscat with Kids
• Planning a Dubai to Muscat road trip
• Planning a Dubai to Fujairah road trip

Take me back to the Oman with Kids Home Page

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The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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Andrew Montgomery

Separated from the rest of Oman by the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, and guarding the southern side of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, the Musandam Peninsula is dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its beautiful khors (rocky inlets), small villages and dramatic, mountain-hugging roads. Accessible but still isolated in character, this beautiful peninsula with its cultural eccentricities is well worth a visit if you’re on an extended tour of Oman, or if you’re after a taste of wilderness from Dubai.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Khor Al Sham

This beautiful inlet is interesting for its stone fishing villages, accessible only by boat, and for Telegraph Island, which dots the middle of the bay…

Khasab Fort

With its command of the bay sadly diminished since Lulu Hypermarket was built on reclaimed land opposite, Khasab Fort nonetheless cuts quite a dash with…

Khor Al Najd Viewpoint

Located 24.5km southeast of Khasab, Khor Al Najd is the only khor (inlet) accessible by vehicle (preferably 4WD). You can camp on the rim of this wild bay…

Jebel Harim Pass

Jebel Harim

This pass, high up on Jebel Harim, connects the east coast of Musandam with the west coast, across the neck of the peninsula. Rawdah Bowl lies at the…

House of Locks

An interesting feature of Jebel Harim is the type of local stone-built house known as bait al qifl or ‘house of locks’. So called on account of their…

Set on an isolated khor (inlet) at the northern edge of the peninsula, the surprisingly modern town of Kumzar is accessible only by boat. The villagers…

Petroglyphs

About 8km from Khasab harbour lies the village of Tawi, site of a few prehistoric rock carvings of boats, houses and warriors on horseback. To reach these…

Dwarfed by a huge new mosque (with a very old mosque alongside), Burka Fort still provides a good view of the bay halfway along the Khasab–Tibat road. It…

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Apr 17, 2019 • 5 min read

With a dazzling bounty of underwater attractions to explore and improved access to key diving hubs, there has arguably never been a better time to strap…

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Musandam and beyond

Dubai to Musandam Road Trip: Best Things to Do in Musandam

Plan a perfect Dubai to Musandam road trip with my detailed Musandam, Oman travel guide. Here you will find: how to go on a Musandam trip from Dubai by car , UAE-Oman (Musandam) land border procedures and Oman visa requirements  (for tourists and UAE residents), places to visit and the best things to do in Musandam Peninsula, including Khasab dhow cruise tours through Fjords of Arabia, the best beaches in Musandam, hiking and camping opportunities, places to stay in Khasab , as well as where to eat. 

Musandam, an exclave governorate of Oman, sits on the very northern tip of the scenic Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by the UAE and separated from the mainland of Oman , Musandam is known for its dramatic jagged coastline, desolate mountain range, and fjord-like inlets (khors). Peninsula’s unique topography is why people often refer to Musandam as the Norway of Arabia, Fjords of Arabia , or the Norway of the Middle East .

Meanwhile, Governorate’s capital town Khasab serves as a visiting base and a harbor for iconic Musandam dhow cruise trips.

Musandam road trip from Dubai is one of the best things you can do while in UAE. Thus, I am excited to share all the essential tips and things you must know before visiting Musandam, Oman.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

Musandam from Dubai road trip guide: 15 best places to visit and things to do in Musandam

In this post, I focus on the Musandam-Khasab area. This northwest side of the Peninsula offers the widest range of activities and attractions in Musandam. Meanwhile, Musandam-Dibba on the eastern side is mostly visited for Zighy Bay Resort, overnight diving, and dhow cruise trips to Lima village. 

Musandam Travel Essentials- Quick Links

• Rent a car : The best way to explore Musandam is self-driving. Look for the best rental car rates at Discover Cars or Localrent .
• Before You Go: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• Sleep: book accommodation in Musandam on Booking .
• Travel insurance : have a safer trip with SafetyWing which offers some of the best rates in the market.
• Dhow cruise tours in Musandam: book the best-rated guided tours in Khasab on Viator .

Where exactly is Musandam in Oman? 

It often comes as a surprise to many travelers that Musandam actually belongs to Oman but is completely enclosed within the borders of the UAE.  Projecting into the strait of Hormuz at the northernmost part of the Arabian Peninsula, Musandam is bordered by Ras Al Khaimah Emirate from the west side and the Sharjah Emirate exclave from the east side of the UAE. 

It is relatively easy to go for a day trip from Dubai to Musandam , making it one of the most beloved weekend getaways for UAE residents. It takes only a couple of hours of driving from Dubai before you cross the UAE- Oman border in Ras Al Khaimah Emirate, and appear in a completely different world.

The scenery transforms instantly from an industrial dusty highway to one of the most scenic coastal roads you can imagine.

You will be driving a perfectly smooth Khasab highway winding between soaring rugged orange hue cliffs and unspoiled seaside. Every now and then you will see traditional low-rise pastel-colored villages and old forts nestled at the foothills of the mountainside. You may find yourself wanting to stop quite often as the road offers countless scenic viewpoints and beach breaks. 

RELATED READS: Renting a car and driving in Oman tips.

Musandam Map

Use this map to locate all the places mentioned in my Musandam travel guide. Click the tab in the top left-hand corner to open the layers (points of interest, accommodation, driving routes, etc.). You can save this map on your Google Maps account by clicking on the small star icon next to the name of the map. To open the saved map on your phone or laptop, open Google Maps, then click the menu button, go to “Your Places”, and click maps where you will see this map saved on your list.

Why is Musandam worth visiting? 

The Musandam Peninsula is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Middle Eas t. Musandam is a must-visit for its gorgeous landscapes composed of beautiful wild beaches and mighty mountains, as well as abundant marine wildlife. If you are travelling to Dubai, or live in the UAE, make sure to visit Musandam at least for a day. That being said, driving Khasab coastal road alone is worth the journey. 

IMPORTANT: Going to Musandam Khasab involves a UAE-Oman border crossing. Therefore, a passport and visa (for tourists and UAE residents) are essential (more on the border crossing details later in this post). 

How many days in Musandam?

Although the majority of visitors choose to go only for a day from Dubai (UAE), you can easily spend 2 days in Musandam or even longer . There are plenty of amazing outdoor sights and things to do in Musandam ranging from popular dhow cruises, wild beaches, snorkeling, and diving, to hiking, off-roading, and camping in the Musandam mountains, as well as historical places to explore in this secluded peninsula of Oman. 

The best time to visit Musandam

The best time to go to Musandam is October to March. The weather temperatures are lower, making it pleasant to stay outdoors.

You can still visit Musandam during the shoulder season which is March-April or September. However, it going to be quite hot, humid, and hazy, with temperatures hitting above 35 degrees Celsius during midday.

June to August are the hottest months with the weather heating up to over 40 degrees Celsius. Thus, it is not advisable to travel to Musandam in the summer.

Instead, you can look up for a perfect opportunity to escape the heat in the Middle East by heading to Salalah, south of Oman.

Where to stay in Musandam

Unless you are planning on overnight wild camping in the Peninsula which is a legal and very common activity in Oman, accommodation options in Musandam are very limited. You can only find less than 10 hotels in the town of Khasab on the northern side of the Peninsula. Meanwhile, on the eastern side, the only accommodation is Six Senses Luxury Resort which is mostly visited as a retreat destination.

The best hotel choices in Musandam, Khasab for slightly different budgets:

• Atana Musandam Resort – located in the town of Khasab, close to the fort and the harbor, this hotel is probably the most luxurious option in the area, yet for a very reasonable price. This hotel offers cozy rooms with a sea or pool view. Click here for prices and availability.
• Atana Khasab Resort – is another great accommodation option near Bassa Beach. The hotel is perched on a rock face and boasts fantastic views of the sea and the peninsula. Breakfast is also included in the price. Click here for prices and availability.
• Esra Hotel Apartment – offers 1 or 2-bedroom apartments with a kitchen- a great choice for a longer stay with friends or family in Musandam. Click here for prices and availability.
• Ahlam Musandam Villa – basic but clean rooms in a privately owned villa run by a friendly and helpful owner. We stayed here once for a couple of nights and loved it. Choose this place if you are not planning on spending any time indoors at all. Click here for prices and availability.

How to get to Musandam from Dubai by road

There are two land entrances-border crossings from UAE to Musandam: 

• Musandam (Khasab) from Ras AL Khaimah through the al Dhara border.
• Musandam Dibba from Fujeirah/Sharjah exclave through the Dibba checkpoint.

IMPORTANT: for the scenic road trip along the Khasab coastal road, you must enter Musandam from Ras al Khaimah emirate. You cannot drive from Dibba-Fujeirah to Khasab (more on that later). 

Musandam from Dubai by car 

The most convenient and exciting way is to self-drive to Musandam. You will have the freedom to stop along the beautiful coastline and visit attractions outside Khasab town. 

Since the majority of visitors are coming to Musandam from Dubai, I will use it as a starting point. However, you can drive to Musandam from any other Emirate of the UAE. 

Find the best rates for renting a car in UAE with Discovercars

Driving from dubai to musandam (khasab) .

When driving from Dubai to Khasab (the regional capital town of Musandam), take Mohamed bin Zayed Road E311 all the way to the end of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate. It is literally a straight way on the highway to the border. 

It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Dubai to Khasab: 2 hours to reach the border, around 30min for crossing the Al Dhara border post, and another 30-40 minutes to Khasab. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi, add another hour to your driving time. 

Note: border crossings may take significantly longer on weekends and public holidays. The visa and border procedures are explained in detail below in this post.

