Everything you need to know about Khasab, Musandam
A short, opinionated guide from our team on the ground. Updated for 2026.
Khasab is the small capital of Oman's Musandam governorate, sitting on the Strait of Hormuz. The town itself is quiet — a few harbourfront restaurants, a 17th-century fort, a morning fish market — but the surroundings are a fjord system of 1,800-metre limestone cliffs and the country's highest peak, Jebel Harim. Most visitors come for a day trip from the UAE; the ones who stay longer tend to come back. We have been running trips out of Khasab since 2013.
Khasab at a glance
- Capital of the Musandam governorate, population ~18,000
- On the Strait of Hormuz, 200 km from Dubai, separated from mainland Oman by the UAE
- Main industries: fishing, traditional dhow-building, tourism, the Royal Navy of Oman base
- Our office is Port Road, Khasab town, opposite Lulu Hypermarket, second floor
How to get there
- By car from Dubai: 2.5 hrs to the Al Dara border + 1.5 hrs to Khasab
- By car from Abu Dhabi: 4.5–5 hrs via the Hatta route
- By car from Sharjah / Ajman / RAK / Fujairah: 1.5–5 hrs depending on the city
- By ferry from Muscat: National Ferry, 5–6 hrs across the Gulf of Oman, twice weekly
- By air: small turboprop from Muscat, limited schedule (most guests drive or take the ferry)
Best time to visit
- October to April: best weather, calm seas, 22–30 °C — peak dhow and 4x4 season
- November–February: peak season, book 1–2 weeks ahead for the dhow
- May to September: hot (35–42 °C), occasional khareef mist in the mountains, lower hotel rates
- Dolphin season: year-round, best in winter (90%+ sighting in Nov–Apr, 65% in May–Oct)
Where to stay
- Atana Khasab — hilltop 4-star with panoramic views, 10 mins from the port
- Golden Tulip Khasab — 4-star on the south side of the corniche, walking distance to the harbour
- Khasab City Hotel — mid-range option near the old souq
- Beach camping in Khor Sham — operator-arranged overnight in a private cove
What it costs
- Full-day dhow cruise: from OMR 20 / AED 200 per person
- Half-day dhow cruise: from OMR 12 / AED 120 per person
- Mountain safari (4x4, half day): from OMR 25 / AED 250 per person
- Oman entry document at the border: 50 AED per person
- UAE exit fee at the border: 35 AED per person
- Khasab hotel night (3–4 star): OMR 35–70 / AED 330–665 per room
Where to eat
- Three small harbour restaurants grilling the morning catch — best fish in Khasab
- Hotel restaurants at the Atana and the Golden Tulip (buffet and à la carte)
- A handful of Arabic and Lebanese restaurants in the old souq area
- Pakistani and Indian eateries near the Lulu Hypermarket roundabout (cheap, large portions)
Dive deeper
Khasab FAQ
Is Khasab worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a quieter alternative to the usual UAE beach resorts. Khasab has the fjord-inlet coastline, a working dhow harbour, and good snorkelling within a 2.5-hour drive of Dubai.
How many days do I need in Khasab?
One full day is enough for the headline dhow cruise. Two days lets you add the Jebel Harim mountain safari. Three or more lets you include overnight dhow camping, Khor Najd, and a trip out to the remote village of Kumzar by speedboat.
Is Khasab safe for tourists?
Yes. Khasab is one of the safest towns in the region. Crime is rare, the people are welcoming to visitors, and the local police are present but unobtrusive. The dhow operators and 4x4 drivers are all licensed by the Musandam Governorate.
What language is spoken in Khasab?
Arabic is the official language. The local working language on the boats and in the souq is a mix of Arabic and Kumzari (the rare south-Arabian language spoken in Kumzar and the older Khasab families). English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and on tour boats. Hindi and Urdu are common among the working population in the smaller shops.
Do I need cash in Khasab?
For the dhow and the 4x4 you can pay in Omani Rial (preferred), AED, USD, or by bank transfer. For small purchases in the souq and the harbour restaurants, bring some AED or OMR in cash. ATMs from Bank Muscat, Bank Dhofar, NBO and HSBC are in town.