Al Hasab, Oman

Khasab is the capital of the Musandam Peninsula of the Sultanate of Oman-a small but lively town. Approximately 2 kilometers from the city limits is the port of Al Khasab, capable of receiving large cruise ships. Khasab is the administrative center of the Musandam Province of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as of the eponymous wilayat (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 “fertile.” In 2003, the population was just under 18 thousand, with most residents engaged mainly in fishing and agriculture. Recently, many of Khasab’s inhabitants have also turned to various areas of the tourism industry. Along the coastline of the peninsula, giant sea turtles breed-protected by law and attracting the attention of researchers from all over the world.

In Oman, a tropical desert type of climate predominates. Summers here are hot, and winters are warm. In spring and in early summer, hot winds blow from the Rub’ al Khali desert, which can raise daytime temperatures in the inland areas of the country and in its northwest up to +50 degrees. From October to April, the air temperature in this region ranges around 28–29°С, and the water temperature is 24–25°С. This period is considered the most suitable for travel.