Musandam Road Trip from Dubai by Car – A Scenic Road Journey to Oman’s Hidden Paradise

Planning an epic road trip from Dubai to Musandam’s stunning Khasab region? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure! Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring this “Norway of Arabia” by car.

Getting There: The Journey

The drive from Dubai to Khasab covers approximately 197-198 kilometers and takes 3-3.5 hours, including border formalities. Take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) heading north through Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah to reach the Al Dhara border crossing.

Border Crossing & Visa Requirements

You’ll need an Oman visa, which costs 5 OMR (approximately 50 AED) for a 10-day stay, plus a UAE exit fee of 35 AED per person. Many nationalities can obtain visa-on-arrival at the border, or you can apply online at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home. Ensure your passport has at least 3 months’ validity.

Pro tip: If you’re renting a car, make sure to carry a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental company allowing you to cross into Oman.

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Musandam Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Places

1. Bukha City & Fort

Bukha is the first settlement past the border and features a splendid fort with a single watchtower, picturesquely situated by the turquoise sea. Built in the 17th century, Bukha Fort served as a crucial defense structure protecting coastal trade routes, with impressive architecture featuring towering watchtowers and thick stone walls. The fort sits in a magnificent location with the sea in front in a perfect crescent bay, while tall mountains rise precipitously above.

Location: About 15 minutes’ drive from the UAE border, approximately 30 km before Khasab.

2. Bassa Beach

Located just 2 km from the Khasab ferry terminal, Bassa Beach is a sandy beach with shade and toilets, making it the nearest place to Khasab for a swim. This hidden gem features a delightful mix of sand and pebbles framed by dramatic cliffs, offering ample shade and breathtaking views.

The beach is perfect for camping (wild camping is legal in Oman), has clean washrooms, ample parking, and features the Zaree Khasab craft shop, where workshops preserve local culture and traditions. The clear turquoise waters invite swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Best time: Visit during sunrise or sunset for spectacular views and fewer crowds.

3. Secret Beaches

The Musandam coastline is dotted with secluded beaches accessible by boat or 4WD:

• Head to Khasab port, which will take you to secluded unnamed coves. There are many pristine spots along the northern coastline.
• Some secret beaches near Khasab are accessible only by 4×4 vehicles
• Khor Najd, located 30 km from Khasab, is a hidden beach requiring a drive to the top of a small mountain for stunning views of the bay and Omani fjords – you’re likely to see turtles approaching the shore

4. Wadi Qadah & Tawi Village

Turn off from the main Khasab Coastal Road, a little west of Bassa Beach, and head up the road for 2.6 km to reach Tawi village in Wadi Qadah. Here you’ll find some of Musandam’s best-preserved petroglyphs on large boulders, depicting hunters on horseback, boats, and wild animals. The prehistoric rock carvings show camels, ships, and warriors and are said to be more than 2,000 years old.

The village itself is picturesque with old wooden doors, roaming goats, and steep cliffs all around—accessible in a 2WD vehicle.

5. The Coastal Drive: Bukha to Khasab

The 40 km coastal route from Bukha to Khasab is one of the most jaw-dropping drives you’ll ever experience, with the smooth road skirting the coastline while hugging the colossal rugged Hajar Mountains. On one side are striking lofty mountain ranges, and on the other, creamy sand beaches separating crystal-clear shimmering sea from the road.

Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way to capture photos of simple mosques by beaches, old dhow boats, and the stunning contrast of mountains meeting the sea.

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Additional Experiences in Khasab Musandam

Dhow Cruise

While in Khasab, don’t miss taking a traditional dhow cruise through the dramatic fjords to see dolphins, snorkel in pristine waters, and visit Telegraph Island. There are a variety of packages available, including a half-day dhow cruise and a full-day full-daydhow cruise.

Mountain Safari to Jebel Harim

Jebel Al Harim, known as the “Mountain of Women,” is the highest peak in Musandam at 2,087 meters above sea level, offering stunning views and rocks with well-preserved fossils, including ancient sea creatures. You’ll need a 4WD for this adventure. Explore more about this tour on our Musandam Mountain safari page.

Hiking

The Khasab Heights trail (also called Khasab-Bassa or Khasab-Qadah Heights) starts near Atana-Khasab Hotel, is a moderately difficult 6-kilometer signposted route taking about 3 hours, offering wonderful views of the Musandam Peninsula.

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Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit: October to April offers cooler weather, with temperatures between 20-40°C. Summer can exceed 40°C.

What to Pack:

• Valid passport (3+ months validity)
• Light, loose-fitting clothing for daytime
• Jacket for cooler evenings
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Plenty of water (at least 2L for hiking)
• Sun protection
• Snorkeling gear (if you have your own)
• Camera for stunning landscapes

Camping: Wild camping is legal throughout Oman – Bassa Beach and various coastal spots offer free camping with basic facilities. Different tour operators provide dedicated remote campsites for Musandam beach camping.

Avoid: Public holidays and Fridays when borders can be crowded.

This road trip combines dramatic mountain scenery, pristine beaches, ancient history, and authentic Omani culture – all just a few hours from Dubai. The journey itself is as spectacular as the destination! For more information and guidelines, visit our Dubai to Khasab Musandam page.