Khasab and Musandam: Oman's fjords at the Strait of Hormuz

Musandam is an Omani exclave at the very tip of the Arabian Peninsula, separated from the rest of the country by the UAE and facing Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. Its jagged limestone mountains plunge straight into the sea, forming deep inlets (khors) that have earned it the name "the Norway of Arabia". Khasab is its capital and only real town.

Khasab

Khasab is a small port town with a harbour full of dhows and speedboats, a souq and a 17th-century castle built by the Portuguese, now a museum. Its trade with the Iranian coast across the strait has been part of local life for generations. Musandam's people speak Arabic and also Kumzari, a language found only here.

The khors and dhow cruises

The classic experience is a day on a traditional dhow through Khor Ash Sham, the largest fjord, with stops to swim and snorkel, spot dolphins and pass fishing villages reachable only by boat. Telegraph Island, a former British telegraph station from the 1860s, sits in the middle of the khor.

Mountains

The road to Jebel Harim, the highest point in Musandam at just over 2,000 metres, climbs through fossil-rich rock to views over both sides of the peninsula. Four-wheel drive is recommended. Khor Najd, reachable by a steep switchback road, is the only fjord you can drive down to.

Getting there

• By air: flights from Muscat to Khasab Airport.
• By sea: the National Ferries Company has run fast ferries between Muscat (Shinas) and Khasab; check the current schedule.
• By road from the UAE: from Ras Al Khaimah via the Al Darah/Tibat border crossing, about two hours from Dubai. You need a valid UAE exit and an Omani entry, so check visa rules for your nationality.

Living and property

Musandam is remote and lightly populated, and it is listed among areas where foreign ownership of land is restricted. It is a place to visit rather than to buy property.

How R2LUX helps

If you love the sea, Muscat's marina and bay communities offer year-round boating with a home you can own. Three current options are below.