Overview
Musandam Governorate is an exclave of the Sultanate of Oman located at the northernmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, separated from the Omani mainland by the United Arab Emirates. The governorate’s capital is Khasab, and it encompasses the dramatic Musandam Peninsula with its fjord-like inlets overlooking the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. With a population of approximately 45,000, Musandam is one of Oman’s smallest governorates in demographic terms but holds outsized strategic significance due to its position controlling access to the Persian Gulf. The governorate’s economy relies on fishing, small-scale trade, government services, and a growing tourism sector based on the spectacular coastal landscapes.
Key Facts
- Exclave territory at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula
- Capital city of Khasab
- Population of approximately 45,000 residents
- Overlooks the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz
- Features dramatic fjord-like khors with limestone cliffs
- Economy based on fishing, trade, government services, and tourism
- Connected to the Omani mainland by air and by road through the UAE
Significance for Vision 2040
Musandam’s exclave status and small population create unique development challenges that Vision 2040 must address through targeted investment. The governorate’s strategic importance at the Strait of Hormuz ensures continued government attention to its security and development needs. Vision 2040 identifies Musandam’s tourism potential as a key development opportunity, with the fjord landscapes attracting a niche market of adventure and nature tourists. Improving air connectivity, building tourism accommodation capacity, and developing marine tourism infrastructure are priorities for unlocking this potential. The governorate’s fisheries sector can be modernized and developed for export markets, while the small population means that even modest investment can have significant per capita impact on living standards and economic opportunities.