Musandam, sometimes known as the Norway of the Middle East, is a small peninsula situated about one and half hours from Dubai, making it the right spot for a day trip from Dubai. In fact, Musandam is actually a territory of Oman that has two parts, Dibba Musandam and Khasab Musandam. As each area has its own set of regulations regarding their borders, most people get confused about them unless they have already done some research ahead of time. In other words, if you’ve ever tried to book a Musandam trip from Dubai, you’ll definitely have many doubts and inquiries as this trip involves Oman borader crossing.
I contacted almost 15 tour operators and asked many questions. In most cases, I received an unsatisfactory response. After a while, I felt that most of them were agents, except three tour operators. One of these three was Musandam Travel, whom I went with. It seemed to be a professional Musandam tour operator that also offers hotel pick up and drop off at an affordable price.
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How much did I pay?
I was told that if I come to their meeting point, the cost would be 165 AED and if I pick up from my location (Al Barsha), I’ll pay 195 AED which I guess is a reasonable price at least for me (Please note, the prices have increased due to global inflation). Although I was okay with the trip price and itinerary, they asked me for an online down payment by credit card which I did not want to do. I also had some other queries regarding the tour, so I asked them and after getting answers to my questions and paid them online.
I paid them deposit payment online through my Paypal and sent them my documents. They confirmed my trip within a half-hour. The next day I was picked up at 7:30 AM from my location by an air-conditioned bus. After picking guests from other places we reached Dibba point at 10:0 Am, and then they took us on the cruise.
Journey to Norway of the Middle East
This peninsula is not only considered for peace and calmness but also many activities can be performed and experienced within the area. Tourists mostly make their trip to Musandam more memorable by some of the following activities.
The day on a Dhow
The very first and vital activity that everyone who visits this peninsula does is a ride on a particular Omani boat named DHOW to view all the scenery housed or compacted in this small area. Tourists do this boat ride, especially to visit and explore the Omani fjords. For tourists, the extended, narrow area and the seawater between the cliffs provide a great deal of happiness and joy. The boat which is shaped in an unusual manner depicting Omani creativity is an attractive mean of transportation in this sea.
It is very comfortable and equipped with Arab traditional cushions where you can comfortably sit and enjoy the view. In addition to the narrow area and the seawater following between the cliffs, the extended, narrow area provides the tourist community with a great deal of happiness and joy. People from different cities and places usually ride this unique boat. Moreover, sunset views in the evening provide a romantic touch to your tour.
Swimming
One of the easiest and most common activities that can be done on this peninsula is swimming. There are some beaches situated on the edge of the road moving from the UAE border. Since this is the only road that leads to the Musandam, anyone coming here cannot avoid them. The white sand and clean water are ideal for swimming.
Snorkelling:
Are you addicted to Snorkeling? You should see obviously head over to Musandam Dibba. Luckily, my tour package came with Snorkeling in the literary, so I did not have to pay an extra cost.
SPEEDBOAT
Let me tell you, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of this entire trip for me. The company offered me a life-jacket, and I blunder and decided not to wear, and later, I felt regret when during a high-speed SPEEDBOAT I felt my heart stopped breathing for a while.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND wearing life-jackets before heading to the speedboat and banana ride as well.
I heard Dibba is also a good place for Scuba diving. Sooner or later, I am gonna try scuba diving there.
Updated on 18 Sept 2023.