Getting from Dubai to Musandam by tour

Many visitors to the UAE opt for one-day or overnight camping trips using organized tours departing from Dubai. This option will suit those of you who do not have your own transport. Some of the tour companies offer pick-up from the hotel service and some have a designated meet-up point in Dubai. 

An easier way is to choose a tour that offers a pick-up service so you do not need to hire a taxi to the meet-up point.

These Musandam tours are recommended by UAE visitors and have hotel pick-up options :

• Musandam Khasab day trip from Dubai with classic dhow cruise through Arabian Fjords, dolphin watching, and lunch. Click here to check reviews, prices, and availability.
• Musandam Khasab from Dubai day trip including traditional dhow cruise through the fjords and lunch on the boat. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Khasab, Musandam by public bus

Unfortunately, there is no direct public bus service available from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE that can take you all the way to Khasab, Musandam. The furthest you can get by bus from Dubai is Ras Al Khaimah bus station. Then you would have to hire a taxi to Khasab. This option would not be sensible for visiting Musandam from Dubai as it is complicated, time-consuming, and costly. 

Getting to Musandam from Oman’s mainland

You can visit Musandam from Oman by car. If driving from Muscat, you will have to first enter UAE from the Al Wajajah border in Hatta or Khatmat Malaha border on the East coast of the Gulf of Oman. Then you will have to drive to the Al Dhara border in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a long journey that takes around 6 hours from Muscat.

Looking for a good rate to hire a car in Oman or UAE? Check Discover Cars search aggregator which offers some of the most competitive car rental rates in the market.

• Entering Musandam by air from Oman

It is possible to reach Musandam by taking a flight from Oman’s capital Muscat to Khasab airport. The flight takes just over an hour and there are daily departures between Muscat and Khasab. 

Search for the best flight deals in Oman using Skyscanner .

• Entering Musandam from Oman by ferry

Reaching Khasab, Musandam by ferry is probably the most adventurous way. There is a twice-a-week ferry from Shina’s town in Oman (3 hour drive up North from Muscat). It also transports vehicles. You can book ferry tickets here . 

Musandam, Oman Visa Requirements at Al Dhara (Khasab) border

To visit Musandam when entering from the al Dhara border in Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab, you must obtain Oman visit visa.

UPDATE: All GCC citizens and residents (including UAE residents) do not need a visa to travel to Oman.  UAE residency must be valid for at least 3 months before entering the Sultanate of Oman.

Which type of Oman visa should you apply for when travelling to Musandam:

• If you are a UAE resident , you will need to apply for a 29A visit visa. It is recommended by the Royal Police of Oman to apply for a tourist visa online for a faster procedure at the border. However, a visa on arrival is also available in case you could not apply online. 
• A single entry visit visa for UAE residents costs 5 OMR (50 AED)*.

*Note that in order to get a 29A visit visa to Oman, your UAE residency should fall under the approved professions list.

• If you are coming to Musandam from Dubai by road holding a UAE tourist visa , and fall under G1** countries list, you can get a visa on arrival for 10 days which costs 10 OMR (100 AED). If you intend to stay longer, then you should apply for a 26B visa online valid for 30 days which costs 20 OMR (200 AED).
• Travelers who do not fall under the G1 countries list must either be a spouse or a child of the G1 countries national to be able to apply online for an e-visa. Otherwise, they should obtain an Oman visit visa via the Oman embassy in their country of residence. Alternatively can use visa application services on ivisa .

IMPORTANT: Passport holders who do not qualify for a UAE visa on arrival, must have a multiple-entry UAE tourist visa. Single-entry UAE tourist visa holders will not be allowed to enter Musandam. 

**G1 countries as per Royal Oman Police . Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Rep., Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain,  Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, Ukraine. South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela. Other Countries and Regions: Australia, Brunei Dar al-Salam, Canada, French Guiana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Macao, Special Administrative Region of China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, United States, Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Kazakhstan

Passport validity

All passports must be valid for at least 6 months during your visit to Oman. 

If you are a UAE resident, your residency must be valid for at least 3 months (90 days) before entering Oman. 

Apply for an Oman visa online

• If you are eligible, you can apply for an Oman visa online on the Oman Royal Police website here .  It may take an hour to up to a week to receive an e-visa. Usually, e-visa will be issued within 24 hours. However, I suggest applying at least a few days before your trip.
• You can also get an Oman visa sorted for you for an additional fee using ivisa . This is particularly convenient for those travelers, who are not eligible for Oman visas on arrival. 

UAE Exit Fee

When exiting UAE by land, at the border you must pay a 35 AED exit fee per person. This is separate from your Oman visa cost. There is no exit fee for leaving Oman. If you are traveling from Dubai to Musandam with a tour, the exit fee is most of the time already included in the tour package.

Car documents requirements when entering Musandam from Dubai, UAE

When driving a car to Musandam from Dubai, UAE you must have the following documents:

• Up-to-date car registration (mulkiya) documents.
• An orange card that acts as driving in Oman car insurance. It can be requested to be issued by your car’s insurance company. If your car insurance covers the territory of Oman, it will be free of charge, if not it costs around 50 AED. Alternatively, you can get Oman car insurance on the border and it costs around 80-100 AED. 
• A non-objection certificate (NOC) if you are driving a rental car. Request it from your car rental company. Most car rental companies permit driving from UAE to Oman. 
• You will also need NOC if you drive someone else’s car. The owner must issue that for you.
• Valid driver’s license. 

RELATED READS: If you are planning a trip to Muscat or Salalah, read my full guide about traveling to mainland Oman from Dubai (UAE) by road here .

Musandam Al Dhara (Khasab) Border Crossing Procedure

Arrival to Musandam

When arriving at the UAE-Musandam border you will first pass the UAE checkpoint. If you are not a GCC citizen, you must first visit the departure hall, show your passport, pay an exit fee of 35 AED per person, and get a UAE exit stamp. You will be also given a small sheet of paper which you must show at the UAE checkpoint. This piece of paper is your exit fee payment confirmation. 

The next step is the Oman border post crossing. Again, you must park your car and visit the arrival hall to show your passport and get an Oman entry stamp for electronic visa holders. Or get a visa on arrival (you must check in advance if your passport is applicable for it).

Once your passport is stamped, head to the checkpoint, show your passport and proceed to the car inspection section. 

Musandam border control officer will inspect the interior of your car and will give you a small sheet of stamped paper which you will have to show at the last checkpoint before entering Oman. After that, welcome to Musandam! 

Border procedure on the way back to Dubai, UAE

When leaving Musandam your first stop will be at the same Oman arrival/departure hall where you received your Oman visa. Here you will have to show your passport and get an exit stamp.

Next, you will drive through an x-ray gate which will scan your car (no stopping there).

Then you will have to park your car and head to the arrival hall on the UAE border side for a passport check and entry stamp. You will get another sheet of paper, which you have to give to the officer at the car inspection point.

Proceed further to the car inspection point, get the small paper stamped, and proceed to the final checkpoint to hand it to the officer. After that, welcome back to the UAE! 

Visiting Musandam through the Dibba border

Dibba border is located on the east side of Musandam, in Dibba town, an exclave of Sharjah emirate. This border shall be used if you are going for a staycation to Six Senses Resort in Zhigy Bay, or if you are taking one of the dhow cruises in Dibba Oman, or any other tour in the area. 

The Dibba border is more like a checkpoint than an actual border. If you are visiting Musandam for the above-mentioned purposes then you will not need an Oman visa. 

The hotel or tour operator will be able to provide you with a permit to enter Dibba, Oman. 

Note that you should not attempt driving to Musandam through the Dibba side over the Wadi Bih. It is an off-road that requires a 4WD vehicle and also it is not permitted for ex-pats of UAE or foreigners. Only UAE citizens and Omanis can use that road. 

Nonetheless, if you are planning on hiking in Wadi Bih independently you can do so. We entered Dibba border a day before it was shut for lockdown back in 2020. It was the only border open at that time and we used it to visit Musandam. Originally, we planned to go to Khasab, but since the Al Dhara border was already closed at that time, we ended up hiking in Wadi Bih, camped, and came back hours before lockdown started. We did have Oman visit visa though, and it might be required if you are not using tour operators or hotel services. 

15 Best Things to Do in Musandam , Oman

Here you will find the best places to visit and things to do in Musandam.

1. Sail through Arabian Fjords in a traditional dhow cruise in Musandam

Sailing Arabian Fjords in a traditional dhow boat is an absolute must-do activity in Musandam allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of the peninsula. In fact, most of the visitors are specifically coming for the boat tour in Musandam as it is the best way to see beautiful khors – inlets that characterize the Arabian Fjords landscape. 

There are plenty of tour companies to join for a half-day, full-day, and even overnight cruise experience. The sailing-off point for all cruises is Khasab Harbor. 

The route and activities on a dhow tour are essentially almost the same- cruising around the fiords with 1 or 2 stops for swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters, spotting the dolphins, lunch, and refreshments along the way. 

You will be sailing in a traditional open-deck boat shaded with a roof cover.  Some of the boats are multi-level which is great for slightly elevated views. Decorated with traditional textiles and pillows for lounging, those old dhows are also very photogenic. Many of them are still used for finishing throughout Oman. 

I would recommend joining a full-day tour for a more relaxed experience. Moreover, if you are doing a full-day cruise, you can also request to be taken for a short hike “between two seas” for panoramic views of the fjords! This has to be prearranged as you will be picked up from the dhow and transported by the speedboat for a short hike. I haven’t done this hike yet, but somebody posted amazing pictures on Instagram. I asked the person if they had to pay extra, but they confirmed that drop-off for a short hike was included in their dhow cruise rate.

