The road to Salalah: driving Muscat to Dhofar

Many families drive the roughly 1,000 kilometres from Muscat to Salalah, especially in the khareef season. The route runs inland via Nizwa and Adam, then south across the desert through Haima and Thumrait before descending to the coast.

The road

Large sections of the Adam–Thumrait road have been upgraded to a dual carriageway in recent years, making the journey safer.

Time and stops

Allow 10 to 12 hours of driving. Main stops are Adam, Haima and Thumrait, with fuel stations, mosques and simple restaurants at intervals.

Safety tips

• Start early and avoid driving tired; consider stopping overnight.
• Watch for camels, especially at night.
• Carry water and check your tyres before the desert stretch.
• Traffic is heavy at the start and end of the khareef holidays.

Alternative

Daily flights from Muscat to Salalah take about 1.5 hours.

Living near the main roads

Good road links shape property values in Muscat. R2LUX sells homes in communities where foreigners can own, close to the city's main routes; three current listings are below.