The Ultimate Guide: Planning Your Dream Musandam Trip from Dubai

The Musandam Peninsula of Oman is a stunning and rugged place. The nature is nearly unbelievable, showing off deep blues, desert browns, and rocky purple peaks. If you are curious about this small area cut off from most of Oman, here is exactly what you need to know to visit.

The Musandam Peninsula is part of the country of Oman, but it is actually easier to reach from Dubai than from Muscat. Cut off from it’s own country, this stunning peninsula carries much of the same beauty that “mainland” Oman has.

I’ve been traveling the Gulf countries for over a decade now, and I can tell you without a doubt, this is one of the must-see places in Oman, hands down. But, it can certainly be confusing to plan a trip between two countries. And yes, there are a lot of rules and regulations you need to know.

Read on to learn how to plan a trip to Musandam from Dubai, as well as top things to do here – whether self-driving or on a tour through Khasab.

My first taste of Oman was during a solo trip around the Middle East, more than a decade ago. While traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai as a solo female, I just knew I needed to see Oman for myself.

Since Dubai is much more familiar with tourists and expats than Oman, it was not easy to plan at the time. Admittedly I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect once I crossed the border from Dubai to Musamdam.

I assumed that being a solo female in Oman could potentially cause some issues.

But I went for it anyway and – spoiler alert – the Musandam Peninsula is one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of all of Oman. And that is saying a lot.

Where is Musandam, Oman?

The Musandam Peninsula is split from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. The Musandam Peninsula borders with the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which also offers plenty of adventurous activities in the mountains!

In 1971, when the United Arab Emirates was formed, Oman retained ownership of the small patch of land on the northern Gulf Coast. To give up this peninsula would be to lose the strategic advantage of the northern coast and port, across the sea from Iran.

The Musandam Peninsula is sparsely populated, with only a few settlements beyond the town of Khasab. I suppose this is due to how separate it is.

Note that, while this area is still part of Oman, the Musandam Peninsula is actually easier to reach from Dubai and the UAE than from the rest of Oman.

How To Get To Musandam, Oman from Dubai, UAE?

You essentially have two main options. Either take your Musandam trip from Dubai by car – meaning self-drive – or book a tour.

Travel to Musandam from Dubai by car:

One great way to visit Musandam is by car, as the peninsula can’t be explored by foot or public transportation (there really isn’t any reliable public transport to choose from!)

It is absolutely possible to rent a car and drive from Dubai to the Musandam Peninsula. But there are some strict regulations, which I will cover below.

Depending on where you are in Dubai, it will take around 3 hours to drive, passing through Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, to the Al Qir border post. This is the only border crossing to enter Musandam for tourists. 

If you rent a car, you do need to plan ahead and verify with your rental company to make everything legal BEFORE you arrive there.

At the border you will need:

The border is one of the most simple I have ever passed through, though on holidays I’ve heard the lines can get long.

Note that the prices quoted above as well as the documents needed can change at any time, so always triple check with your rental company.

Travel to Musandam from Dubai on a tour:

If you are not feeling brave enough to plan for self-driving on your Musandam trip, don’t worry. You can also experience the Musandam Peninsula through tours.

And, since this peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in Oman, you need to see it one way or another!

Most tour companies will pick you up either from Dubai or from your hotel in Musandam. The transportation cost is always included in the package price, but be sure to double check where the tour originates.

✅ BROWSE MUSANDAM, OMAN TOURS HERE! ✅

Things to Do in Musandam, Oman

Firstly, I urge you to spend three nights on the Musandam Peninsula, if possible. Each of the three suggestions below could easily fill an entire day each.

I left after four days, feeling like there was still more I could explore.

1. Visit Jebel al Harim in the Hajar Mountains.

This is by far the most memorable place I visited in the entire Musandam Peninsula. And that is saying a lot! Whether you self-drive or visit Jebel al Harim by tour, you need to see it.

“Jebel al Harim” in English translates to Mountain of Women. Long ago, local women would trek up to the safety of the mountains when the village men were off on extended fishing and pearling trips. The highest peak of the peninsula sits at 2087m tall.

You can still catch a glimpse of a few village tribes living in the mountains – I saw them trekking up or down three different times while I was here. It’s fascinating to see modern people still living in this ancient way in the harsh mountains.

After a while of zig-zagging up curving roads, you will reach the summit.

What really struck me – and actually what drew me to this corner of Oman to begin with – is that you can find perfectly preserved fish and marine fossils from the bottom of the ocean, now standing atop the highest peak of these Omani mountains!

The fossils are plentiful. You will see fish, trilobites, clams, and other documentation of long-gone creatures all over the rocks of Jebel al Harim.

There is even a vertical cliff wall showcasing crystal clear silhouettes of starfish, shells, and crabs. This used to be the ocean floor and now here it is, high in the mountains of Oman!

