Drive from UAE to Musandam Oman

Embarking on a road trip from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Musandam, Oman promises an exhilarating expedition filled with stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories. Situated on the northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Musandam is rnowned for its dramatic fjords, crystal-clear waters, and rich maritime heritage, making it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking exploration and relaxation. What's amazing to know is that Musandam is a governorate of the Sultanate of Oman; however, it is separated from the rest of the country as the UAE lies in between. The good thing is that if you are a UAE Resident, you can visit this amazing place and embark on an amazing 3-hour road trip to explore this gem. In this article, I'll share details of our amazing Musandam Trip Drive.

Planning & Preparation Before setting off on your adventure, it's crucial to plan your route and ensure all necessary documentation is for border crossings.

From the UAE, the journey to Musandam involves driving through Ras Al Khaimah and crossing the border into Oman at the Al Darah border checkpoint. Be sure to check current visa requirements and any travel advisories before departure.

As it was a last-minute plan, I applied for our visa 2 days before our travel, and since it was almost the Eid Holidays, it got delayed. Luckily, I am eligible for a Visa on Arrival option at the Border. Take note that only certain Visa Categories are eligible for this option. If your visa designation is not on the approved list, you can still get a visa provided you are accompanied by someone in the category. Check the Royal Oman Police Website for the approved Visa Categories.

We left Sharjah around 4:30 in the morning, hoping to beat the holiday rush, and it paid off. We arrived at the Al Darah Border Checkpoint in Ras Al Khaimah at around 6:30 in the morning with the immigration queue almost empty. Because of this, we were able to clear immigration in 10 minutes.

At the UAE border, we paid 30 AED (per person) for the UAE Exit Fee. Upon getting the exit stamp, we drove and crossed to the Oman side border. At the Oman border, we filled up the Visa on Arrival Forms and paid 50 AED (5 OMR) for the Visa. I also had to take a TPL Insurance Policy for my car as I don't have a comprehensive insurance plan. It cost around 125 AED. It is better to pay by card as it is more convenient and they have machines available. Once clear, we just had to pass by a vehicle search, and we were allowed to enter the Oman side. So at the border, ensure you have the following things:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Emirates ID valid for longer than 90 days. (An arrival visa is not available for all occupations. First, check your visa type and designation)
• Original Mulkiya (Vehicle Registration Card)
• Orange Slip (Insurance) or Third Party Liability Insurance Policy that you can get at the Border

Enjoying the Scenic Drive

After clearing the Border Check, we were treated to amazing views of the Coastal Road. From the Border, it's still going to be around an hour's drive to reach Khasab, but we made several stops on the way because the views of the beach, sea, and the road are just too irresistible. The road from the UAE to Musandam offers breathtaking vistas at every turn, with rugged mountains towering on one side and the azure waters of the Strait of Hormuz on the other.

The first-half of the drive is pretty much straightforward; it's less elevated and more of a beachside. But after Al Jiri beach, the drive became steeper as we had to cross a mountain. Some areas are very steep, but it was worth it. Just be careful of your speed and control as the roads are two-way without a barrier in between, and it's so easy to drift to the opposite side because of the sharp turns. Once you reach the opposite side of the mountain, you will be greeted with a much grander view of the mountains meeting the sea.

Exploring Musandam

Upon reaching Musandam, you'll discover a region steeped in history, culture, and natural wonders. We stayed at the Diwan Al Amir Hotel. It is well-equipped with facilities and is located in the town center, so access is very good.

After checking in, we signed up for a Dhow Cruise at the Hotel and right around 9:30 am we headed to Khasab port for our tour. The tour was for 10 OMR (100 AED), from 10 am to 2 pm, with refreshments and fruits on board. The cruise covered a 45-minute to 1-hour travel to Telegraph Island, a historic outpost once used as a communications relay station. The trip was amazing as you will have a closer view of the famous Musandam Fjords, boasting intricate rock formations. On the Island, there were snorkeling activities, and you can swim around. Upon returning to the Port, we dropped by Lulu Hypermarket to buy some food and snacks as restaurants are still closed in observance of Ramadan.

For dinner, we went to Mazahbi Al Yeman, it's a simple cafeteria close to the hotel but their food is amazing. We tried their fish biryani and grilled shrimps, and the serving was just so good and generous. We spent around 5 OMR (50 AED), but it was worth it.

The next day, we went for a drive to Khor Najd Viewpoint. It's a smooth 30-minute drive from the town center. However, the road going up the mountain is gravel and a little steep. It is recommended to drive a 4x4, but Sedans are capable of climbing it. The view at the top is amazing, but since I was driving a 1.2-engine Sedan, I did not dare to drive down the opposite side (On the Khor) as I was a little worried that it would have a hard time going back up. There is an I<3 Oman sign at the top where you can take photos.

After the drive, we went back to the hotel and proceeded to check out. After the formalities, we hit the road back to UAE. We stopped at some beach viewpoints as well to grab coffee. We left Khasab at around 10:30 in the morning and reached the border at almost 12ish; the queue at the Oman entry was already long, but for those who are returning to UAE, the line was smooth. We just had to present our passports for an exit stamp at the Oman border and an entry stamp at the UAE Border.

Conclusion

Overall, it was a smooth trip with an amazing experience. Would love to go back on a 4x4 so I can explore the rugged terrains and mountains. A road trip from the UAE to Musandam, Oman offers an immersive experience that combines adventure, exploration, and relaxation in equal measure.

Just remember to prepare all your necessary documents to avoid being hassled and drive early in the morning to avoid the rush at the border as well as to take advantage of a cooler time to drive. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be captivated by the wonders of this hidden gem on the Arabian Peninsula.