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Asia > Middle East > Oman > Northern Oman > Musandam Peninsula > Khasab

Khasab

Harbour front mosque

Khasab (Arabic: خصب‎) is a city in the northwest Omani exclave of Musandam and home to about 18,000 inhabitants. It is the state capital of the Musandam peninsula on the coast of the Hormuz Strait between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Understand

Khasab was isolated from the rest of the region for a long time. In the 16th century Portuguese troops conquered the peninsula and established colonial structures. After Oman regained control, Khasab was controlled tightly due to its strategic position. The construction of the new road from the United Arab Emirates was started by the city to develop its infrastructure and encourage more tourism and investment. It is most popular to spend a weekend off from Dubai or to visit on your way to Muscat, taking the twice a day ferry-boat along the deserted and arid rocky coast of Musandam.

The city is the starting point to explore the little-known Musandam Peninsula and its special and unique traditions and culture. Travellers can enjoy great sights in and around the city that can be seen in two or three days cruising the region.

Climate

Khasab has a hot desert climate with very hot and humid summers and mild winters. Precipitation is low, and mostly falls from December to March.

Khasab is best visited in the winter, as it is one of the hottest places in Oman, with summer temperatures regularly climbing over 45°C. The world's highest minimum temperature (41.2°C, since broken) was recorded on the airport in 2011, and in 2017 the highest nighttime low temperature recorded (44.2 °C) was recorded.

Get in

Khasab is not easy to access, although you have a few transportation options, including daily morning flights from Muscat, a weekly ferry from Muscat or semi-weekly ferry from Dibba, or driving from the UAE through the Al Darah border post.

By plane

By ferry

  • 2 National Ferry Company (Muscat Ferry Boat), NFC Passenger Boarding Office Khasab (near Khasab Fort), ☏ +968 2673 1802, . There is ferry service to/from Muscat (5 hr) and Dibba (2½ hr). From Muscat, the ferry departs every Thursday at noon, and returns every Saturday at 11:30AM. From Dibba, ferries depart on Sundays and Thursdays (departure 1PM), and return to Dibba on Tuesdays (departure 10AM) and Thursdays (departure 12:30PM). All ferries have free Wi-Fi, with lunch, snacks and beverages included in the ticket price. You should get your ferry ticket in advance to ensure your place on the boat. Muscat one way: RO 45/23 (business/tourist class); Muscat return: RO 85/44 (business/tourist class); Dibba one way: RO 10 (business class), RO 6 (tourist class). (updated Apr 2016)

By cruise ship

Passengers disembarking at the 3 Khasab cruise ship terminal will find free shuttle buses to take them to the city centre, as well as tour operators who charge considerably less than the cruise line for organised excursions.

By road

View along the Khasab Coastal Road

You can easily drive from Dubai or any of the other emirates by heading north on the E11 motorway towards Ras al Khaimah, and then on to the 1 Al Darah border post, after which the road becomes the very scenic 02, or the 'Khasab Coastal Road'. The road is in very good condition on the Omani side and the UAE RAK part is being upgraded.

If driving a hired car, be sure to inquire whether the company permits their cars to be driven into Oman, and if so which specific border crossings may be used, as not all crossings may be permitted. You should let the rental agency know at least a day beforehand, so that they can prepare the necessary documentation for the border officials. If you are driving your own car and do not have coverage for Oman, you can usually purchase third-party liability insurance on the Omani side of the border. This situation may change with little notice.

For the very adventurous, it is possible to take a taxi from Ras al Khaimah to the Al Darah border, but there are no taxis on the Omani side. Many trucks pass through this border daily, however, so you can ask an Omani police officer to get you a ride in one of these trucks and then hitchhike all the way to Khasab.

Get around

Central Khasab

There are no taxis in Khasab; however most hotels offer free minivan transportation within the city. To go further afield, you'll have to have your own car, or hire one. Additionally a number of travel agencies in Khasab offer organized minivan city tours, for half- or full-day visits.