Do not skip Jebel al Harim in the Hajar Mountains. You do need a 4WD vehicle so it is wise to book a tour for this trip. An added benefit for having a guide in these mountains is that they know exactly where to find the most stunning views and fossils.

2. Take a Dhow Cruise in Khasab.

Traditional dhow cruises are available in either half-day or full-day excursions through the fjords of Musandam. That’s right, I called them “fjords”.

This area off the coast of Oman is often referred to as the “Norway” of the Middle East, and it’s easy to see why once you are standing in awe of the stunning scenery! Tall rocky cliffs, glistening water, and the open sea. Perfection.

On the dhow cruises, you will glide through the water, most likely seeing dolphins swim next to the boat as you go. The dolphins chased my boat for miles!

Many of the dhow tours offer snorkeling and swimming near Telegraph Island, in crystal blue water, so don’t forget your swimsuit. If you are wondering what to wear in Oman, I’ve got you covered there, too.

I recommend a full day tour over the half day tour, because there is just so much to see. The full day tours typically include lunch on the boat while the half-day tours do not. Of all of the Musandam trips and tours, this is definitely the most popular.

Also, most tours include round-trip transfer from your hotel (or even to the airport I hear), so be sure to let the tour operator know beforehand where your pickup and dropoff will be located.

3. Explore Khasab City.

Khasab is the capital city of Musandam. Here you can learn a bit more about typical local life. If you have a car, this is easy to do solo, as Khasab is not extremely large. If not, there are plenty of tour groups to show you around.

Khasab is well-known for it’s fishing activities. Overlooking the Persian Gulf, Khasab has a population of about 18,000 people.

The most interesting stops in the city are the Fort of Khasab, dating back to the 16th century, which now showcases traditional Omani handicrafts. Also, the Khasab Castle allows a glimpse into traditional Omani life, including thatch huts that you are free to explore.

Walking through the old and new souks in Khasab is enjoyable, whether you purchase souvenirs or not. If you do plan to buy, be sure to haggle and get the best price possible.

Don’t worry too much if it feels uncomfortable or is not part of your own culture; decide for yourself what price you are willing to pay for any given item, and be prepared to walk away if the shop owner won’t budge.

There is also plentiful tasty and traditional food in Khasab, so plan to stay for lunch or dinner (or both!). I had a very tasty baba ghanouj with pomegranate seeds on top, among other vegetarian staples. Delicious.

Where to Stay on your Musandam Trip from Dubai

You definitely have options on where to stay in Musandam Oman, from shoestring budgets to more comfortable ones.

Firstly, camping is allowed all over the Peninsula. However, I only recommend this for experienced campers who have brought all of the necessary gear.

As for hotels, here are three good options that cater to every budget.

Budget Option – Khasab Hotel

This affordable hotel has clean and cozy rooms and a pool that you will really appreciate if you travel in the summer. Most bookings on this site include breakfast as well. It is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to be based in Khasab.

🏨 BOOK KHASAB HOTEL HERE!

Mid Range Option – Atana Khasab Hotel

Perched on the face of a rock, this hotel offers panoramic views of the spectacular shoreline and jagged peaks.

From the outdoor pool to the on-site diving school, this is the place to stay if you want to spend several days here. The beautiful rooms have private balconies, and all guests have access to a fitness room and pool.

🏨 BOOK THE ATANA KHASAB HOTEL HERE!

Resort Option – Atana Musandam Resort

For anyone with more luxurious tastes, this one is for you. The Atana Musandam Resort has modern decor, ocean views, water sports facilities, and much more.

An array of water activities can be enjoyed through the hotel, including fishing, snorkeling, and diving.

🏨 BOOK THE ATANA MUSANDAM RESORT HERE!

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When is the Best Time to Visit Musandam Oman?

Like the rest of Arabian Gulf, summers are extremely hot on the Musandam Peninsula. Therefore, winter, early spring and late fall are the ideal months to travel to Musandam. 

How Many Days do I Need for a Musandam, Oman Trip?

It is definitely possible to book a one day tour or an overnight tour from Dubai to Musandam. But if you want to experience all of the various sides of Musandam, like the mountains, sea, and city, then you should spend at least three nights here.

I left after four short days and I felt like I could have stayed a bit longer.

***

Whether you are living in Dubai or just visiting, a Musandam trip from Dubai is an absolute must. The drive is short and straightforward, and border officials (as well as car rental agencies) have a smooth system worked out.

Though the Musandam Peninsula of Oman is a popular weekend trip from Dubai, the mountains and sea are so large that you can fee like you have the entire place to yourself.

Actually, I don’t think I saw another vehicle the entire day I was in the Hajar Mountains. Talk about off-the-beaten-path!

My entire trip was relaxing, awe-inspiring, and simply begging me to return again.

Whether you travel solo on your Musandam trip or travel through Oman with a tour guide, this is a spectacular place to spend several peaceful days. As I write this, I’m already dying to go back to Oman – and I can promise that I absolutely will!

And, if you are driving from the UAE:

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