Booking dhow cruise in advance is recommended for the winter months and on the weekends. You have two options to do the cruise: 1. Arrive in your own car to Khasab and take join the tour from there. 2. Join an organized tour from Dubai with transportation included. 

If you are wondering which dhow tour to take, here are suggestions for well-rated tours available to book online: 

• Full-day dhow cruise from Khasab . This tour has a badge of excellence and includes all the must-sees on the cruise with lunch. Click here to check full details, prices, and availability.
• Full-day dhow cruise tour in Musandam Khasab with pick up from Dubai: This well-rated Musandam tour includes Dubai hotel pick up with lunch. Click here to check full details, prices, and availability.
• Half-Day Dhow cruise from Khasab: This 3-hour dhow cruise from Khasab includes soft drinks, tea, and water, as well as snorkeling gear. It would suit those of you who are in Musandam just for a day and want to have more time to combine more activities in the Peninsula. Click here for full details, prices, and availability.
• Overnight dhow cruise with camping experience: this is a unique way to experience the Musandam Peninsula. This tour includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast, as well as all campsite equipment. Click here for more details, prices, and availability.

Browse all Musandam dhow cruise tour options on Viator .

2. Hit the beach: where to find Musandam’s best beaches. 

Musandam peninsula is dotted with some insanely beautiful beaches. Thus swimming at least at one of those wonderful beaches is one of the best things to do in Musandam.

While driving along the Musandam coast you will see wide sandy beaches suddenly appearing just next to the road. You can stop, park your car and go take a dip in the sea.

If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you are in luck as it allows you to access Musandam’s wild beaches that are just a few kilometer’s drive down to the coast from the main road via an offroad path. 

The best Musandam beaches

Jeri beach (or al-jirri beach) .

Jeri Beach was my favorite beach in Musandam. It is located a 25-minute drive from Khasab-UAE direction. The coastline of Jeri Beach reminded me of the wild coasts of Alentejo in Portugal. 

The beach is around 1 km long, clean and empty. Most people just drive past with a short stop for a picture at most. We found this gem just steps away from the main road and had the beach completely to ourselves. Although Jeri Beach is located in front of the small village and fishing pier of the same name there are no amenities or shops close by. 

Beach Park Hil Oman

For a more family-friendly beach with playgrounds, washroom amenities and even a coffee shop drive to Beach Park Hil following UAE direction for another 3.5 km. It is a beautiful beach with a dedicated parking lot, less wild than Jeri though. 

Bassa Beach

Located in Khasab, just a 10-minute drive from the town center, Bassa is the most frequented beach in the area. However, it only gets significantly busier on the weekends. During weekdays it is just as quiet as any other beach on the Musandam Peninsula. 

Bassa is suitable for families with kids and friends, parking campervan as there is a lot of space, and doing barbeques at sunset. The sea in this spot is calm and good for swimming. When I visited, Bassa Beach was undergoing some construction work, probably they are building a park with more amenities. This slightly obstructed the mountain view, but hopefully, the works are either already done or will finish soon.

Al Jadi Beach

6 km south of Jerri beach, Al Jadi is a small settlement and home to a more popular than Jerri but also beautiful beach close to the soaring cliff. Offering convenient parking space, it is beloved by families and friends as a spot for relaxation and barbeque during the winter season.

Secret or Rocky Beach

Accessible by 4WD only (or a few kilometers hiking), Secret (Rocky Beach) is an amazing spot to camp and swim. Chances are you will be the only visitor there, especially on the weekday. As it is a wild beach, there are no amenities around, thus bring your own water and snacks. 

3. Visit Khor Najd a postcard child of Musandam

Khor Najd Lagoon is a postcard child of Musandam. A switchback road winds down towards the secluded beach overlooking the striking landscape of layered cliffs jutting out of the water.  A work of nature at its finest, beautiful Khor Najd is located a 25-minute drive inland, south of Khasab.

The famous viewpoint of the lagoon is accessible by 2WD. Following the sign indicating a left turn to the Khor Najd, you will have to drive through a rocky twisty, and breath-catching gravel road the last few kilometers. This road can be accessed by any car as long as there was no rain.

Meanwhile descending to the shores of Khor Najd can only be attempted by 4×4. 

Khor Najd is a very popular spot for families doing picnics and camping overnight. It gets quite crowded during national holidays (Oman and UAE) and on winter weekends when the weather is cool. 

4 . Explore Musandam mountains- Jebel Harim and surroundings

Musandam mountains offer another array of wonderful outdoor activities. The only downside, if you want to reach certain places, a 4WD is a must. If you don’t have one, you can still join an organized tour that will take you to the main spots in the mountains.

South of Khasab town, the road continues towards Dibba. This is an offroad snaking through Wadi Bih. As previously mentioned, it cannot be crossed all the way to the Dibba side because of the military checkpoint which only permits Omani nationals.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of areas to visit before the checkpoint. 

As Sayh Plateau

As Sayh Plateau is a small fertile valley surrounded by barren mountains on the way to Jebel Harim. The plateau is situated at 1000 meters above sea level and turns into a lush green oasis after the rare rainfalls. It has a few farms with goats roaming around and feasting on the green grass under the date palms.

Jebel Harim

Jebel Harim is the highest mountain soaring at 2087 meters above sea level and a must-visit place in Musandam. After As Sayh plateau the road steeply continues up for another 11km until you reach a military checkpoint at 1600 meters. You cannot continue all the way to the peak, however, the views are already spectacular enough.

Ar Rawdah Bowl

Reaching the military point you can either turn around and go back to Khasab or continue your journey deeper into the mountains. The route continues south past the military checkpoint for another 25 kilometers until you reach Ar Rawdah Bowl.

Account for at least 45 minutes to reach it via the offroad. 

Ar Rawdah Bowl is known as the area with the largest concentration of acacia trees in Oman. Around 10 families live in the remote Rawdah village. 

To visit Jebel Harim and Khor Najd via organized tour, check those tours available to be booked online:

• Half-day mountain safari to Jebel Harim: this private tour will take you to the highest peak in Musandam as well as a stop at Khor Nadj viewpoint on the way. Click here for full details and bookings.
• Khasab half-day private mountain tour: This is a similar tour for a group of up to 4 people which covers the main points of interest in the Jebel Harim mountains and Khor Najd viewpoint. Click here for full details and bookings.
• Khasab mountain tour with dhow cruise and snorkeling: this private tour of up to 4 people combines a 3-hour dhow cruise trip with snorkeling and a visit to Jebel Harim mountain as well as Khor Najd viewpoint. Click here for full details and bookings.

Browse more Musandam mountain tours on Viator.

5. Seek shade in Sal Ala Acacia forest in Musandam

Just 7 kilometers drive from Najd Khor going south till almost the end of the paved main road, you will find Acacia Forest. This is a unique place in Musandam which is mysteriously sprouting in the middle of the dry rocky terrain. 

The place ruled by goats has lots of shade and is a perfect place to have a picnic. It is worth a detour if you are spending more than a day in Musandam. The area offers some hiking opportunities as well. 

6. Stop for the views along Khasab coastal road in Musandam

At some points sheer cliffs are dropping straight into the water, making the coastal views nothing less than spectacular. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at dedicated viewing points to admire the beauty of the coast. 

• Al Harf Park overlooking a dramatic cliff is situated on the side of a very twisty road turning from the coast inland on the way from Khasab to UAE. A couple of tables with umbrellas and swings are set up there. Parking space is limited to a couple of cars only. Also, be careful as the road is bending and there is no clear visual sight of oncoming cars. 
• Hana viewpoint. Driving out of Khasab town stop at a dedicated viewpoint on the right side of the coastal road. It overlooks the strait of Hormuz and many khors in the distance which gives a beautiful photo opportunity. 
• Cliff View Point on Khasab Coastal Road just a few kilometers before Jeri Beach has a convenient parking lot. It is a beautiful stop to take a short break from driving and just enjoy the breaking waves and high cliffs just above you. 

7. Explore the authentic Tawi village and find ancient petroglyphs in Musandam

Visiting Tawi village was one of my favorite things to do in Musandam. Tawi village is a small traditional settlement inside Wadi Qida accessible off the main Khasab Coastal road, driving west of Bassa Beach. You can drive inside the Wadi with 2wd via a paved road for up to 3km until you reach the dead end of high cliffs. 

Carved out on large boulders which are located on the left side of the road, within 2.5 kilometers drive into the wadi, Petroglyphs are not that straightforward to find. They aren’t visible until you come close to the rocks. We would have missed them if not for a local person who kindly pointed them out to us even without asking.

Petroglyphs are thousands of years old and depict various daily life subjects-animals, people sitting on horsebacks, and similar. They are pretty basic but still, it is cool to see them, especially knowing that it is an ancient art surviving thousands of years. I marked the exact location of petroglyphs on the maps. 

More petroglyphs can be found in Jebel Harim mountain, which is accessible only by 4×4.

However, what I loved the most about this place is the Tawi village itself. Set between steep cliffs, the village is frozen in time with old local people slowly getting about their quiet life while youngsters run around playing football on the self-invented sandy pitch. It makes me wonder if the village will survive the test of time and if this old-school lifestyle will be passed to a new generation or completely disappear.

8. Khasab Castle/Fort

Established by the Portuguese in the 17th century Khasab Castle is the main historical attraction in town. If you are keen to know more about Musandam’s history and culture, visiting Khasab Castle will give you a good overview. The museum inside the fortress holds various historical items specific to the region, rooms set in a traditional manner, and courtyards with traditional boats. The highlight of the ancient fort architecture is the circular tower which you can climb as well. 

