The Norway of Arabia — dramatic fjords, dhow cruises, and dolphins at the Strait of Hormuz
Musandam is an Omani exclave separated from the rest of Oman by UAE territory — a dramatic peninsula of limestone cliffs plunging into inky blue fjords (khors) at the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Sheer mountains descend directly into the sea, creating fjords navigated by traditional wooden dhows. Dolphin pods numbering in the hundreds ride bow waves; the snorkelling is exceptional. Khasab is the base, reached by plane or a stunning mountain road from the UAE.
Musandam has been strategically critical since ancient times — whoever controlled the Strait of Hormuz controlled the Persian Gulf trade. The Portuguese built Khasab Fort in the 16th century to dominate this chokepoint. The mountain Shihuh people, who speak a distinct Arabic dialect and retreat to stone tower-houses in winter, have lived here for centuries in near-total isolation. Musandam became part of independent Oman in 1971 as a non-contiguous exclave separated by what became the UAE.