Musandam Trip – Plan A Rejuvenating Excursion to The Norway of Arabia

Whether you live in Dubai or enjoying your vacation in the world’s most captivating tourist hotspot, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an exquisite Musandam Trip. It will be an experience of a lifetime, as you set out on an incredible journey filled with unforgettable memories and unexpected delights.

Musandam, Oman is known for its breathtaking beauty and majestic views of the Arabian fjords. The Musandam Peninsula is a natural wonder in itself. Presenting stunning views of the dramatic mountains, rocky inlets, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches, the region is often called the ‘Norway of Arabia’.

From Dubai, you can set out on a Musandam trip by car or book one of the many popular Musandam tour packages designed to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. Indulge in an exhilarating excursion or relax on one of the pristine beaches in Musandam, a rejuvenating journey awaits you!

What Makes Musandam, Oman Worth Visiting?

Many first-timers ask this question; what’s so special about Musandam? Well, the Musandam Peninsula is among the most impressive tourist destinations in the Middle East. It offers one-of-a-kind excursion trips to explore gorgeous landscapes, mighty mountains, beautiful beaches, and abundant marine life in the region. The Musandam region itself is unique for the fact that it is a part of Oman separated by the UAE from the rest of the country.

Visitors or residents of Dubai must visit Musandam for a day, at least. A road trip from the Khasab coastal road alone is a spellbinding journey that unveils breathtaking vistas at every turn. Remember, however, that a trip to Musandam Khasab requires you to cross the UAE-Oman border. Therefore, you must have your visa and passport with you when trying to cross the border by road.

How Long Should Be A Musandam Trip?

While most visitors only choose one-day Musandam trips from Dubai, you can choose to stay in Musandam for a couple of days or even longer. The destination offers spectacular sightseeing and there are plenty of things to do in Musandam, including dhow cruises, snorkeling, hiking, camping, off-roading, and whatnot.

What’s The Best Time Of The Year For A Musandam Trip?

While trips to Musandam, Oman are available year-round, October to March is the best window for a trip to the Musandam Peninsula. During these months, the temperatures tend to be lower in this region, and it is pleasant outdoors. As a result, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.

It is still possible to visit Musandam in the months of March, April, and September, collectively called the shoulder season. Remember, however, that the weather is hazy, hot, and humid during these months and the temperatures can go as high as 35 degrees Celsius midday.

June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year in this region, where temperatures can reach up to 40° C. Therefore, it is not a great idea to visit Musandam during these months.

How To Reach Musandam From Dubai By Road?

You can get to Musandam by road from Dubai using one of the two land entrances, crossing the UAE-Oman border. These are:

• Al Dhara border Musandam Khassab entrance from Ras Al Khaimah
• Dibba checkpoint Musandam Dibba entrance from Fujeirah/Sharjah

If you’re planning to enjoy a scenic road trip to Musandam, enter from the Ras Al Khaimah entrance and enjoy the scenic views along the beautiful Khasab coastal road. It’s not possible to drive to Khasab from Dibba-Fujeirah.

Musandam Car Trip From Dubai

If you want to enjoy your Musandam Tour to the fullest, you should drive to Musandam by car. It will allow you to set your itinerary the way you like, make stops at will anywhere on the striking coastline, and witness all attractions outside of Khasab.

If you are planning a road trip to Musandam by car, here is everything you need to know.

Driving To Musandam Khasab From Dubai

If you plan to go to Khasab from Dubai, get on the Mohamed bin Zayed Road E311 and continue your journey till you reach the border from Ras Al Khaimah. It’s a straight drive that will take you around 3 hours to reach Khasab from Dubai. To be precise, you’ll reach the border in 2 hours, and it will take half an hour to cross the Al Dhara border. After that, it’s another 30-40 minutes drive to Khasab.

Trip To Musandam Via Organized Tours

You can also choose a 1-day or overnight Musandam tour from Dubai. These organized tours are ideal for anyone without their own transport. Some companies will pick you up from your hotel while others may have a designated pick-up point in Dubai.

Here are a couple of the best Musandam tours from Dubai that also offer hotel pick-up service.

