Oman

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Khasab

Fjords, dolphins and forts in Oman's exclave

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Khasab Plan a trip around Oman

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Country: Oman

Photo: A.wahid47, CC BY-SA 4.0

Khasab is the small capital of Oman's Musandam exclave, a hot desert town of fjord-like inlets, dhows and rugged mountains often called the 'Norway of Arabia'. People come for dhow cruises, dolphin watching, snorkelling and a break from Dubai.

Largest cities

Muscat
Salalah
Sohar
Nizwa
Sur

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Oman
Capital: Muscat
City population: 17,777
Population of Oman: 4.8M
Country area: 309,500 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Omani Rial (OMR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.3845 OMR
Time zone: UTC+4
Calling code: +968
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 10 m
Plugs: G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 9999 (police) · 9999 (ambulance) · 9999 (fire)
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	24°	26°	30°	34°	38°	40°	39°	39°	37°	35°	31°	26°
Low	17°	19°	22°	26°	30°	32°	33°	32°	30°	28°	24°	20°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$48
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$120
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$280

Plan a trip to Khasab

Top things to do

≈ $40
Half-day dhow cruise in Khor Ash Sham
Sail the largest fjord in Musandam from the dhow port, watching for dolphins and stopping to snorkel near Telegraph Island; snorkelling gear, drinks and a snack are included.
- Half day
- Khor Ash Sham fjord
- Good for kids
≈ $75
Full-day dhow cruise to Seebi Island
Continue past Telegraph Island to Seebi Island with more snorkelling and possible stops at traditional fishing villages; lunch is provided on board.
- Full day
- Musandam coast and villages
- Good for kids
≈ $2
Khasab Castle
A restored 17th-century Portuguese fort on the south side of the harbour, now a regional museum with boats and houses in its courtyard; entry costs about RO 0.5.
- Half day
- Khasab Harbour and Dhow Port
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Khasab Dhow Port
Walk the traditional port facing the ferry terminal to see photogenic motorised dhows and arrange a sea cruise; it is liveliest towards sunset.
- Half day
- Khasab Harbour and Dhow Port
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Iranian smugglers at the cruise dock
Watch small jet boats from Iran unload goats, sheep and goods by the cruise ship dock; activity peaks towards sunset, and it is best observed from a respectful distance.
- Half day
- Khasab Harbour and Dhow Port
- Good in the evening
Free
Khasab palm groves
Explore the shaded date-palm groves hidden inside the old city, a quiet walk that shows how local dates are grown.
- Half day
- Old Town and Palm Groves
- Good for kids
Free
Khasab Central Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, completed in 2009 and holding 1,900 worshippers, is the city's main landmark in the New Souq area; dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
- Half day
- New Souq and Central Mosque
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Al Khmazera Castle
A small tribal fort inside the city, looked after by local youngsters, open Saturday to Wednesday mornings; it is a quick, low-key stop.
- Half day
- Old Town and Palm Groves
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Friday and Saturday

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many visitors can enter Oman visa-free for up to 14 days, while longer stays, work or study require a visa; other nationalities may need an e-visa or can get a visit visa on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, and border staff may ask for onward tickets, accommodation proof and travel health insurance. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official Royal Oman Police e-visa site before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Khasab Airport (KHS) is 5 km south of the centre, with daily 45-minute Oman Air flights from Muscat; a free or short taxi ride gets you into town. Many visitors instead drive from Dubai or Ras al Khaimah via the Al Darah border post on the scenic coastal road, or arrive by ferry from Muscat (5 hr) or Dibba (2½ hr).

Getting around

There are no taxis in Khasab, so most hotels run free minivans in town and you need a rental car or an organised minivan tour to reach the fjords, forts and villages further out.

Local tips

Dress conservatively, especially in Bedouin and remote fishing villages, and cover shoulders and knees.
Carry cash in Omani rials: small shops, forts and dhow operators may not take cards, and there are few ATMs outside the centre.
Avoid June to August, when temperatures regularly pass 45°C; the mild winter months are far more comfortable.
If driving a UAE rental car into Oman, confirm with the company a day ahead that the car and insurance are allowed across the Al Darah border.