During the cooler months, it's possible to explore the city by foot, and to hike around nearby villages and the mountains. If by chance you live in the UAE and are visiting Khasab with your own car, you can bring along your bicycle. Dress conservatively if entering Bedouin or remote fishing villages.

Rental cars

See

Central courtyard of Khasab Castle with traditional fishing boats on display
Khasab Center Mosque by night
  • 1 Khasab Dhow Port (facing the ferry terminal). The traditional port for dhow boats is a place where you can appreciate and enjoy typical photogenic boats from this region – nowadays most of them are motorised. You can easily find boats here to take you on a sea cruise. 
    • 2 Iranian smugglers (right by the cruise ship dock). Khasab is known for its Iranian smugglers. Daily hundreds of small jet boats cross the Strait of Hormuz from the southern Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, bringing over goats and sheep destined for the UAE, and porting back such diverse items as televisions, cigarettes, and other goods in an effort to avoid Iranian import duties. The smugglers' fortunes fluctuate with the value of the Iranian currency and with the effects of international sanctions. It's a dangerous business, as they must avoid not only very heavy shipping traffic but also the Iranian Coast Guard, which has no qualms of shooting them on sight – spotters on the Iranian side help by tracking the coast guard's movements. Because Khasab is a free trade port the Omani authorities tolerate this practice, provided the activities only take place during daylight hours. Toward sunset the activity gets especially frenetic as they pack up their wares to leave again. 
  • 3 Khasab Castle (S side of the harbour, facing the ferry terminal). The Portuguese constructed this fortress in the beginning of the 17th century and occupied it until their withdrawal from the region. This castle, which housed the Wali and his family in recent centuries and once held prisoners, has been restored and transformed into a regional museum. In the courtyard of the castle are boats and houses representative of the unique heritage of Musandam. RO 0.5. 
  • 4 Al Khmazera Castle (Alkmazrh Fort / Khmazera Castle). Sa-W 8AM-2PM. This fort is inside the city and it seems to belong to a specific tribe among the local people. The fort is taken care by the tribe's youngsters, who are proud of their ancestral possession. (updated Mar 2018)
  • 5 Khasab palm groves (old city). Hidden inside Khasab's old city, you can visit and explore the beautiful palm groves, which supply local people with some dates. 
  • 6 Khasab Central Mosque (Sultan Qaboos Mosque) (New Souq area). The central mosque in the south of the city was completed in 2009, and is an important landmark. It has a capacity of 1900 worshippers and, just like many other large mosques in Oman, is named after the current sultan. (updated Mar 2018)

Do

Dhow cruise in Khor Ash Sham
Telegraph Island
Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains
  • Dhow cruises. Twice daily. A great way to appreciate the dramatic coastline is to take a cruise in a dhow. Cruises depart from the main Khasab port and travel through Khor Ash Sham, the largest and one of the more scenic fjords. Highlights include dolphin-watching, visits to 7 Telegraph Island (Jazirat al Maqlab) with its abandoned 19th-century British telegraph station, and snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Full-day cruises continue on to 8 Seebi Island (Jazirat Sibi), with possible detours to one or more traditional fishing villages, and more snorkelling.
    The dhow operator will provide all snorkelling equipment, along with drinks and a snack for the half-day excursion, or lunch for the full-day outing. Any of the agencies in town can arrange this but possibly the easiest way to book a trip is through the front desk of your hotel.     Half-day: RO 15 if going with other people, RO 30 if going alone; full-day: RO 20. 
  • Diving. The diving season runs from April through January, and the best time to see whale sharks is between May and October. Most dive spots are also suitable for snorkeling. In addition to the dive centres listed below, the Atana Khasab (listed under 'sleep') has its own dive centre. (updated Sep 2018)
  • Al Hajar al Gharbi Mountains (Ru'us al-Jabal Mountains). Khasab is a good base to stage a mountain safari and explore the rugged northernmost extremity of the Western Hajar Mountains. If you don't have your own 4WD vehicle, you can rent one or arrange a guided tour through one of the travel agencies in town. Highlights include the prehistoric petroglyphs of 9 Tawi Village and the Musandam Peninsula's highest point, 3 Jebel Harim (2087 m). At the mountain top is a military radar station, so going to the top requires permission and most tours therefore stop at 1600 m above sea level near the military barracks. 
  • 4 Bassa Beach (Bossa Beach). A pleasant beach popular with locals, with picnic and toilet facilities. Free. 
  • City walk by night. As the temperature is far more pleasant during the evening, you can stroll around the city center along the avenue and center mosque. Also, there are a couple of gardens that are open by night, where you can see families playing with their children. 

