Top 5 Hiking Trails in UAE: Your Guide to Outdoor Adventure

Socotra Island - often called the “Galápagos of the In dian Ocean” - is one of the most unique and untouched places on Earth. Known for its surreal landscapes, endemic dragon blood trees, and warm-hearted people, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and explorers alike. Here’s everything you need to know before you embark on your adventure to Socotra with Arabian Wanderers . Aerial view of Socotra Island’s coastline with turquoise waters and white dunes. Is Socotra safe? Socotra Island is very safe . The island has always been difficult to reach, especially in the past years where it has been isolated from the rest of the world due to the Yemeni civil war. However, Socotra has never been affected by the dynamics of the mainland. Generally, there is very little crime in Socotra, and the local people are incredibly friendly. The most dangerous part of traveling to Socotra is tripping over your own feet while admiring the views during a hike. Where is Socotra island located? Socotra lies in the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa , located around 240 km east of Cape Guardafui (Somalia) and 380 km south of Ras Fartak (Al Mahrah, Yemen). Together with its neighboring islands - Abd Al-Kuri, Samha, and Darsa - Socotra forms the Socotra Archipelago , one of the most botanically diverse island groups in the world. It’s one of the most isolated landforms on Earth of continental origin, meaning it’s non-volcanic but a fragment of the ancient southern supercontinent of Gondwana. How to get to Socotra? Since the reopening of the commercial air route to Socotra, the Abu Dhabi–Socotra connection has become 100% reliable, allowing tourism on the island once again. Today, you can reach Socotra with 2-weekly non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi , scheduled every Tuesday and Friday . It’s a government-operated charter flight and does not offer online booking yet. This means that in order to secure a seat on this in-demand flight, you’ll need to book through a licensed local operator such as Arabian Wanderers , who will handle your flight arrangements. ⚠️ Flights to Socotra get fully booked several months in advance , especially during the peak season between November and April . We strongly recommend booking your tour at least 5–6 months ahead to guarantee your flight seats. Do you need a visa to visit Socotra? Yes. A ll tourists require a Yemeni visa to visit Socotra Island. The process is simple and handled entirely by Arabian Wanderers. All we need is a digital copy of your passport’s main page , and within a few days your visa will be ready. You’ll receive a digital copy by email, which you’ll present at the Abu Dhabi check-in counter before your flight. The original visa will be handed to you upon arrival at Socotra airport. Tourist handing passport for Socotra Island visa processing at Abu Dhabi airport . Will travel to Socotra affect my travel to other countries? While Socotra is part of Yemen, immigration officials understand that travellers may be concerned about having a Yemeni stamp in their passport. You can request that your visa be stamped on a separate paper instead , and the officers will gladly accommodate your request. This ensures your passport remains unaffected for future travels. Yemeni visa stamped on a separate paper for travel to Socotra Island. When is the best time to visit? Tours operate from October to April , each period offering a distinct natural charm: October – November: Lush green landscapes, seasonal waterfalls, and occasional whale shark sightings. December – February: Cooler weather, the beginning of Bottle Tree blooming, lush scenery, and possible whale shark encounters. March – April: Warm weather, calm seas ideal for snorkeling, and peak Bottle Tree blooming season. May to September is the monsoon season — with high winds and rough seas — and tours do not operate during this time. Bottle tree in bloom during spring. Can I bring my drone? Yes, you can bring your drone to Socotra — just let us know in advance. Arabian Wanderers will handle your drone permit request , and you’ll simply pay a $100 fee upon arrival at the airport. You are free to fly your drone across the island, provided you follow basic safety rules regarding distance from people, towns, and wildlife. Drone flying over the Dragon's Blood Tree Forest (Fermhin), the Natural Infinity Pool (Homhil Protected Area) and the Arher Sand Dunes. What’s included in the Tour? When you book your expedition with a licensed tour operator , your experience will be fully inclusive and worry-free. Services Included: English-speaking Socotri guide 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser Double tent for single use (larger tents for couples) Mattress, bed sheets, pillow, pillow cover, and blanket Airport transfers in