Khasab - the capital of Musandam

Around 25,000 of Musandam’s 43,000 inhabitants live in the regional capital, Khasab, the largest town on the peninsula. Khasab has an airport and a port, which connects the town to both Oman and Iran. Maritime trade with Iran, as well as tourism – particularly boat trips to the beautiful fjords – are driving the development of this small town.

The new administrative centre stretches out between the airport and the old palm groves; its government departments and ministerial offices make public life for the residents of Musandam considerably easier. For several years now, a well-maintained and scenically impressive tarmac road has linked Khasab with Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. As part of a redevelopment of the harbour, a considerable amount of land was reclaimed, meaning that Khasab Fort no longer stands directly on the waterfront. The reclaimed land provides space for port offices, shops and a hotel.

There is a daily domestic flight between Muscat and Khasab, with a flight time of around 50 minutes. There is also a high-speed catamaran service along the coast between Khasab and Shinas, running about twice a week – however, the service is weather-dependent, and cancellations are common.