Tour agencies

For exploring the coastline, or for those without a vehicle, there are a half-dozen agencies in town which offer tours with English-speaking guides. Excursions include dhow cruises, kayak tours, mountain safaris, and camping trips. The most established are listed below.

Several tour operators offer day-long or overnight dhow trips to the very isolated village of 10 Kumzar, where inhabitants speak Kumzari, the only Persian language native to the Arabian peninsula. Visitors to Kumzar must have a permit, which can be arranged in advance by the tour company.


Buy

Central Souk area of Khasab

There are quite a few options of different supermarkets full with normal groceries, bottled water etc. LuLu Market is by far the biggest and offers the biggest variety, but small supermarkets have local products and niche products.

  • 1 LuLu Hypermarket, New Souq area (harbour area), ☏ +968 26 830100, . 8AM-11:45PM. Largest supermarket in Musandam with huge range of products (food/non-food). 
  • 2 Local Handicraft Shop, Khasab Castle (inside Khasab Castle). Many local Musandam handicraft and Omani souvenirs are for sale in the shop inside Khasab Castle. Very friendly staff. 
  • 3 Old Souq (north of the Persian Gulf Roundabout). The old souq is a good place to pick up hand-crafted walking sticks, the more elaborate of which are decorated with silver. 
  • Dates. At the tiny Sikkit market in centre town you can buy fresh dates. 

Eat

Date plantation

Most supermarkets have freezers with several types of ice cream, which is very welcome in the extreme heat.

Unsurprisingly the local cuisine is based primarily on grilled meats and seafood, with some Persian influences. Although most hotels have their own onsite restaurants, it is worth seeking out the handful of local establishments listed below.

  • 1 Amjad Restaurant (near the harbour), ☏ +968 26 830124. Daily 10AM-11PM. Specializes in grilled seafood. (updated Aug 2018)
  • Musandam Restaurant, ☏ +968 2673 0569. 8AM-11PM. Local meat and fish dishes in this restaurant in centre of the city. Expect to pay from RO 1-2 depending on what you eat. Some vegetarian/vegan options. 
  • 2 Al Shamaliah Grill & Restaurant, Bani Mohamed Obaid St (near the mosque), . Daily 9AM-2AM. Very good grill restaurant at the main square. Popular for local fish and meat dishes. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 3 Telegraph Island Restaurant and Cafe, Khasab Lulu Hypermarket (city centre), ☏ +968 26 730577, . Daily 10AM-midnight. Serves freshly cooked food, including grills, Indian and Arabic cuisine, tandoori, pizzas, fresh juices, and fresh brewed coffee. RO 0.3-0.5. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 4 Wadi Qada Restaurant, Khasab Coastal Rd (near the harbour), ☏ +968 26 730399. Daily 11AM-midnight. A popular Persian restaurant which also serves some vegetarian and vegan options. (updated Aug 2018)

Drink

As elsewhere in the Gulf region, fruit juices and smoothies are a popular drink served in some restaurants. They are generally made with real fruit and often mixed with ice cream.

Black tea is the traditional tea from the region, served in all local restaurants; however nowadays it is usually Lipton Black Tea.