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 4 pm, Friday 8 am-11 am. Entrance fee: 2 USD.

9. Watch or even join the locals playing Qubbah

One of the most authentic and fun experiences we had in Musandam. Is watching locals play qubbah . It is a local baseball-like game. The game is played in two teams using the seed of some fruit (probably mango) as a ball and a frond of the palm tree as a bat. The difference is that there is no pitcher. The seed is lifted off the ground by hitting it with the palm frond and then stroked as far forward as possible. 

The game is mainly played by elderly men, who joke that it is a retired footballer’s game, as it doesn’t involve running. 

After taking hundreds of pictures of Omani men playing qubbah in their dishdashis, I decided to try it out as well. With beginners’ luck, I managed to hit the seed off the ground and strike a couple of meters forward. It is way more difficult than it looks and requires some practice and skill. 

If you want to catch the game, I have pointed on the map a spot where you can find locals playing qubbah . The spot is next to a white mosque on the big road running parallel to Airport Road.

10. Hike in Musandam

Having mountains all around, hiking enthusiasts are offered some wonderful trekking opportunities around the Musandam Peninsula. Note that most of the trails in the area are not marked. I usually use Wikiloc in the UAE and Oman to find some great trails recorded by other hikers.

Near Khasab, you can try Khasab Heights (also called Khasab-Bassa, or Khasab-Qadah heights) route starting near Atana-Khasab Hotel where you can conveniently park your car. The moderately difficult route is signposted and offers wonderful views of the Musandam Peninsula. Allow 3 hours to complete the 6-kilometer route. Also, make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, and carry at least 2 LT of water.

Follow this trail on Wikiloc here recorded by one of the hikers.

RELATED READS: If you are looking for some great hikes in the UAE , check my post about those wonderful trails here .

11. Visit ancient Masjid at Masjid Beach

Masjid is a centuries-old mosque and a tomb built of white clay in a traditional manner. It is a very mysterious site set on a wild beautiful beach. Only accessible by 4×4, or by hiking for a few kilometers offroad, Masjid is definitely off the Musandam visitors’ radar. Although the place is known by locals and can get some small crowds during public holidays and good winter weekends.

12. Diving in Musandam

For underwater enthusiasts and professionals, there is no better place close to UAE to go diving than Musandam. If you want to learn scuba diving, you can take classes in Khasab and Dibba. If diving is planned as part of your Musandam adventure, then you can join a few diving sessions with an operator in Khasab. However, if you are planning a diving-only trip to Musandam, then Dibba might be a better choice. Some operators also offer overnight diving experiences. 

Note that diving season in Arabian Gulf waters is considered September to January for shark-free waters and the best visibility. February and March due to the very volatile sea and limited visibility should be avoided, just as April to September for the shark season. 

13. Have a special seafood dining experience in Musandam

There is nothing better than a heartful dinner after a long day of activities. For the most local dining experience head to a local fish market in Khasab, get a fresh catch of the day of your choice, and have it grilled for you in one of the nearby restaurants. Note that this is not fine dining, and places are very basic but trust me food is great.

Check my map for the exact locations of the fish market and Amjad restaurant where you can get it grilled immediately after purchasing.

14. Visit the remote village of Kumzar

Kumzar is the northernmost isolated village in Musandam. The only way to access it is by taking a speed boat ride which lasts up to 1 hour. The inhabitants of the village are of Iranian origin with a distinct culture and language native only to the Arabian Peninsula.

The picturesque village of Kumzar nestled between the cliffs dates back more than 500 years when it first was noticed on Portuguese maps.

A few tour operators offer half-day trips to the village. The tour is not the cheapest and costs 1000 AED for a group of 2-4 people. Also, it has to be arranged a few days in advance. 

I have not been to Kumzar yet, but as soon as I have more enthusiasts wanting to join me, will definitely go visit this mysterious remote village of Musandam.

15. Stop at Bukha fort

On the way to Khasab or when returning to the UAE from Musandam, stop at a beautiful Bukha Fort located in Bukha fishing village. This 16th-century fortified castle was built by the Portuguese and played an important role as a defense building in Musandam’s history.

Bonus Activity in Musandam: go paragliding and parasailing to Zighy Bay

For adrenaline seekers who love adventure high in the sky, Zighy Bay in Dibba, Musandam is the place to go for paragliding. The jump-off point is 300 meters above sea level from the Zighy Bay mountain. The flight will definitely take your breath away. The views of the bay surrounded by rigged mountain peaks are simply gorgeous.

The paragliding experience is organized by Six Senses Hotel in Zighy Bay with a pilot who will take care of the flight so you can just enjoy the views. As mentioned before, if you are coming to Musadnam from the Dibba side and joining a tour, experience, or stay in a resort, an entry permit will be sorted for you by the hotel or tour operator.

Recommended places to eat in Khasab, Musandam

Some of the best options to eat or have good coffee/tea in Musandam. Note that none of them are fancy restaurants, but more like simple eateries loved by locals.

Amjad Restaurant- this is the restaurant we got our fish grilled. If you are too tired to go shopping, you can still order other fish dishes in the restaurant. The only difference with bringing your own fish is that it is going to be guaranteed fresh.

Yemen Village Restaurant – is a well-rated place to have Yemeni food, and also grilled fish.

Khasab Castle (Wadi Qada) Iranian Restaurant – this place serves meat mostly. We came here for the special tea served in a really cool pot. We consumed countless cups of this freshly brewed Iranian tea served on a traditional type of dining podium.

Fanr Musandam Turkish Restaurant – located just outside the harbor where dhow cruises depart from, this place serves great takeaway kebabs.

Dote Café – for coffee lovers like myself, I recommend driving a bit south of the Khasab center for this modern coffee shop that offers specialty coffee (cold chocolate moca was my favorite). Surprisingly we met a guy from Poland working there.

And that’s a wrap for this Musandam from Dubai road trip guide. Hope you found useful information which helps you plan your journey as well as try some of the best things to do in Musandam. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to leave your comment at the end of this post.

I hope you are enjoying my free travel guides & tips. If yes, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee so I can continue creating more useful content from my favorite coffee shop in town. Thanks!

Oman Travel Essentials

• RENT A CAR : The best way to explore Oman is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• VISA: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• ACCOMMODATION: book your perfect hotel stay on Booking .
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS: book the best-rated guided tours and day trips in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport. Omantel provides the best coverage.
• Flight got canceled or delayed? You might receive compensation if you depart from an EU country. Consult and receive assistance from Skycop if you are eligible for compensation.

More Oman travel resources

• Plan your Oman visit with my  1-week Oman road trip itinerary .
• Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Oman .
• Driving to Salalah? Make sure to also read my  Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .
• Plan your Salalah route with my  Ultimate Salalah Itinerary: the best things to do in Dhofar region, Oman.
• Traveling from UAE to Oman by road or vice versa? Check useful information about  UAE-Oman land border crossing using this guide .
• Plan your visit to  Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

Musandam Road Trip – How To Visit Oman While In Dubai

Consider a road trip from Dubai to Musandam and explore one of the best peninsulas on earth. Musandam is a rough, hilly peninsula and a part of Oman. Despite its location in the UAE, this intriguing peninsula is still regarded as an Omani region because of its geographical exclave. A geographical exclave is a region separated from the mainland and surrounded by one or more foreign states. In this case, Musandam is surrounded by UAE states. Book a Musandam tour package while in Dubai for this amazing road trip.

Where Is Musandam?

How to reach musandam, the musandam peninsula, oman, a guide to border crossing into musandam, other information, share this:.

The tiny Omani enclave of Musandam sits on the northernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula and protrudes dramatically into the Strait of Hormuz. Between mainland Oman and Musandam Governorate (a small enclave of Madha sits within Fujairah) is the UAE.

The UAE, especially Dubai, has amazing road connections that make traveling across the country hassle-free. A Musandam Road trip is nothing short of enjoyable, considering the good roads. The drive to Musandam from Dubai is roughly 2 hours, and the route has stunning views. The dreamy highways and the slightly rugged path surrounded by mountains contribute to an enriching experience. Book an arranged tour that will cater to your needs, from pick up to drop off, and take you to sightseeing spots if you are not looking for a road trip.

A majority of travellers start their journey from Dubai to Dubai is our reference point. If you are starting your journey from Abu Dhabi Airport, it will take you an extra 1 to 1.5 hours to get to Musandam from downtown Abu Dhabi.

Dubai to Khasab, Oman, is about hours, but because it’s an international border crossing, it may take 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. The journey may take even longer on popular holiday weekends.

Dubai to Dibba is shorter (145 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you drive directly from Dubai, it will take about two hours to reach the border, depending on traffic. If you make stops for sightseeing, the trip could take you three to four hours, depending on how much time you take on your stops.

The time taken to cross the border depends on whether the immigration staff has closed for lunch or tea. You should cross from the UAE to Oman in minutes if you have your passports and some Omani currency and the staff is available at the time. Speed up the clearing process by getting an Omani e-visa in advance.

Once you have your entered Oman, Musandam can very well be the gateway to an epic Oman Road Trip Adventure, as mentioned in this 6 Day Oman Itinerary.

If you are going to Khasab, the west coast crossing into Musandam is through the Al Darah border post at the northern tip of Ras Al Khaimah emirate. This is exactly where the mountains start touching the ocean.

The crossing posts for UAE and Oman are adjacent to each other, making it a popular spot for tourists in Dubai and the UAE for ‘border runs’ as you only need to stop once and walk between the entry and exit offices. Border runs enable you to extend your 30-day tourist visa. Border cross will involve two stops in each direction; however, if you are not a GCC resident.

