Situated southeast of Dubai, just about 150 kilometers away, lies the Sultanate of Oman. Oman has yet to be inundated by mass tourism, offering a unique experience for travelers. The country has consistently ranked high in the top 10 safest travel destinations worldwide, according to the “Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015” by the World Economic Forum. Currently, Oman holds the 9th position.
Oman boasts a stunning coastline stretching over 1700 kilometers, featuring lush wadis, rugged mountains, and vast desert plains, including the Rub al Khali desert, known as one of the largest sand deserts globally.
While Dubai is renowned for its modern high-rise buildings, Oman predominantly exudes a traditional character. There’s even a law prohibiting the construction of buildings taller than eight floors, all aimed at preserving Oman’s unique heritage. In Oman, you’ll primarily find ancient forts, traditional souqs, and beautiful cities that seem to have sprung straight out of an Arabian fairytale.
The Beautiful nature of Oman
In Oman, you will find a great diversity of nature. From vast sand plains to green oases in the southern region, Oman has it all! The Wahiba Sands is one of the most famous desert regions and is located south of the capital Muscat. The sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands cover an area of no less than 160,000 square meters. Here you can stay overnight in a tent camp, go on a desert safari, or ride a camel. And don’t forget to admire the stunning sunrise or sunset, they are magical!
A trip to Oman is not complete without a visit to one of the many wadis in the country. A wadi is a partially or completely dried-up riverbed that, due to its fertile soil, harbors many palm trees, flowers, and animals. These green oases form a stark contrast with the dry desert soil and rugged rock formations. In the wadis, if there is enough water, you can enjoy swimming, take a leisurely walk, climb the rock walls, or explore the wadi with a 4WD jeep.
The rugged Hajar Mountains in the northeast of the country are also well worth a visit. The mountain range stretches over a length of about 450 kilometers between the border of Oman and the United Arab Emirates and extends to the easternmost promontory of Oman at the Indian Ocean. It separates the low coastal plain of Oman from the high desert plain. The mountains are known for their rugged character and are often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. In the Hajar Mountains lies the highest mountain in Oman, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), which is a staggering 3017 meters high.
Musandam in Oman
Musandam is known as the Norway of Arabia, due to its long and impressive cream-colored limestone fjords that contrast vividly with the calm, turquoise waters. Exploring Musandam is a unique experience that you must try at least once!
From Dubai, there are various options to book a day trip to Musandam in Oman. Most tours include transfers to and from your hotel in Dubai, soft drinks during the tour, and a UAE departure.
Ancient culture
Culture enthusiasts can also indulge in Oman. Throughout the country, you’ll find ancient forts, and traces of bygone eras are everywhere. Most of the culture can be found in the country’s capital, Muscat.
One of Oman’s highlights is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. This mosque is the largest mosque in the country and is an imposing structure with beautiful marble and stunning Arabian details. The main prayer hall of the mosque is square in shape and measures a whopping 74.4 by 74.4 meters. The central dome is fifty meters high. The grand minaret of 90 meters tall and four flanking minarets, each 45.5 meters tall, are the visual hallmarks of the mosque. As one of the few mosques in the country, the Grand Mosque is also open to non-Muslim visitors.
Outdoor & Beach
Do you love hiking, trekking, or does diving make your heart beat faster? Then Oman is also a perfect destination for you. You can go hiking or cycling in the Hajar Mountains, take a kayak trip on the Gulf of Oman, or go on a desert safari in the Wahiba Sands desert.
Prefer to relax on the beach? That’s also possible in Oman. Despite being an Islamic country, Oman is a great place for a short sun, sea, and beach vacation or a day trip from Dubai. Along the country’s coastline, you’ll find stunning sandy beaches that are open to the public. On some beaches, if you’re in Oman at the right season, you can even spot nesting turtles.
Visit Oman from Dubai
If you want to experience the best of Oman, it’s best to take a multi-day trip from Dubai. There are various organized trips available where you’ll be taken by bus from Dubai to Oman. Those who prefer to go to Oman independently can best rent a car in Dubai. From the center of Dubai, it’s a short 150-kilometer drive (about 1.5 hours) to the border with Oman. From there, it’s approximately another 300 kilometers (about 3 hours) to the capital, Muscat.
