Khasab City Guide

Khasab, the administrative capital of the Musandam Governorate, sits at the tip of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman’s northernmost territory separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Known as the Norway of Arabia for its dramatic fjord-like inlets (khors), Khasab offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Facts

The Fjords of Musandam

The Musandam khors are deep coastal inlets carved between towering limestone cliffs rising to 2,000 metres. Khor Ash Sham, the most visited khor, extends 16 kilometres inland with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving. Telegraph Island within the khor served as a British telegraph relay station in the 19th century.

Tourism Activities

Dhow cruises through the fjords are the signature tourism experience, often accompanied by dolphin watching as pods of dolphins regularly swim alongside boats. Scuba diving reveals diverse marine life including whale sharks. Mountain safari drives along dramatic cliff roads offer breathtaking panoramic views.

Khasab Fort

The 17th-century Portuguese-built Khasab Fort houses a museum documenting the region’s maritime history and cultural heritage. The fort’s strategic location overlooking the harbour reflects Musandam’s importance in controlling the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel.

Border Trade

Khasab has historically served as a re-export hub, with traditional dhow trade connecting Oman with Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. The government is developing Khasab Port to support legitimate trade and tourism cruise vessels.

Access and Development

Khasab Airport provides daily flights from Muscat. The road from the UAE border has been upgraded, and new hotel developments aim to increase tourism capacity. A high-speed ferry service connecting Khasab to Muscat has been introduced to improve accessibility.