Places To Visit In Musandam

The Musandam Peninsula is naturally beautiful, with quite a few attractions you can’t miss out on during your Musandam Road trip.

Khasab, a small old town and the capital of the Musandam Peninsula, is an Omani exclave and geographically part of the UAE. The Khasab Fort is one of the predominant attractions in this town. The town is a charming cultural place, and apart from the fort, the Khasab Castle is also a famous attraction. You can visit the Oman Fjords and Bimmah Sink-hole if you are not in a hurry or if you are planning to spend a night on the peninsula. The road trip to Musandam is generally captivating.

By Joel Azcuna  – CC BY-SA 2.0

Dibba town crosses between the UAE and Oman. A part of the city is in Fujairah, partly in Sharjah (Dibba Al-Hisn), and a part of it in Oman.

This is not a full border crossing but only a small police station checkpoint. You need pre-arranged permission to access the border crossing at this point, either through your accommodation or tour provider.

Your visa will be taken care of 7 days before your visit if you book with the luxurious Six Senses Zighy Bay on the Dibba side of Musandam but over the border. The same treatment will be offered if you are staying at the Dibba Beach Hotel.

Some day trips to Dibba may depart from the UAE side and never set foot on land, bypassing the formality of a day trip border crossing.

• You can quickly go to Khasab in a typical saloon car thanks to the sealed roads that run all the way and the considerable reinforcing work being done to prevent the Cliffside drive from collapsing.
• You need a 4WD if you want to explore the interior, especially from the Dibba side.
• Never leave your passports behind. Despite the fairly seamless border connections, you need to keep in mind that you are in a different country.
• The official currency in Musandam is Omani Rial (OMR), but locals may accept dirhams as they get a slight upside in the exchange rate using 10AED:1OMR.

About The Author – Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in the UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. 

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The friendly boat man provide fruits, water, coffee and tea. You can also bring your own refreshment as there is a cooler box with ice. The landscape is breathtaking.

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The landscape is breathtaking. They will bring the boat to a bay where there are just schools of dolphins swimming with the dhow. Snorkeling gears provided too.

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Explore the breathtaking beauty of Musandam Oman with hassle-free Musandam tour packages. From its stunning mountain ranges to its crystal-clear waters, this is a must-see destination for any nature lover. Come see why it’s known as the “Norway of Arabia”!

Musandam Oman is an enchanting destination located at the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. With its spectacular landscapes and captivating culture, Musandam Oman offers a unique travel experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

From majestic mountains to serene beaches, visitors can explore this breathtaking region while taking part in exciting activities such as a dhow cruise, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, Musandam Oman has something to offer everyone who visits its stunning shores.

MUSADNAM TOUR PACAKGES

Visit Musandam tour packages offer an unforgettable experience of the stunning beauty and serenity of this region. From cruising on a traditional wooden dhow to snorkeling in crystal clear waters, our tours provide travelers with breathtaking views and activities that they will never forget. With experienced guides leading the way, visitors can explore hidden coves, discover ancient ruins, and relax on pristine beaches as it takes in all that Musandam has to offer. Whether you are looking for a Musandam day trip or an extended vacation getaway, our customized Musandam tour packages have something for everyone!

KHASAB MUSANDAM DAY CRUISE

Experience the beauty of Musandam with a relaxing dhow cruise! Enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline and watch dolphins. Book your trip today for an unforgettable experience!

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We are excited to announce that we now offer Khasab tours from Dubai! Experience the beauty of this stunning Omani city and its breathtaking fjords with a Dubai Khasab tour package.

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MUSANDAM TRIP TWO DAYS

Join our Musandam trip for 2 days and explore the majestic fjords, watch dolphins, experience beach camping, bonfire, music, unlimited refreshments, and delicious BBQ dinner and lunch.

MUSANDAM SUCBA DIVING

Join us on a scuba diving excursion in the beautiful Musandam region of Oman! We’ll explore colorful coral reefs, spot exotic fish and turtles, and take in breathtaking views.

If you are visiting Khasab Musandam Oman by cruise ship, then we have half day cruise , full-day cruise, half-day mountain safari, and Musandam city tour offers for you with free pick and drop from the cruise port. If you are planning to travel from Dubai and need a full package, we have the Khasab Musandam tour from Dubai and Dibba Musandam tour from Dubai for you. Explore our Musandam tour packages and select the best that suits your travel plans. If you need any help or guidance from our side, we would love to hear from you.

What our valued guests say?

Diana from Germany

We booked an overnight cruise and had a great time. Quality of services, boat, food and everything was just superb.

Steve from USA

Book Musandam tour from Dubai with transport. The team made it a hassle free as the took care of everything from start to finish.

John Smith from Dubai

We had an amazing time in Musandam. Contacted Visit Musandam for price and they were very efficient to book our tour.

Quynh Anh from Abu Dhabi

Traveling form Abu Dhabi to Khasab is little bit tiring but, the driver was very helpful. We really enjoyed our entire journey and saw dolphins.

WHY VISIT MUSANDAM?

Musandam is an incredible destination for travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. Situated in the northernmost part of Oman, Musandam offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains rising from the sea, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as well as traditional villages that offer a glimpse into local culture.

Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as Khasab Fort or take a boat cruise to spot dolphins playing in their natural habitat. With its stunning landscapes and abundance of activities to choose from, Musandam is sure to provide visitors with memories that will last long after they return home!

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Musandam Adventures brings an opportunity to get away from the stressful life and spend marvelous time at peaceful Musandam.

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Come, experience a unique Musandam trip with Musandam Adventures

Musandam Adventure consist of a group of individuals who are working with local tour operators in Oman. Musandam Adventure became our dream project to provide tour packages in and around Oman. We are offering Khasab tour packages from Dubai and UAE along with visit/ Tourist VISA. We assure you a highly reliable and professional traveling experience with us. We deeply believe that our experience in this sector will help us to satisfy your needs. Reach us for any travel needs in Musandam Khasab Tour and Dibba. Dibba is famous for it’s dhow cruise which is one of the best attractive activities to take part in Musandam. Get yourself drenched in the benefits and joys of your destination, updated only for you. We need you to make the most of your stay with Musandam Tours unforgettable and will do whatever it takes to ensure that every one of your needs are met while you are here with us. Whether you book one of our half day Khasab tour packages in the midst of which you will see the restored fortress, a routine town and antiquated rock carvings, or a Khasab tours from Dubai covering an arrangement of activities, it will be our pleasure to ensure that you have an awesome time. We have outlined our Dubai tour packages to empower our visitors the chance to investigate this pleasant part of the world at an unwinding pace and we will do our best to guarantee that you have the ideal experience, from the moment you place your booking to the moment you leave Musandam Dibba.

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MUSANDAM TOUR PACKAGES

Explore our exciting Oman Musandam tour packages and book your ticket to indulge in the scenic beauty of “Norway Of Arabia”

FULL DAY DHOW CRUISE

Full day dhow cruise will be the best way for those looking to experience the Musandam fjords, mountains, and whirling dolphins and landscapes on a traditional dhow with lunch.

KHASAB OMAN TOUR

The Oman Musandam tour from UAE is a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of the Musandam region with a full-day cruise, delicious lunch, transport, and visa assistance. 

OVERNIGHT DHOW CRUISE

With Musandam overnight cruise, take a superb evening cruise and sleep on the traditional wooden dhow deck under starry stars and enjoy live BBQ dinner, lunch and breakfast.

DIBBA MUSANDAM TOUR

The all-inclusive Dibba Musandam tour is the best package for UAE residents and tourists as well. You don’t have worry to about borders, as we will take care of everything!

HALF DAY DHOW CRUISE

Have a look at the history of Telegraph Island. Then, swim and snorkel across the crystal clear water and watch the dolphins. Lastly, sit back and enjoy a cruise into the Musandam fjords.

KHASAB MOUNTAIN SAFARI

Khor Najd and Jebel Al Harim are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. If you want to experience nature, these mountains are the way to do it.

BEACH CAMPING & CRUISE

Enjoy the dhow cruise and a night on Musandam beach campsite under starry stars. Delicious lunch, BBQ dinner, breakfast, and all camping arrangements are provided.

MUSANDAM TRIP 2 DAYS

With Musandam overnight cruise, take a superb evening cruise and sleep on the traditional wooden dhow deck under starry stars and enjoy a live BBQ dinner, lunch and breakfast.

HALF DAY CITY TOUR

The city itself is a peaceful fishing village that overlooks the Gulf of Arabia and the straits of Hurmuz, but it is also considered an important historical landmark.

We offer customized Oman Musandam tour packages from the UAE for couples, families, and groups. If you are planning a Musandam trip and our packages do not suit your travel plans, nothing to worry about. Just contact our support team and we will offer you a customized Musandam tour package according to your needs.

Planning a Musandam trip and need travel arrangements? Gulf Musandam Tours offers private and shared transport as well. We have seven-seat, fourteen-seat, thirty-five-seat, and fifty-seat vehicles with us. We can arrange one-way, two-way, or multiday transportation according to your travel plans.

Looking for the customized Musandam trip package? We are to do it!

Before you go.

MUSANDAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Musandam is a beautiful port city in northern Oman and is knowns for its beautiful fjords, dhows, and donlpins. If you are planing to visit Musandam, here is the Musandam travel guide!

THINGS TO DO IN MUSANDAM

There are unlimited activities to enjoy in Musandam Oman but here we compiled the details of the top 10 fun-loving activities that you should never miss while you are in Musandam.

