Musandam Trip: All You Need To Know for a Trip to Khasab

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 Drive: 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