Dubai is known the world over for its opulence and wealth. It is a haven for independent business owners who enjoy the world-famous architectural sites, the high-end shopping, and the world-class Thoroughbred horse racing. But if Dubai is commercialized, crowded, and expensive, its neighbor to the north is the exact opposite.
Just two hours north of Dubai is Khasab, a village on the Musandam Peninsula that extends into the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf. This peninsula is part of Oman, even if it is separated by the rest of the nation by country belonging to the United Arab Emirates.
The Eclectic Port of Khasab
Travel is still affordable in this quiet town, which serves as the area’s capital and the nearest thing the peninsula has to a tourist hub. Its popularity is increasing steadily, though, and construction is likely to follow very soon. There is already talk of building luxury resorts near a museum housed in a 17th century Portuguese fort. Souvenir shops may be difficult to find, but that is likely to change very soon as well. Flights to the capital city of Muscat have doubled from two to four each week.
For now, humpback dolphins can be seen from the shores, and tour boats take divers and snorkel groups out into the clear emerald waters for up-close views of coral reefs, barracuda, and yellow fin tuna. The warm waters off of Oman are also home to schools of colorful angelfish and the hawksbill turtle.
The Golden Tulip Resort of Khasab is the nicest hotel in the area, located just a few miles outside of the town. Tour groups operate out of here, and the property offers every modern amenity including a pool, a gym, a restaurant, and a pub.
The town of Khasab offers The Shamaliah Grill and Restaurant, which serves up local tastes such as rice and meat dishes, sweetened avocado juice, and maqbous, a flavorful yellow saffron rice dish. A small Internet café allows visitors to remain connected to friends and family, although the new hotels are likely to offer Internet service as well.
Many of the businesses share ownership or are staffed by Indian immigrants, and scarved women tend some of the local stores. The people are friendly and welcoming, making visitors feel at home.
An Intriguing Landscape
The twisted red dunes and cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula are bordered by spectacular aqua-colored waters. Jeep trips to the inland cliffs and valleys reveal fields of clover beneath groves of acacia trees. Small villages and date plantations dot the landscape, a stark contrast to the cement factories and construction cranes of Dubai.
Guided tours take you to the historic Anchor and Telegraph Station, which in 1864 linked London with Basra and Bombay by way of Khasab. Visit Bedouin villages that will win you over with their charm, and take in the only noise you are likely to hear among the hills and valleys – the bleating of local goat herds.
Take home some local wares including frankincense, jasmine oil, hand woven rugs, or a keepsake camel strap – just on the off chance you need emergency transportation.