MUSANDAM PLACES TO VISIT

Musandam is the smallest region of Oman which is situated at the top of the Arabian Peninsula. Musandam is a unique destination because of its separation from Oman via UAE.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Gulf Musandam Tours takes every step to make sure that our guests enjoy their time with us. We try our best to provide accurate information, suggestions, and guidelines so you enjoy a hassle-free Oman Musandam trip.

Chicago, USA

Perfect Musandam tour, saw a pod of dolphins feeding, then two of them swam alongside us for a good 5 mins or so. Friendly and helpful crew, plenty of soft drinks, fruit and lunch (curry) on board. Stopped for a swim at Telegraph Island, they had towels for us to use too.

Such a lovely and comfortable Musandam trip, even worked really well with a baby and we saw many many dolphins. The one downside I guess is that I thought the snorkeling bit would be better, the water had poor visibility. However, overall quite a nice tour and the dolphins alone made it well worth it.

Adeel Qamar Mirza

I went first time to Musandam Oman and made a journey to Telegraph Island, did swimming and saw the fjords. It was a great journey with Gulf Musandam Tours. Would recommend everyone to visit this beautiful place.

It was an amazing whole day at the sea. The banana boat ride was fantastic! The blue water will make you jumped and swim!!! It’s a wonderful experienced with the gang!

Why Oman  Musandam Tour ?

Experience nature’s magic in a symphony of bliss with the Oman Musandam tour. Musandam is situated in northern Oman, where you will be welcomed by fjords, high mountains, and blue waters. Imagine you are on one of the traditional Omani dhows crossing magnificent fjords in front of stunning sceneries.

Watch dolphins dance in uncontaminated waters to top up your journey with magic. Snorkel and find out how colorful the life is down in the ocean. The Oman Musandam trip not only brings sea wonders but lets you explore old forts that are guardians of history with the breathtaking view of this tranquil coastal town.

Learn more about the local culture at the bustling souk where the warmth of Omani hospitality and the smell of traditional food will give you a lifetime memory. It has something for everyone as it promises an experience that combines adrenaline, peacefulness, and culture, with the memories of those remaining forever.

• NIGHT CRUISE
• DUBAI KHASAB

Ontario's first-ever lakefront Nordic spa is opening this summer

Latest Videos

The first-ever lakefront Nordic spa in Ontario is gearing up to open its doors this summer.

Wander The Spa, will be nestled on the site of  Wander The Resort , a contemporary lakefront retreat in Prince Edward County located at 15841 Loyalist Parkway. 

Planning for the spa has been underway since 2020, and follows the fall opening of Gather at Wander, the resort's onsite restaurant inspired by the nostalgia of fireside gatherings. 

The spa's all-access founders pass and specially priced day passes start at $65 and are now available for purchase for a limited time. 

Wander The Spa

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Live updates: Hamas says it agreed to a cease-fire proposal; Israel strikes Rafah and says deal ‘far from’ meeting its demands

What to know.

• Hamas said in a statement that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal was "far from" its requirements and that it would push ahead with a Rafah operation and send a delegation to talks.
• The White House said it was reviewing the Hamas statement, which follows days of talks brokered by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt for a deal that would secure the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
• The Israeli military said it was striking Hamas targets in Rafah, hours after urging some 100,000 people to leave the city and move to what it said is an expanded humanitarian area in the Palestinian enclave.
• The evacuation of eastern Rafah, which Israel says is "limited" and "temporary," comes ahead of an expected ground assault on the southern Gaza city , where more than 1.4 million civilians are sheltering.

Pulitzer Board gives special citation to journalists covering the war in Gaza

Doha Madani

The Pulitzer Board, which honors special achievements in journalism and the arts, awarded a special citation honoring journalist and media workers covering Gaza.

"Under horrific conditions, an extraordinary number of journalists have died in the effort to tell the stories of Palestinians and others in Gaza," the board said in a statement.

The board went on to acknowledge the loss of not just journalists but also poets and writers who became casualties of war.

"As the Pulitzer Prizes honor categories of journalism, arts, and letters, we mark the loss of invaluable records of the human experience," the board said.

U.S. does not support Rafah offensive as 'currently envisioned' by Israel, State Department says

Abigail Williams

The U.S. cannot support an intensified military operation in Rafah, as it is "currently envisioned by Israel," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters today.

"We have made clear, the secretary has made this clear in his conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Israeli government last week, that we have not seen a humanitarian plan that is credible and implementable," Miller said.

Miller added that the U.S. believes a military operation in Rafah would put the lives of more than 1 million Palestinian civilians at risk. He also spoke briefly about the news that Hamas has agreed to a potential hostage release deal, saying they have only recently received Hamas' response for review.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is in the best interests of the Israeli people," Miller said. "It’s in the best interest of the Palestinian people and it would bring increased movement of humanitarian assistance and so we’re going to continue to work to try to reach one."

IDF conducting strikes in east Rafah after PM's office vowed to continue with operation

The Israel Defense Forces were conducting strikes on "Hamas terror targets in eastern Rafah," it said in a statement posted to X a little while ago.

No additional details were available. The statement came shortly after Netanyahu's office vowed to continue with the Rafah operation following Hamas' announcement that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal.

Earlier today, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told civilians to stay in the designated humanitarian zones for the rest of the night. He also told those in eastern Rafah to move either to Al-Mawasi or Khan Younis.

"There they will receive a full humanitarian response, where water, food, medical equipment and shelter will be provided," Hagari said.

Israel says it will send a delegation to work on cease-fire proposal but continue with Rafah operation

Raf Sanchez

TEL AVIV — Israel's War Cabinet has "unanimously decided" to continue operations in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas while sending a delegation to work on a cease-fire deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

"Although the Hamas proposal is far from Israel's necessary requirements, Israel will send a delegation of working-class mediators to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement under conditions acceptable to Israel," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Hamas agreed to its interpretation of a deal endorsed by the U.S. and is trying to pressure Israel, source says

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — Egyptian, Qatari and Hamas officials have been working intensively over the past week based on a deal Israel proposed which was endorsed by the U.S., a senior Arab diplomat told NBC News.

This was the same deal Secretary of State Antony Blinken described as very generous when he visited the region last week to push for an agreement. The issue, however, was that after Blinken praised the deal Netanyahu didn’t send a negotiator to the talks. 

Without the Israelis there, Hamas agreed to its own terms and its own interpretation of the deal, the diplomat said. The diplomat believes that the group's unilateral acceptance of the deal is a pressure tactic.

“What we got from Hamas was a result of tireless efforts nonstop for the last 48 hours and a significant movement on Hamas original position,” the diplomat said, saying it was unclear how Netanyahu will react.

Hamas and the negotiators believed Netanyahu was trying to escape from any deal and push ahead with a military invasion of Rafah. The Arab diplomat said that if Israel isn’t happy with the terms Hamas agreed to, Netanyahu can send a negotiator to seal the deal.

Hostage families say Hamas announcement 'must pave the way' to release deal

Paul Goldman

The families of hostages in Gaza said Hamas' announcement that it is willing to accept a proposal "must pave the way for the return of the 132 hostages held captive," according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

"Now is the time for all that are involved, to fulfill their commitment and turn this opportunity into a deal for the return of all the hostages," the group said in a statement.

Hamas agrees to a three-phased hostage deal proposal over six weeks, source says

Ayman Mohyeldin

The proposal that Hamas said it agreed to is a three-phased hostage release that would play out over six weeks and would include a halt in military operations, an Arab official familiar with the deal said.

The source said the proposal does not use the word “cease-fire” but “the permanent halt to Israeli military operations and hostilities in Gaza.” There would be a release of one Israeli hostage for 33 Palestinian prisoners based on seniority of detention in Israeli prison, the source said.

Each phase encompasses the return of Israeli hostages from eldest, women, sick and finally soldiers.

It’s not yet clear if Israel has accepted this proposal, although it was the framework the U.S. had presented as acceptable to the Israelis. The source also added that this is a complex deal that is not yet done.

Biden administration reviewing Hamas' response

Gabe Gutierrez

A senior administration official says the White House is reviewing Hamas’ response to the cease-fire proposal. 

Right now, President Biden is meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House.

Peter Jeary

Palestinians in eastern Rafah have been urged to evacuate and move to Al-Mawasi, an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone near the coast.

Video shows what that area looks like.

Israel reviewing cease-fire proposal, source says

TEL AVIV — An Israeli official says the proposal Hamas has agreed to is not the framework that was agreed upon with mediators.

Israel is examining the proposal Hamas has agreed to and will respond, the source said.

Hamas announced today that it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal in a call to Qatari and Egyptian mediators but did not detail the terms of the agreement. The news comes the same day Israel ordered evacuations from Rafah, seemingly in preparation for intensified military operations in the border city.

Israeli defense minister said Rafah operations needed with lack of alternatives

Andrea Mitchell

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier today and told Austin that military action is required, including in the area of Rafah, over a lack of alternative options, according to Gallant's office.

"Hamas continues to conduct attacks on the State of Israel and its citizens, while also indicating a lack of seriousness in regard to the frameworks that were submitted for the release of hostages," Gallant's office said in a statement.

Austin was informed about an attack on a military area near the Kerem Shalom crossing, which Hamas claimed responsibility for, over the weekend. Gallant also thanked Austin for U.S. support.

White House halted large shipment of deadly weapons to Israel last week

Carol E. Lee Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Courtney Kube

The White House halted a large shipment of offensive weapons to Israel last week, as the Israel Defense Forces are ramping up for a ground invasion of Rafah, according to two senior administration officials familiar with the decision.