Socotra 3 meals per day plus snacks Purified drinking water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks All camping, protected area, and permit fees Boat ride to Shoab Beach Local guides for specific excursions And, of course, a whole lot of epic adventures and hidden spots! Convoy of 4x4 vehicles driving through the mountains of Socotra Island . Where will I sleep? During our best-selling 4-night or 7-night itinerary, you’ll camp in some of the most breathtaking corners of the island. Each night, your tent will be pitched in a new location, allowing you to experience the incredible diversity of Socotra’s landscapes — from pristine beaches to dramatic mountain plateaus. You’ll be provided with a spacious personal tent, complete with a mattress, bedsheet, blanket, pillow, and pillowcase for maximum comfort. For the more remote areas, our team sets up portable toilets and showers , while in less remote locations, you’ll enjoy built facilities for extra convenience. Our crew will take care of pitching and folding your tent every day, so you can simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. The tents are designed for comfort and space — ensuring you’ll sleep soundly under the stars, surrounded by the serenity of nature. What will I eat? After long days of exploration, enjoy freshly prepared meals made by local chefs. You’ll be served three meals a day , featuring delicious Socotri recipes and fresh local ingredients. Expect: Fresh seafood Mixed salads Lamb stew Grilled tuna Fried chicken Local bread and honey Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary restrictions can be catered to with advance notice. As part of our commitment to sustainability , every traveler receives a reusable water bottle to minimize single-use plastic on the island. What do I need to pack? To make the most of your Socotra adventure, here’s what we recommend packing: Comfy, airy clothes (especially March–April) Women should cover shoulders and knees in villages Hiking clothes and shoes A warm layer for windy evenings Swimsuit and towel Hat or scarf for sun protection Watershoes (recommended) Eco-friendly toiletries and reef-safe sunscreen Headlamp First aid kit and personal medication Passport and cash (only new USD accepted) Power bank and electronics or camera gear Tip: Use backpacks or duffle bags — they make logistics and camping much easier on the island! Travel essentials for Socotra Island including backpack, hat, hiking shoes, and camera. Why choose Arabian Wanderers for Socotra ? Arabian Wanderers employs the island’s most experienced local guides, ensuring authentic, sustainable, and seamless experiences. We prioritize: Responsible tourism and fair treatment of local communities Deep knowledge of the terrain and hidden gems Seamless logistics from visa to return flight Small groups for a more intimate and personalized adventure Thanks to our passion for exploration and our local team, we bring you closer to Socotra’s untouched beauty — responsibly and comfortably. Book your spot now on our 8 days or 5 days trip or reach out to our team for recommendations based on your travel dates! This blog has been brought to you by Arabian Wanderers — the world’s leading experts in Arab world adventure travel, guiding unforgettable journeys through Socotra, the remote deserts of the UAE (Al Quaa, Jebel Jais, Liwa), the wild beauty of Oman (Musandam, Salalah, Muscat, Snake Canyon), the cultural treasures of Saudi Arabia (Aseer, AlUla), and the ancient wonders of Jordan — among others.

How to go to Khasab from Dubai? If you are a UAE resident, the best way to reach Khasab is by car. Tips for driving to Khasab: If your car is under a bank loan, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your bank or dealership to cross the border into Oman. You’ll need Oman car insurance , which can be purchased at the border if you don’t already have one. You cannot take a car that is not registered in your name unless you have an RTA permit. The drive from Dubai to Khasab takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes , plus an additional 30–60 minutes for the border crossing and a fuel or snack stop. Expect a total journey of 3 to 3.5 hours . If you are a tourist or don’t have a car, the next best option is to join an organized tour , where comfortable transportation is arranged from Dubai to Khasab and back — completely hassle-free! Beautiful coastal road from Dubai to Khasab with turquoise waters and rugged cliffs along the Musandam Peninsula. What to do in Khasab? Given the long drive, we highly recommend spending 2 days in Khasab instead of the typical 1-day trips offered by mass tour operators. In two days, you can: Watch dolphins playing alongside your dhow in the afternoon (avoiding the crowds of morning cruises). Enjoy a magical sunset, swimming, snorkeling , and kayaking in secluded spots. Have