• Musandam Khasab Day-Trip from Dubai: The trip includes a traditional dhow Khasab tour sailing through the stunning Arabian Fjords, dolphin spotting, and lunch.
• Musandam Dhow Cruise Day-Trip From Dubai: The trip includes an exclusive dhow cruise taking you through the beautiful Arabian Fjords and offers lunch while boating.  

How To Get To Musandam By Road From Mainland Oman?

You can also travel to Musandam by road from mainland Oman. If you’re coming from Muscat, you’ll need to enter UAE first from the Khatmat Malaha border on Oman’s Eastern coast or the Al Wajajah border in Hatta. After that, you can take the same route as described above to reach the Al Dhara border at Ras Al Khaimah.

Remember, it will be a long and tiring journey that will last almost up to 6 hours from Muscat. Nevertheless, it will be fun and exciting too.

Musandam Visa Requirements To Enter Khasab At Al Dhara Border

When you are visiting Musandam, you must have an Oman visit visa to cross the Al Dhara border at Ras Al Khaimah.

The residents and citizens of GCC countries, including the residents of UAE, don’t need a visa for their Musandam trip. They must have valid UAE residency for 3 months, at least, before they can enter the Sultanate of Oman.

Apply the Right Type Of Visa To Enter Oman Hassle-Free

It is often confusing which type of visa you should get for your Musandam tour. Here are a few details you should know.

• UAE Residents should get a 29A visit visa. You can apply for your tourist visa online to avoid the long border procedure. It is also possible to get a visa on arrival. UAE residents can get a single entry visit visa for 5 OMR or 50 AED. Remember, you’ll get the visa if your UAE residency falls under the list of approved professions.
• UAE tourist visa holders from G1 countries coming from Dubai can get a 10 days visa on arrival for 5 OMR or 50 AED. In case, if you want to have an extended stay, apply online for a 30-day 26B visa. It will cost you 20 OMR or 200 AED.
• Travelers not from the G1 countries should be either a child or a spouse of the nationals of the G1 countries to become eligible for an online application for an e-visa. Otherwise, they will have to get a visit visa through the embassy of Oman in their resident country. They can also apply for their visa through ivisa.
• Passport holders not eligible for a UAE visa on arrival should be in possession of a multiple-entry UAE tourist visa. Those with single-entry UAE tourist visas won’t get entry to Musandam.

List of G1Countries As Issued By Royal Oman Police

Europe:

Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, France, Georgia, Great Britain,  Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Serbia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican. 

South America:

Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, Suriname, Venezuela, Uruguay. 

Other Regions and Countries:

Australia, Canada, Brunei Dar al-Salam, Hong Kong, French Guiana, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Lebanon, Special Administrative Region of China, New Zealand, Malaysia, Seychelles, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, IR of Iran, United States, People’s Republic of China, Russian Federation, Republic of Kazakhstan

Passport Validity

Your passport should have, at least, 6 months validity when you are visiting Oman. The residency of UAE residents should have a validity period of 3 months at least before they enter Oman.

UAE Exit Fee

When you exit UAE by road, you’re required to pay an exit fee of 35 AED per person. This fee is in addition to the cost of your Oman visa. You won’t have to pay any exit fee when leaving Oman, though.

If you’re traveling to Musandam from Dubai with an organized tour, this exit fee is most likely included in your tour package already.

Car Document Requirements To Enter Musandam From Dubai

When going on a road trip to Musandam from Dubai, you should have the following car documents with you.

• Updated car registration documents (mulkiya)
• Orange card car insurance for driving in Oman, usually issued by your car insurance provider if they cover the Oman region
• If you don’t have the Orange card, you should get Oman car insurance for 80-100 AED at the border
• NOC from the car rental company if driving a rented car
• NOC from the car owner if driving a car owned by someone else
• Valid driving license

You must have these car documents in possession when entering Musandam from Dubai. Otherwise, you won’t be allowed to cross the border by car.

How To Reach Musandam From The Dibba Border?

You should use the eastern Dibba border of Musandam to enter the governorate if you’re taking a Dibba Musandam tour on a dhow cruise or planning to stay in Zhigy Bay at the Six Senses Resort. 

This border is more of a checkpoint rather than a proper border. If the nature of your visit to Musandam is as described above, you won’t need a visa to enter Oman. You’ll likely get the permit for entering Dibba, Oman from your tour operator or the hotel.