Alcohol is served only in a couple of licensed restaurants and bars attached to the Atana Khasab and the Atana Musandam Resort, and as it is imported, rather expensive (e.g. beer RO 3-4).

Sleep

Bossa beach

Khasab has six hotels and limited capacities for travellers, and during the weekend hotels are usually sold out.

Bassa Beach (Bossa Beach), which is very popular with families, is an option for a single night of camping. The beach has only a toilet and no other facilities. It's directly on the road between Atana Khasab Hotel and Khasab and is very lively during the weekend. Non-Emirati/Omani travellers should expect to be seen as a tourist attraction with unwanted attention from kids or youths from the area.

Budget

  • 1 Esra Hotel Apartments (S of city centre), ☏ +968 26 730464, fax: +968 26 730 364. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. In essence two apartment buildings for up to 30 people in ca. 16 rooms. Rooms are non-smoking with kitchenettes and free Wi-Fi. There is an onsite coffee shop. RO 25+. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 2 Lake Hotel, Khasab Coastal Road, ☏ +968 26 731664. Check-in: noon-8AM, check-out: 12:00-13:00. Very basic accommodation, cash only. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles RO 27+. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 3 Khasab Hotel, Khasab Main Road, ☏ +968 26 730267, +968 26 730271, fax: +968 26 730989, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Double, triple, deluxe and family rooms. Swimming pool and restaurant. Free internet access and airport pick-up. Doubles RO 28+ including breakfast, more expensive on weekends and during high season. (updated Aug 2018)

Mid-range

Atana Khasab
  • 4 [formerly dead link] Diwan Al Amir, Khasab Main Road, ☏ +968 26 833991, . Check-in: 2-6PM, check-out: noon. Has an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free shuttle service. Doubles RO 45+ including breakfast. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 5 Atana Khasab (formerly known as the Golden Tulip Hotel) (38 km from Al Darah border, 5 km from Khasab airport and the city center), ☏ +968 26 730777, . Check-in: 2-6PM, check-out: noon. Sea view rooms, swimming and children pool plus play area, gym, WiFi. Licensed with an onsite restaurant. Offers free shuttle service between the hotel and anywhere in Khasab – they will also pick you up if you call. This is the default hotel for package tourists and larger groups, and generally is completely booked at the weekend. Doubles RO 51+ including breakfast, more expensive on weekends and during high season. (updated Aug 2018)

Splurge

  • 6 Atana Musandam Resort (just N of Lulu Hypermarket and Khasab Castle), ☏ +968 26 730888, . Check-in: 2PM-midnight, check-out: noon. Khasab's newest hotel has 110 rooms, each with private balcony or terrace. Other facilities include nonsmoking rooms, an onsite licensed restaurant, fitness and dive centre, pool, and free Wi-Fi. Doubles RO 103+ including breakfast, more expensive on weekends and during high season. (updated Aug 2018)

Cope

Khasab city centre has a growing number of bank branches due to trading activities. Near the New Souq roundabout in the direction of the main square several banks operate ATMs, including 3 HSBC, 4 National Bank of Oman, and 5 Bank Muscat for international debit and credit cards.

Any of the banks in the city centre can exchange money during weekdays, and Western Union has a few agents in the city, most of them open daily.

Respect

When visiting nearby villages, it is especially important to dress appropriately and behave respectfully (i.e. do not photograph villagers without their permission). This is not Dubai! For most of the 2010s all visits to Kumzar were suspended following villagers' complaints about outsiders' behaviour; the village been reopened to visitors, but a special permit required (see details above under 'Tour agencies').

Go next

Twice weekly ferry-boat from Khasab to Muscat. Minivan service to the border with United Arab Emirates from where you can call a taxi to pick you up and take you to Ras al Khaimah.

  • Flying to Muscat, Khasab Airport. Flights from Khasab to Muscat go daily for a 45 min flight. You have to buy the tickets at least the day before you fly. RO 25 one way. 
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