Khasab

Khasab is the capital of Musandam, the Omani exclave on the Strait of Hormuz separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE. It is the base for dhow cruises in the fjord-like khors and for drives into the Musandam mountains.

Getting there

By air: domestic flights from Muscat to Khasab Airport (KHS) — the only way to reach Musandam without crossing UAE territory. By road: through the UAE via Ras Al Khaimah and the border post at Tibat, which means leaving and re-entering Oman; check current visa and border rules and whether your rental car may cross.

Dhow cruises

The classic Musandam trip. Half- and full-day cruises from Khasab harbour head into Khor Ash Sham, past fishing villages reachable only by boat, to Telegraph Island (site of a 19th-century British telegraph station), with frequent dolphin sightings and swimming or snorkelling stops.

Into the mountains

A mountain road climbs from Khasab towards Jebel Harim (about 2,087 m, the highest point of Musandam; summit area restricted) and the viewpoint over Khor Najd. Parts are steep gravel — a 4×4 is strongly recommended, and it can be much cooler than on the coast.

Khasab Castle

Built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century on the waterfront, restored as a museum with displays on Musandam life, boats and traditional houses.

Practical tips

• Best time to visit: October–March in the north; Dhofar is pleasant most of the year and green during the khareef (roughly late June to early September).
• Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected in towns, souqs and forts; swimwear is for hotel pools and beaches.
• Friday is the weekly holiday: many forts, museums and souq shops close or shorten their hours on Friday. Opening times change — check locally before you go.

Points of interest

Frequently asked questions