Remember don’t try to enter Musandam from Dibba side by road. It’ll be an off-road journey requiring a 4WD vehicle. Furthermore, foreigners or UAE ex-pats are not allowed to drive here. The road can be used only by Oman and UAE citizens.

However, you are allowed to go hiking in the Wadi Bih independently. It will be a unique experience, and you’ll enjoy it. Your stay at the resort will also be a memorable one.

The Best Musandam Hotels For A Perfect Stay

While there are some good hotels in Musandam, the options are pretty limited. Therefore, you must plan your trip well before you head to Musandam or choose the best musandam tours from Dubai with accommodation included. You may also plan overnight camping in the wild as it is legal in the region and many tourists choose to do so.

Remember, the only option you have on the eastern tip of the Peninsula is the Six Senses Luxury Resort – a popular retreat destination. Let’s dig in some details about the best Musandam hotels in the northern town of Khasab.

1. Atana Khasab Hotel

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding mountains, it’s an exquisite resort near Bassa Beach. It offers panoramic views of the sea and is a perfect place to explore the peninsula.

The beautiful resort has stylish rooms equipped with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffeemakers. No matter which room you get, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the mountains or the sea from the windows. Some rooms also offer the luxury of balconies.

The hotel serves free breakfast in a restaurant with terrace seating. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, kids’ play area, fitness room, café, a cozy bar, and a hilltop snack bar.

• Atana Musandam Resort

Nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the mountains, the Atana Musandam Resort is an upscale accommodation. Probably the most luxurious option to stay in Khasab, it is only a 10-minute walk from the port and just 2 km from the beach.

Rustic-chic rooms in this luxurious hotel are equipped with free Wi-Fi, safes, TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. All the rooms have balconies, presenting stunning views of the gulf and the mountains.

There’s an on-site restaurant with outdoor seating as well. Besides, the resort offers a spa, a gym, a lagoon-style pool, a dive center, and a playground. On top of all that, it’s among the most affordable options as well.

• Esra Hotel Apartment

The Esra Hotel Apartment offers 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that present beautiful views of the mountains or the on-site pool. It is a perfect option if you want to stay for a bit longer in Khasab with your family or friends.

The amenities include a shared kitchen, on-site restaurant, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, walk-in showers, and microwave and fridge. You also have 24-hour front desk to assist you if you need anything. There’s free private parking on the property as well.

The apartment serves continental and à la carte breakfast. You can also avail the service in your room. The property also has a snack bar and you can get packed lunches as well.

Things To Do In Musandam and Top Musandam Tour Activities

There are plenty of musandam tour activities that you can enjoy on your Musandam trip, everything from sightseeing to snorkeling to musandam dhow tours through the stunning Arabian fjords. Let’s explore the top activities to indulge in on your trip to musandam.

1. Dhow Khasab Tour Sailing Through Arabian Fjords

A special musandam boat tour through the stunning Arabian Fjords is a must-do when you’re visiting Musandam. You won’t get a chance to have a closer look at the natural beauty of the Musandam peninsula anywhere else. In fact, many visitors come here only to enjoy a boat tour and witness the stunning beauty of the khors – the inlets characterizing the beautiful Arabian Fjords landscape.

Besides, a dhow khasab tour will be a unique experience to travel in a traditional, multi-level open deck boat with a roof. The decoration with traditional textiles and lounging pillows make the old dhows quite photogenic.

Many tour companies offer half-day and full-day tours. In fact, you can also book musandam dhow tours overnight to enjoy an exquisite cruise experience. All the cruises sail off at the Khasab harbor. Besides, they all offer almost the same activities and follow pretty much the same route. As you cruise around the fjords, the dhow will have a couple of stops for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting the dolphins in crystal-clear waters. There will be refreshments and lunch along the way as well.

While it is recommended to opt for a full-day boat tour, you can choose a half-day dhow cruise and overnight options as well. Some tour companies also offer pick-up from Dubai. Decide what’s feasible for you and how you want to plan your musandam trip and choose accordingly.