The shipment included 2,000-pound bombs and other ammunition that would likely be used in Rafah, the officials said. Israel already has a large arsenal, making the halt unlikely to stop an offensive.  

The officials say the move does not indicate a larger change in policy about providing weapons to Israel, but it has been very rare for the U.S. to withhold weapons and equipment to Israel because of concerns over how they could be used.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Axios was first to report the shipment being halted.

Hamas says it agrees to cease-fire deal

Ammar Cheikh Omar

Hamas announced in a statement today that the head of its political bureau has agreed to a cease-fire proposal.

The statement noted that Ismail Haniyeh informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators of its approval in a phone call today.

Israeli officials have not yet released a statement on the matter.

University of Texas senior speaks out about arrest at protest

Daniella Silva

A graduating senior at the University of Texas at Austin described rough treatment from police as she was arrested during a recent protest against the war in Gaza with other students. 

Anne-Marie Jardine, 22, said she was participating in an “incredibly peaceful” protest on April 24 when law enforcement officers arrived to arrest them. Jardine said she was released the next day after being booked on allegations of trespassing, but charges were never filed.

Jardine said multiple law enforcement agencies were present during the arrests.

She said she was standing with her arms locked with a friend when police hit the protesters with their bicycles. Several officers grabbed Jardine: “[They] threw me to the ground” and “dragged me by the hair and my arm,” she said.

Jardine said her injuries included a sprained neck, arm and lower back, as well as cuts and bruises. 

“I got hit in the stomach with the baton,” she said. “We had no idea that we were going to be met with this much violence.” 

The president of the University of Texas at Austin said in a statement that April 24 was a “challenging day for many.”

“The protesters tried to deliver on their stated intent to occupy campus,” Jay Hartzell said. “People not affiliated with UT joined them, and many ignored University officials’ continual pleas for restraint and to immediately disperse. The University did as we said we would do in the face of prohibited actions.”

Jardine said she believes the growing protests across college campuses have reached “a turning point.”

“The main goal or message has always been divest from death," she said. "Also, we want to bring awareness as to what’s happening and then you need to get as many people educated on it as possible, because ultimately, there’s no way to try to excuse genocide.”

Biden updates Netanyahu on hostage talks, makes position 'clear' on Rafah

President Joe Biden "reiterated his clear position on Rafah" on a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a readout from the White House today.

There were no additional details on the conversation regarding Rafah, though Biden's administration has stated many times that it believes there would be devastating humanitarian consequences to intensified operations there.

Netanyahu agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian needs after an attack on an adjacent military compound prompted the crossing's closure over the weekend.

Biden also updated Netanyahu on "efforts to secure a hostage deal, including through ongoing talks today in Doha, Qatar."

The two leaders also acknowledged Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 6 million Jews who were targeted and murdered during "one of the darkest chapters in human history."

Students in Britain start encampments at Oxford and Cambridge

Inspired by recent protests in the U.S., students at the storied Cambridge and Oxford universities have set up encampments on campus.

The pro-Palestinian movement that began at Columbia University and swept campuses across the U.S. has inspired some international schools to demand their institutions divest from weapons manufacturers and cut ties to Israel.

A group called Cambridge for Palestine posted on social media what it said were the university's investments showing how it collaborates with "the Zionist project of ethnically cleansing Palestine."

A similar thread was posted by Oxford Action for Palestine, which included in its list of demands that the university divest from arms companies and invest in the rebuilding of Palestinian territories. The group released a statement announcing its encampment , saying it was the evolution of months of demonstrations, petitions and "all possible efforts to work with the Administration."

"Palestinian liberation concerns all of us," the statement said. "As we all bear witness, we are compelled to act. We are members of an institution that makes this suffering possible."

Both universities responded to the encampments, acknowledging the rights of student and staff to engage in peaceful protest, according to Sky News , and asked that environments remain respectful.

Displaced teachers set up tent school in Rafah

Airstrikes are frequent, drones buzz constantly overhead and an Israeli ground invasion looms large. But on a small patch of sandy wasteland on the outskirts of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, a group of teachers has set up classrooms in tents, determined to continue educating as war rages around them.

“This magnificent scene sends a message to the world: We are a nation that loves to learn and loves education, that rejects ignorance,” Nehad Badria, the principal, said in an address to students last week as they lined up outside the tents.

The students, all girls ages 6 to 15, listened intently before Badria led them in call-and-response chants. “We love to learn,” they shouted, pumping their fists in the air. “We are free, Arab Palestine.”

Set up to serve some of the tens of thousands of children displaced by the fighting in Gaza, the school is named Al Awdah, which means “return” in Arabic, a nod to the hope that students and teachers can one day return to their homes in other parts of the enclave.

Read the full story here.

World leaders warn Rafah offensive is 'massacre' in the making

Leaders in the Middle East and Europe raised the alarm again over an intensified operation in Rafah, warning that already catastrophic humanitarian conditions will worsen.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, wrote in a post on X that an operation in the southern border city would be an "indelible stain" on the international community. He said "another massacre of the Palestinians is in the making" and that everyone must act to prevent it.

Egypt's foreign ministry warned that the "escalatory action" puts the lives of more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah at risk.

"Egypt calls on Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and avoid further escalation at this extremely sensitive time in the process of ceasefire negotiations and to spare the blood of Palestinian civilians who have been exposed to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip," the ministry said in a statement.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said that today's evacuation orders signify the worst to come, "more war and famine." Borrell urged Israel to renounce a ground offensive and urged international leaders to act.

According to France 24 , the French foreign ministry reiterated its opposition to an intensified Rafah invasion.

"The forced displacement of a civilian population constitutes a war crime," the ministry said in a statement.

Rafah offensive will not be a ‘picnic’ for Israeli forces, Hamas warns

Chantal Da Silva

A Hamas official has warned that any military operation in Rafah will "not be a picnic" for Israeli forces.

Izzat Al-Rishq said in a statement that a military offensive in the city, where more than a million people have taken refuge, would also put any negotiations for a cease-fire deal "in jeopardy."

"And it will not be a picnic for the enemy army, and Netanyahu and his government bear full responsibility," Al-Rishq said.

Biden to speak with Netanyahu this morning to discuss Rafah

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning to discuss the potential ground assault on Rafah, according to a National Security Council spokesperson.

An Israeli official also confirmed the two will speak today.

“We can’t speak for IDF operations. We have made our views clear on a major ground invasion of Rafah to the Israeli government, and the president will speak with the prime minister today," an NSC spokesperson said.

"We continue to believe that a hostage deal is the best way to preserve the lives of the hostages, and avoid an invasion of Rafah, where more than a million people are sheltering. Those talks are ongoing now," the spokesperson added.

Columbia cancels universitywide commencement ceremony after weeks of protests on campus

Antonia Hylton

Mirna Alsharif

Marlene Lenthang

Columbia will replace its universitywide commencement ceremony May 15 with “smaller-scale, school-based celebrations,” university officials announced today,   after weeks of pro-Palestinian and counterprotests on campus.

The Ivy League school said the decision was made after discussions with student leaders. Security concerns were a main reason behind the decision, a university official told NBC News.

Evacuation orders could be start of 'nightmare scenario,' aid group tells NBC News

Israel's calls for Palestinians in eastern Rafah to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, just north of the city, marks "the start of the nightmare scenario that we've been dreading for months," warned Samah Hadid, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council.

"We’ve been warning against a military operation in Rafah because the consequences will be deadly and devastating for the over 1 million IDPs in the area," Hadid said in a phone interview with NBC News this morning, using the acronym for internally displaced persons.

Hadid said her organization not only fears for the safety of those who remain in Rafah, but also for those who evacuate to the Al-Mawasi area, which she said she does not believe is equipped to handle a mass influx of people. "It doesn't have the humanitarian services and assistance that’s required to accommodate such a large number of displaced people so it’s ... for us, it’s impossible for this area to be designated as a safe area or a humanitarian zone," she said.

Calling on the Biden administration to "use its influence and leverage over Israel" to stop any possible military operation in Rafah, Hadid said: "It is beyond time for the U.S. government to suspend its arms sales" and military aid to Israel.

Israel orders Al Jazeera to close its local operation and seizes some of its equipment

The Associated Press

Israel ordered the local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera satellite news network to close yesterday, escalating a long-running feud between the broadcaster and Netanyahu’s hard-line government as the Doha-mediated cease-fire negotiations with Hamas hang in the balance.

The extraordinary order, which includes confiscating broadcast equipment, preventing the broadcast of the channel’s reports and blocking its websites, is believed to be the first time Israel has ever shuttered a foreign news outlet operating in the country.

Al Jazeera went off Israel’s main cable and satellite providers in the hours after the order. However, its website and multiple online streaming links still operated yesterday.

“Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “It’s time to remove the Hamas mouthpiece from our country.”

Al Jazeera issued a statement vowing it will “pursue all available legal channels through international legal institutions in its quest to protect both its rights and journalists, as well as the public’s right to information.”

“Israel’s ongoing suppression of the free press, seen as an effort to conceal its actions in the Gaza Strip, stands in contravention of international and humanitarian law,” the network said. “Israel’s direct targeting and killing of journalists, arrests, intimidation and threats will not deter Al Jazeera.”

Palestinians, forced to move again, fear Rafah assault is imminent

JERUSALEM — Palestinians are being forced to move once again, and they are increasingly convinced that an Israeli operation in Rafah is coming.

This time, in an unprecedented move, they're being forced out of the city of Rafah along the Egyptian border where more than 1 million Palestinians are taking shelter because they were told it would be safe there.

