Al Hasab, Oman

Description — Al Hasab, Oman

Khasab - the capital of the Musandam Peninsula of the Sultanate of Oman - a small, yet lively town. Approximately 2 kilometers from the city limits lies the port of Al Khasab, capable of accommodating large cruise ships. Khasab is the administrative center of the Musandam Province of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as of the eponymous vilayet (an administrative-territorial unit in some African countries). It is located 500 km northwest of the capital, Muscat. The name Khasab can be translated into Russian as “fruitful.” In 2003, the population was just under 18 thousand, engaged mainly in fishing and agriculture. Recently, many residents of Khasab have also turned to various sectors of the tourism industry. Along the coast of the peninsula, giant sea turtles breed-protected by law and drawing the attention of researchers from all over the world.

Climate

In Oman, the dominant climate type is tropical desert. Summers here are hot, while winters are warm. In spring and in the early summer, hot winds blow from the Rub’ al Khali desert, which can raise the daytime temperature in the interior of the country and in its northwest up to +50 degrees. From October to April, the air temperature in this region fluctuates around 28-29°C, and the water temperature is 24-25° C. This is the period preferred for travel.

Al Khasab, Oman
Hasab Castle
West Mosque
Musandam Fjords
Jebel Harim Mountains
Diving
Hasaba Mountains
Excursion to the Fjords
City waterfront

Location on the map

Sights

Hasab Castle

You can find Fort Hasab in the north of the Musandam Peninsula. From its windows, you can enjoy a picturesque and peaceful view of the Strait of Hormuz. The architectural ensemble consists of the fort building and a massive central tower that stands in front of it. The fort was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, who wanted to fully control maritime trade. The location for this was chosen more than wisely. At the foot of the fort, you will find a bazaar with many shops offering beautiful and interesting souvenirs.

Western Mosque

Al-Siba - “the western mosque”, one of the oldest monuments of Islamic architecture in Musandam.

What to see

Musandam Fjords

The main attraction of Musandam are rightfully considered sea trips through the labyrinths that lie between rugged mountain cliffs. From Khasab, sea cruises are arranged along the coast through the fjords, whose rocky cliffs are home to numerous bird colonies, and in the coastal waters of which dolphins and whales live. The Najd Fjord is the only fjord in Musandam that can be reached by regular transport; it is distinguished by steep slopes. The Kumsar Fjord is located in an isolated bay in the northern part of the peninsula, but it can be reached only by boat. The most interesting are the walks/trips in the Hor Shamm fjord, which is about ten kilometers long.

Jebel Harim Mountains

Jebel Hairem is definitely worth seeing. Remember the famous film “The Lord of the Rings” - here you can truly experience the landscapes that until now you could only see on screen. Nearly uninhabited, this area is home to rare species of wild animals. Graceful fawned leopard fohd and nimble mountain goat tahr, the local inhabitants of these places, are undoubtedly the most interesting subject for observation not only for zoologists, but also for ordinary tourists.

Diving

The east coast of the Musandam Peninsula is famous for its dive sites. The variety of the underwater world in these waters is explained by the fact that two large gulfs meet here: the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

Recommended excursions

Scenic tour of Khasab

The excursion begins with a visit to Hasab Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Next, the journey continues to Wadi Tawi, where there are ancient rock images of people, camels, ships, etc. Few people know that the first settlements in Oman appeared in the 3rd millennium BC. After lunch, tourists switch to AWD jeeps and head to Jabel Harim Mountain - the highest mountain in Musandam (2087 m.), offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding rugged landscape. Then there is a stop at a viewpoint, from where you can see all the “fjords of Arabia”, the Strait of Hormuz, and the opposite Iranian coastline. The tour also includes a visit to Haldia Park - a real forest of acacias and jujubes with a grassy carpet of small flowers and many birds.