• Enjoy A Beach Holiday

Your trip to the Musandam peninsula would be incomplete without a beach holiday at some of the most stunning beaches. The majestic beauty of the beaches in musandam is one of the major draws for tourists. Besides, you can take a dip and cool down the temperatures.

As you drive along the coast of Musandam, wide sandy beaches will suddenly show up adjacent to the road. Simply, stop right there, and take a dive.

Wondering where to find the best beaches in Musandam? Check out this list we have created for you.

• Jeri Beach or Al-Jirri Beach

It is one of the best beaches in Musandam. The 1 km long beach is located only a 25-minute drive from Khasab towards UAE. The beach is clean and empty as most tourists only stop there for a snap and set on their journey. It’s a gem if you want to own the entire beach on your trip. Unfortunately, there are no shops or amenities here.

• Bassa Beach

Bassa Beach is a popular beach in Khasab, located only a 10-minute drive from the city center. It’s the most visited beach in this area. However, it receives significant traffic only over the weekends. On weekdays, it’s almost as quiet as other beaches in the peninsula. It’s a good place to visit with your family and friends. The sea here is pretty calm, making it ideal for swimming. The view of the surrounding mountains is immaculate.

• Al Jadi Beach

Located 6 kilometers south of Jeri Beach, it’s a more popular beach in a small settlement named Al Jadi. The beach is near a soaring cliff and presents stunning views. It’s an ideal spot to visit with your friends and family in winter and have some barbecue.

Other beautiful beaches you can visit on your trip to Musandam are Beach Park Hil Oman and Rocky Beach. Beach Park Hil offers several amenities and is a good place to visit with family. The Secret or Rocky Beach is accessible only to those with a 4WD. It’s an ideal place for swimming and camping. There aren’t any amenities here, and you might be the only visitor – especially on weekdays.

• Visit Khor Najd Lagoon

Khor Najd Lagoon is a beautiful natural creek located near Khasab and is one of the popular attractions to visit on a Musandam trip. The secluded beach overlooks the layered cliffs protruding out of the water and creating a striking landscape. The striking Khor Najd is located south of Khasab and can be reached from a switchback road winding down to the lagoon.

It’s a popular family picnic spot, and you can have overnight camping here as well. The beautiful natural attraction is overly crowded during national holidays and also on weekends during the winter season. The viewpoint is accessible through a 2WD but includes a ride through a rocky twisting gravel road for a few kilometers toward the end.

• Explore The Beautiful Musandam Mountains

The beautiful Musandam Mountains present a whole lot of opportunities for amazing outdoor activities in Musandam. The only problem is that a 4WD is a must-have to reach certain places. It is still possible, however, to join an organized mountain tour and view the main spots.

Some of the mountain points to explore include:

• As Sayh Plateau

It’s a small valley encircled by barren, rugged mountains situated at a height of 1000 meters above sea level. Though the rainfalls in this region are rare, they turn the plateau into a striking lush green oasis.

• Jebel Harim

Jebel Harim is a must-visit on a Musandam tour. It’s the highest peak in the area that reaches 2087 m above sea level. It’s a steep 11km ride from As Sayh plateau until you reach the military checkpoint situated at an altitude of 1600 m. Though it’s not possible to reach the peak of the mountain, you can still witness some spectacular views.

There are multiple organized mountain tours available in Musandam. They take you to the mountains and various other Musandam tourist places. Take a half-day mountain safari to Jebel Harim or embark on a Khasab mountain tour with a dhow cruise and snorkeling, it will be an exhilarating experience with plenty of sightseeing.

• Explore History at the Khasab Castle

Khasab Castle or Fort is a historical attraction in Musandam and was built in the 17^th century by the Portuguese. You’ll enjoy your time here if you are keen to learn about the culture and history of Musandam and the civilization that lived here.

The fortress has a museum inside that holds many items of historical value, traditional room settings, and much more. The beautiful circular tower is the highlight of the fort architecture from ancient times. You can also climb it to have a closer look.

The castle is open Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. On Friday, the timings are 8 am to 11 am. You can enter the castle by paying a nominal entrance fee of 2 USD.

• Go Hiking in Musandam

As the region is surrounded by mountains, you have plenty of amazing trekking opportunities in Musandam. Remember, however, that most hiking trails here aren’t marked. You can use Wikiloc to find some amazing trails that other hikers might have recorded.