They were told to get out of the way to allow for new Israeli military operations against Hamas and instructed to go to another area on the Mediterranean coast, which Israel designated as a not-quite-safe but safer zone.

Civilians pack their lives into vehicles in Rafah

Max Butterworth

Displaced Palestinians were packing their belongings into vehicles this morning as they prepared to flee Rafah following an evacuation order by the Israeli military.

Netanyahu delivers fiery speech as Israel honors Holocaust victims

JERUSALEM — This morning, Israelis stopped for two minutes of silence to remember the six million Jews butchered by the Nazis and their allies during World War II.

The moment of contemplation came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international pressure to halt the war in Gaza in a fiery speech.

“If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” he said yesterday, amid calls for restraint from a growing chorus of world leaders who have criticized the heavy toll caused by Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

His message was delivered in a setting that typically avoids politics on one of the most solemn dates on the country’s calendar.

“I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself,” he said, speaking in English. “Never again is now.”

Hamas says Rafah evacuation order a ‘dangerous escalation' as two sides trade blame with talks stalled

Israel's order for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah is a "dangerous escalation that will have consequences," a senior Hamas official warned this morning.

The official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told the Reuters news agency that the U.S. also "bears responsibility for this terrorism," in an apparent reference to Washington's support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel accused the militant group of having “sabotaged” a possible cease-fire deal.

In a statement released this morning, the Israeli prime minister's office appeared to strike out at comments from top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh yesterday accusing Israel of torpedoing efforts to reach a deal.

“The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu and not Hamas is the one who sabotaged the hostage release deal is a complete lie and a deliberate deception of the public,” the statement said. “The truth is completely the opposite. Hamas is the one that sabotages every deal by not moving a millimeter from its extreme demands that no government in Israel can accept.”

NBC News sees families begin to evacuate eastern Rafah after IDF order

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza this morning showed families leaving eastern Rafah, with their few possessions in tow.

Cars and trucks could be seen driving away from the area, their roofs loaded with stacked mattresses, rolled-up blankets and other necessities.

Some could be seen walking, carrying backpacks and hauling large plastic bags on their backs. Other families were just beginning to pack, filling the trunks of their cars with suitcases and boxes.

The city has been crowded with people for months, many of them displaced from elsewhere in Gaza after fleeing the Israeli military's assault further north in the Palestinian enclave.

Cease-fire talks have not completely collapsed, sources tell NBC News

JERUSALEM — Talks to secure a new cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have not completely collapsed, two regional sources told NBC News this morning.

A senior Arab negotiator directly involved in the talks with Israel and the United States said that the negotiations are not over and have not collapsed, so it is not yet clear when or whether a major Rafah operation could begin.

And an Israeli official also said the talks have not completely collapsed, adding that the fact CIA Director William Burns is in the country is an indication that there are still ongoing discussions. Burns was in the Qatari capital, Doha, for talks on the subject yesterday.

Hamas negotiators left the Egyptian capital, Cairo, without an agreement on a new deal to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza and pause the fighting.

The IDF's order this morning for civilians to evacuate parts of Rafah had only added to the concern that a deal may be falling apart.

Richard Engel reported from Jerusalem, and Raf Sanchez from Tel Aviv.

Rafah evacuation comes after 4 IDF soldiers killed at Kerem Shalom crossing

Israel's call for Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah come a day after Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas "rocket and mortar barrage" toward the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to the IDF.

The crossing for delivering badly needed aid to Gaza was closed overnight and this morning the IDF said the number of soldiers killed had risen to four following the strike.

The IDF noted that it carried out a "counterstrike" in response to the assault and in a later news release said fighter jets struck "terror targets" in the area of Rafah from which projectiles were launched. It said a sniper post, a military structure and terrorist infrastructure were among the targets.

Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground showed people gathering around a home Palestinians said was targeted in a strike last evening. Witnesses said several people were killed, including children, with video shot by NBC News' crew appearing to show the bodies of at least two children.

NBC News has reached out to the IDF for comment. Israeli officials have not stated any connection between the Kerem Shalom attack and today's Rafah activity.

IDF says evacuation of eastern Rafah is a 'limited scope operation' but questions remain

The evacuation of parts of eastern Rafah is a "limited scope operation," IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said in a briefing this morning.

Referencing a map outlining the areas Palestinians have been urged to evacuate, he said the development did not represent a "wide-scale evacuation." Israel has also described the evacuation as "temporary."

He further noted that Israel had expanded the "humanitarian area" in which people can seek refuge in Al-Mawasi, saying that effort included "field hospitals, tents, increased quantities of food, water, medicines and additional supplies." Shoshani said the amount of aid entering Gaza would also not change in the coming days.

But it is not clear how or when those being urged to flee Rafah would be able to return to the city, which many have only made their home after being displaced from elsewhere in the enclave. And many Gazans will fear that this could be just the beginning of a broader effort to clear civilians from a city that Israel has long been signaling it plans to assault with troops on the ground.

Rafah assault would be 'devastating for 1.4 million people,’ UNRWA says 

An assault on Rafah by Israeli forces would be "devastating for 1.4 million people," UNRWA has warned.

The United Nations' aid agency for Palestinians said in a post on X that an offensive in the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's population has sought shelter amid the war, would "mean more civilian suffering & deaths."

UNRWA said that its team in Rafah would not be evacuating the area and that the agency would maintain a presence in the city "as long as possible & will continue providing lifesaving aid to people."

Israel tells U.S. it has ‘no alternative’ to Rafah military action

Israel's defense minister told his U.S. counterpart in their exchange yesterday that his country had been left with "no alternative" but to launch an operation in Rafah.

Yoav Gallant said that Hamas was refusing any offer that would allow a deal for a cease-fire and release of hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a readout from his office. As a result, he said, military action in Rafah was required given "the lack of an alternative."

It comes after the latest round of cease-fire talks appear to have stalled.

Lloyd Austin stressed the need for any military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid, according to a readout of the conversation provided by the Pentagon.

No firm timeline for Rafah ground attack, Israeli official says

TEL AVIV — No firm timeline has been set for when Israeli ground troops will enter Rafah, an Israeli official has told NBC News.

The timing will depend on when the government gives the IDF the order to move in and on how long it takes for civilians in eastern Rafah to evacuate, the official said.

The U.S. and its allies have repeatedly urged Israel's government against a ground assault on the southern city, where more than half of Gaza's civilian population is thought to be sheltering.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his troops will enter Rafah to target Hamas leaders, whether before or after a new truce deal.

IDF drops leaflets over eastern Rafah urging people to evacuate

The IDF has dropped leaflets over eastern Rafah urging Palestinians to evacuate the area to Al-Mawasi, several miles north of the encampment where hundreds of thousands of people have sought shelter.

In leaflets seen by NBC News' crew on the ground, people in parts of Al-Shouka, Al-Salam, Al-Jeneina, Tabbah Ziraa, and Al-Byouk were warned to "evacuate immediately to the expanded humanitarian area of Al-Mawasi."

They also urged Palestinians to avoid trying to return north of the Wadi Gaza, saying Gaza City is "still a dangerous combat zone."

In separate flyers, the IDF outlined where humanitarian services would be expanded in Al-Mawasi area.

Around 100,000 people told to evacuate eastern Rafah, IDF spokesman says

TEL AVIV — The number of people being told to move from eastern Rafah into what Israel says is an expanded humanitarian area is estimated to be around 100,000, an IDF spokesman said. 

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani would not say in a media briefing how long civilians have to evacuate under this morning’s evacuation order. 

He also would not go into detail about how the operation will impact the Rafah crossing but said the IDF is committed to maintaining the flow of aid into Gaza. He said the humanitarian zone would be “safer” for civilians but that the IDF reserved the right to strike against Hamas inside the zone.

IDF instructs people in eastern Rafah to move to humanitarian zone

Rudy Chinchilla

Israeli forces today began instructing people in eastern portions of Rafah to move into a humanitarian zone, potentially signaling preparations for a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city.

The call for Palestinians to move was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces, which included a map of the humanitarian area . "Calls to temporarily move to the humanitarian area will be conveyed through posters, SMS messages, phone calls and media broadcasts in Arabic," the IDF said in a statement.

A possible ground offensive in Rafah has been widely condemned internationally, with United Nations officials warning that it would increase the civilian death toll and worsen the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.

The move also comes despite President Joe Biden repeatedly stating U.S. opposition to an invasion of Rafah, where the population has swelled to an estimated 1.4 million people following Israel’s offensive in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel and the taking of hostages Oct. 7.

The Biden administration has threatened consequences for Israel should it move forward with a military assault without a credible plan to safeguard civilians in Rafah, which had a prewar population of around 250,000. 

Austin reiterates need for civilian protections in Rafah

Mosheh Gains

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin yesterday stressed the need for any Israeli military operation in Rafah to include a plan to evacuate civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid.

He made the remarks while speaking with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to a readout of the conversation provided by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. During the discussion, Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel's defense, and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the return of all hostages taken by Hamas militants.

CIA director may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage negotiations

Dan De Luce

CIA Director William Burns may travel to Israel for more cease-fire and hostage release talks after holding discussions yesterday in the Qatari capital, Doha, a source with knowledge of the matter told NBC News.

Burns, whose schedule remained fluid amid uncertainty over the outcome of the talks, has emerged as a key figure in the negotiations. The CIA director had previously been in Cairo, where Hamas stated that cease-fire discussions concluded yesterday following “in-depth and serious discussions.”

The militant group reiterated key demands that Israel again rejected. After earlier signs of progress, the outlook appeared to dim as  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  vowed to resist international pressure to halt the war.