An international driving permit is not required to drive in Oman. The country also has an excellent network of well-maintained roads, driving on the right, with all road signs in both Arabic and English. And if you happen to take a wrong turn, there’s always a local willing to help you kindly. Cities are easily accessible with a regular passenger car, but if you want to go off-road, a 4WD vehicle is essential. And gasoline in Oman is very cheap, costing you approximately 30 cents per liter. However, make sure to refuel on time, especially in remote areas where gas stations are scarce.
Visa for Oman
The visa rules for the Gulf state of Oman are being updated, affecting everyone who wants to take a day trip from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Oman. Starting from March 21, 2018, it’s no longer possible to travel to Oman without a visa and obtain a “visa on arrival” at the border or airport. This makes it slightly more challenging to spontaneously travel from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Oman for a day. Check this website for more information about the visa for Oman.
A Musandam tour, with boat trip from Dubai
Experience a half-Day Dhow Cruise to Khor Sham. Embarking on a Dhow Cruise offers an exceptional opportunity to behold the breathtaking Fjords and the picturesque surroundings. This Dhow Cruise sets sail towards the Khor Sham fjord, where a pod of dolphins often grace us with their presence amidst the tranquil seas. We anchor near the historic Telegraph Island, providing ample time for snorkeling and swimming. Immersing oneself in the vibrant marine life and exploring the underwater world around Telegraph Island evokes a sense of joy and nostalgia. Witnessing the majestic marine creatures gliding along the reef wall is an unforgettable experience awaiting you during your Half-Day Khasab Cruise with us. Safety jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided to guests as part of the tour, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Half-Day Mountain Safari to Jebel Harim.Prepare for an exhilarating 4×4 adventure as we ascend to 6,000 feet above sea level on our mountain safari tour. Departing from Khasab city, we navigate through the rugged terrain of the Musandam Peninsula, pausing at scenic viewpoints along the route. Our journey includes a visit to the picturesque village of Sayah, nestled amidst the mountains and inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin community.
Itinerary
06:00 AM: Pickup from Dubai / Sharjah / Ajman / RAK (Private)
09:00 AM: Arrival in Khasab & Transfer to harbor.
09:30 AM: Departure for half-day Dhow Cruise to Khor Sham (Sharing)
01:00 PM: Conclusion of the cruise and return to harbor.
01:15 PM: Lunch on board / at a local restaurant
01:45 PM: Departure for 4WD Safari to Jebel Harim (Private)
05:00 PM: Conclusion of the trip & return to Dubai (Private)
Ticket for the Musandam tour
This tour provides a Hotel pickup and drop-off. A guided tour in the English language. Of course, you get the boat trip and the lunch with soft drinks, water, tea and coffee. Above you read the itinerary from time to time. Important to know is that you take your passport, and visa if required. Check the rules for visas before booking the tour. The tour is 799 US Dollar for a group up to 4. Read all the info and book your ticket on the GetYourGuide website.
Click here to book this tour to Oman
Tour musandam Khasab full-day cruise with transfer and lunch
Visit Oman from Dubai with this amazing full day tour to Musandam Khasab. You travel via Ras Al Khaimah and cross the border into Oman. Get on a traditional dhow sailing boat and sail in the ancient landscapes of Oman’s Musandam Khasab. Go swimming and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. Watch the dolphins in the water and enjoy an oriental buffet lunch. Good to know that this tour includes transfers from Dubai, Visa and exit fees, border assistance.
Ticket for the musandam Khasab full-day cruise
Get on the cruise on a traditional dhow along the fjords of Musandam. Explore the underwater world during snorkelling stops. Check all the info and book your ticket on the GetYourGuide website. A ticket is 198 US Dollar per person. For children in de age of 2 to 10 the ticket prices is 119 US Dollar per person. Note that a minimum of 2 people are required to arrange a pickup service. Bring your original passport and send passport copies for all guests in advance along with the booking.
Click here to book this tour to Oman
Copyright fotos: Oman Tourism