Khasab Heights is a popular trail that starts near the Atana Khasab Hotel. This moderately difficult signposted trail offers some astonishing views of the Peninsula. This 6 km route can be completed in 3 hours. Don’t forget to wear appropriate hiking gear and carry, at least, 2 liters of water to keep you hydrated.

• Go Diving and Explore The Marine Life

If you have the expertise required for diving and love exploring marine life, Musandam offers plenty of diving opportunities. You can also learn scuba diving by taking classes in Khasab or Dibba. You can also have a diving-only Dibba Musandam tour. There are a few operators offering amazing overnight diving experiences.

September to January is considered the diving season due to shark-free waters and the best possible visibility in the Arabian Gulf. Avoid diving during February and March as the sea is quite volatile and the visibility is limited in these months. April-September is known as the shark season and, therefore, you should avoid diving during these months as well.

• Go Parasailing and Paragliding At Zighy Bay

Your Dibba Musandam tour won’t be complete without riding the skies of Musandam at Zighy Bay in Dibba – Musandam’s paragliding venue. Experience the rush of adrenaline as you jump off Zighy Bay Mountain at a height of 300 meters above sea level. It will definitely be a flight you’ll remember for your lifetime. The breathtaking bay views and the surrounding mountain peaks will be spellbinding.

The Six Senses hotel organizes the paragliding and parasailing experiences where a pilot takes care of the entire flight, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views.

Recommended Eateries and Restaurants On A Khasab Musandam Tour

While you may not find many fancy restaurants in Musandam for a fine dining experience, here are some of the best eateries where you can enjoy great food and some good coffee/tea. The locals just love these eateries and will recommend them to you.

1. Amjad Restaurant

The restaurant serves some of the most delicious and fresh seafood in Khasab. If you have the fish, they will grill it for you. Alternatively, you can order a variety of fish dishes or seafood like prawns, lobsters, crabs, oysters, etc.

The restaurant also serves some of the most enticing flavors in local dishes. These include mandi, biryani, kabsa, and grilled chicken on charcoal among others. You’ll also get a chance to immerse in the culture of the region through traditional Omani sessions inside the restaurant.

• Khasab Castle Iranian Restaurant (Wadi Qada)

The Wadi Qada restaurant is where you get to taste the most delicious and authentic Persian and Iranian cuisine. The place mostly serves meat. It is infamous for its best Middle Eastern seafood recipes.

The restaurant is also known for its special tea that is served in a cool pot. You won’t be able to stop yourself once you start having this freshly brewed Iranian delight served on a traditional dining podium. Despite the small space, it’s great to be here with your family and friends.

• Fanr Musandam Turkish Restaurant

If you want to taste the best Turkish food in Musandam, you won’t find it better anywhere else. The Fanr Musandam Turkish restaurant is located right outside the harbor – the departing point of the dhow khasab tour. The place serves delicious Turkish cuisine, especially kebabs.

The food here is excellent, price economical, and staff friendly. You’ll also love their rooftop dining experience, presenting beautiful views of the dhow harbor.

• Dote Café

If you’re a coffee lover, this place is recommended for you. Drive a little south of the city center, and you’ll find this somewhat modern coffee shop. They serve specialty coffee that you’ll surely love at the first sip.

While these are not big chains or world-famous hotels, you’ll have an exquisite dining experience here. You’ll love the specialties served just as the locals do.

Conclusion

A Musandam trip from Dubai promises an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the astounding beauty of the Arabian fjords. Whether you choose to explore the scenic masterpieces of nature in musandam dhow tours or indulge in exhilarating musandam tour activities, it will be an experience of a lifetime.

For avid road trippers, a tantalizing journey awaits along the Khasab coastal road. Or, you can join one of the best musandam tours from Dubai, exploring stunning vistas, crystal-clear waters, and a captivating blend of mountains, beaches, and historical musandam tourist places.

Known as the “Norway of Arabia,” this natural wonder invites you to bask in its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil waters. From thrilling excursions to peaceful beachside relaxation, Musandam offers a rejuvenating and awe-inspiring experience for both visitors and residents of Dubai.

Don’t miss the opportunity to create lasting memories in this enchanting destination!