a freshly grilled BBQ dinner on the dhow, listen to music, and play games with fellow travelers. On the second day, you’ll wake up for a sunrise hike , enjoy breakfast on the dhow , go traditional fishing, swim, snorkel , and kayak again. You’ll then have a buffet lunch near Seebi Island before returning to the port. Arabian Wanderers is the only operator offering 2-day group trips to Khasab — unlike other overcrowded, low-quality 1-day tours that are exhausting due to the long commute. Where is Khasab? Khasab is located in Musandam, Oman , yet it’s closer to Dubai than Muscat (Oman’s capital). This is because Khasab lies in an Omani exclave , separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE. You can only reach it by driving through the UAE . While it takes just 2h 58 minutes from Dubai , the journey from Muscat takes around 7 hours — which is why most visitors to Khasab are UAE residents or tourists visiting the UAE . Do you need a visa to visit Khasab? Most nationalities (excluding certain African nationalities, Pakistani, and a few others) holding a UAE work visa valid for over 3 months and a passport valid for at least 6 months can enter Oman visa-free or get a visa on arrival. If you hold a dependent visa and your dependent meets the same criteria, you can also enter visa-free or get a visa on arrival, provided your dependent travels with you. For extra peace of mind, you can apply online for a quick and affordable Oman e-visa (50 AED) at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ . For any updates, call the Omani authorities at +968 22848200. If you’re joining our 2-day Musandam trip , feel free to reach out for visa help! While we are not a visa agency, we are experts at organizing unforgettable Khasab experiences and can guide you through the process. When is the best time to visit Khasab? July–August: Not recommended – very humid. Shoulder Season (May–June & September–October) : Cooler water and slightly milder temperatures, offering a refreshing escape. November–April: The best time for a Musandam trip . The water is warm, the weather is pleasant, and you can spend long hours outdoors, enjoying the scenery and sleeping under the stars on the dhow . What’s included in the 2-day tour ? Three meals: lunch buffet, breakfast, and dinner buffet on the dhow (vegan and vegetarian options available) Beverages (soft drinks, tea, coffee, water) Accommodation on the dhow (mattresses, pillows, blankets) Card games and activities Adventure Leaders – fun guides who know Khasab inside out Traditional Dhow Cruise with snorkeling gear, kayaks, snacks, refreshments, and a toilet on board Great people and great fun! Buffet meal on the dhow. What to pack for your Musandam trip? Essentials Original Passport Emirates ID (for UAE residents) Clothes Jacket or sweatpants (for cool nights) Sportswear (for hiking) Change of clothes Swimwear Accessories Small backpack for hikes (with snacks and water) Another bag for personal items Beach towel , cap , and sunglasses Earplugs (for light sleepers) Optional: waterproof bag or phone cover Toiletries Sunscreen Footwear Hiking or running shoes Why travel to Khasab? Majestic Fjords: The Musandam fjords, carved by the sea, resemble Norway’s fjords – a rare and breathtaking sight in Arabia. Dolphin Encounters: Watch wild dolphins swim alongside traditional Omani dhows. Remote Coastal Villages: Visit Nadifi and Sham , fishing villages only accessible by boat. Snorkeling & Marine Life: Explore vibrant coral reefs and underwater wonders. Scenic Coastal Dri ve: Admire cliffs, winding mountain roads, and sea views on the way from Dubai. Peaceful Escape: Disconnect from the city and unwind in nature — just a few hours from Dubai. Majestic Musandam Fjords Why choose Arabian Wanderers for your Musandam trip ? Small Group Experience: Limited to 20 travelers for a personal, comfortable adventure. Expert Guidance: English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge. Fun & Bonding: Enjoy games, shared meals, and social activities that bring people together. Unique 2-Day Format: The only 2-day, 1-night group trip offering an immersive experience. Exclusive Activities: Kayaking, traditional hand-line fishing, night swimming, and a sunset hike. Sleep Under the Stars: Spend the night on a traditional dhow in the calm waters of Musandam. Onboard BBQ Dinner: Enjoy a freshly grilled dinner right on the dhow — an Arabian Wanderers exclusive! Book your spot now on our 2 days trip or reach out to our team for recommendations based on your travel dates ! Arabian Wanderers's group enjoying their time on the dhow during a 2-day Musandam trip Plan your perfect Musandam trip to Khasab with Arabian Wanderers. Learn how to get there, visa info, best time to visit, what to pack, and why our 2-day dhow experience is the best in Oman.

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