how to visit oman from dubai

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Driving From Dubai To Oman: What You Need To Know (2024)

• Last Updated: April 8, 2024
• Destinations , Middle East , Oman

Whether you live in Dubai, or are simply visiting, a trip to Oman is a must .  Best of all, you don’t need to fly.  

Driving from Dubai to Oman is fairly straightforward, and a great adventure. I’ve done it twice. There are only a few things to bear in mind.

Read on for all the information and tips you need to help you plan your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Driving From Dubai To Oman: Route Options

First of all, there are a few different route options when driving from Dubai to Oman.  

The two countries share several border crossings.   However, only certain border crossings are open to tourists and non- GCC ( Gulf Cooperation Counsel ) citizens .

Of these, there are three main crossings to consider .   Which one to take will depend on where you’re coming from/going to.

Note: if you are travelling from Oman to Dubai by road, these are also the three main border crossings I’d recommend you use.

Hatta – Al Wajajah border crossing

This is the border crossing which is closest to Dubai, so might make the most sense if you are pressed for time.  From the centre of Dubai, it’s 140 kms to the border and takes about 1 hour 40 mins.

This is also the quickest way of travelling from Sharjah to Oman by road, and takes a similar amount of time.

Do not attempt to use the border crossing at Al Madam , on the E44 road, as this is only open to citizens of GCC countries (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar).

Instead, take the E102, bypassing the small “spur” of Oman which sticks up into the UAE, before joining the E44 to cross the border at Hatta/Al Wajajah.  (See below map, which shows this more clearly.)

Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive 3 kilometres down the road before you reach the Omani immigration post.

From here, it’s 85 kilometres to Sohar (takes about an hour), or  310 km to Muscat (about 3.5 hours) along the main coastal road.

Using this route, the total distance from Dubai to Muscat by road is 450 kilometres.  

Assuming  the Oman border crossing is smooth and hassle-free (see below), the journey from Dubai to Oman by road should take between 5-6 hours.

Meyzad – Hafeet border crossing

Personally, I think this is a  more interesting option , as you get to see a very different part of the UAE before crossing the border.  It’s also a better option if you’re planning to head onwards towards Nizwa , Jebel Shams , or other destinations in central/southern Oman.

The Mezyad crossing is just the other side of  Al Ain , the largest inland city in the UAE.  I f you have the time, it’s worth breaking the journey here and having an explore. 

Al Ain, known as the “Garden City”, is an attractive place, built on an oasis in the desert, with lush greenery and tree-lined avenues.

It’s 160 kilometres from Dubai to the Mezyad border crossing, via the E66, and takes about 2 hours.

This is also a good crossing point if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi   (190 kilometres, takes 2 hours).  If you are  travelling from Abu Dhabi to Oman by road, the border formalities (see below) are the same as for  driving to Oman from Dubai.

Side note: if you’re planning to be in Abu Dhabi at any point between November and March, it’s well worth checking out the fantastic  Sheikh Zayed festival .  This annual festival showcases the cultural wealth and traditions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Khatm Al Shiklah border crossing

This is another crossing close to Al Ain, and takes a similar amount of time to get to as Mezyad.

The main difference is that, unlike Mezyad, the UAE and Oman border posts are nowhere near each other.  Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive almost 30 kilometres before you reach the Omani border post.  

(This confused me a lot – I thought I’d accidentally driven into Oman without a stamp, but then didn’t know what to do about it so carried on driving…!)

As a result, this isn’t the best option if you’re simply driving to Oman from Dubai for a UAE visa run.  But on the other hand, this crossing is usually less busy than the others,  so you’ll probably get through more quickly.

Check out this post for some helpful Arabic words and phrases .

Border Formalities

The three border crossings noted above are usually hassle-free and fairly easy to navigate.  

When crossing from the UAE to Oman by road, y ou’ll need to complete an  immigration form .  Customs officials may also want to have a look inside your car.   (It’s best to avoid any obvious evidence that you’re carrying alcohol, if indeed you are.)

How long the formalities take depends on how busy the crossing is .   If possible, try to avoid weekends (Friday-Saturday) and public holidays , when there are often long queues of people  travelling from Dubai to Oman by car .

Depending on the traffic, the crossing can take anything from 15 minutes to 2 hours .

There are some 

At the UAE border, you will need to pay an exit fee of 35 AED.   Card payments are usually accepted, though it’s a good idea to also carry cash, in case the card machine is having a bad day.

There is no fee to exit Oman.

Visas & visa services

Note: UAE citizens (i.e. UAE passport holders) can enter Oman without needing a visa.  However, this does not apply to non-citizen residents of the UAE.

The process of applying for an Oman visa for (non-citizen)  UAE residents is the same as for non-residents.  It all depends on your citizenship (i.e. nationality), not where you have residency.

Citizens of many countries can obtain an Omani tourist visa on arrival .  This costs 20 OMR and is valid for up to 30 days.  You’ll need at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your passport.

Certain nationalities can apply for an Omani eVisa in advance , which speeds up the process considerably.

** I always use, and strongly recommend,  iVisa.com .  Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use, and makes the whole  visa application process very straightforward . **

If you do opt to get a visa on arrival, you should be able to pay the visa fee using credit/debit card.   

Failing that, most major border crossings have ATMs, and/or a money exchange office where you can change AED to OMR cash.

When (/if) you cross back into the UAE, you’ll be given another  UAE tourist visa on arrival  for free.  Unless you were previously travelling on another type of visa – in which case, double-check that it allows multiple entries.

Car Hire In Dubai (make sure you're allowed to drive to Oman!)

(This is important!)

Not all car hire companies in Dubai will allow you to drive their cars into Oman.

If you’re planning to hire a car in Dubai , you must check with the hire company that they’re happy for it to be taken to Oman.  It’s a good idea to mention this to them when you’re shopping around for quotes, before you commit to the rental.

Some companies allow it, but others don’t.  Unhelpfully, companies tend to change their policies on this fairly frequently, so it’s not really possible to provide a definitive list here.  Always check before committing to renting a car.

Also, check to see if the rental company permits you to take their car off-roading if you intend to do any driving off the main paved roads.

The best deals on car hire in the UAE are usually found on localrent.com .  They compare the prices of local car rental companies, which tend to be significantly cheaper than the big international hire companies.

Click here for the latest prices.  

Additional Oman entry requirements from UAE

You’ll need to ask the hire company for an  NOC (No Objection Certificate) , giving written permission for you to drive the car into Oman.  There may, or may not, be an additional fee for the NOC.  

Border officials will almost certainly ask to see a copy of this, so make sure you get one!

You must also ensure that you take the car’s  registration card  (called a  “ mulkiya “ ) with you.  You need the  original card  (not a photocopy, which probably won’t be accepted by the border guards).  

Check it’s still in date and hasn’t expired!

If you’re driving a friend’s car, you should have their  proof of ownership , and their  written permission  for you to take the car into Oman (unless they are with you).  

This isn’t always asked for, but I’d recommend having it to avoid potential issues at the border.

*NEW* Dubai RTA Rule (updated December 2023)

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently introduced a new rule requiring a “ tourism certificate ” to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE.

To obtain this RTA approval/certificate, you need to take the following steps:

• Gather your Emirates ID or passport, the vehicle’s mulkiya /registration card, proof of ownership/NOC/written permission of the owner (if applicable), and company documents (for company-owned vehicles).
• Take these in person to any RTA “ Customer Happiness Centre ” or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre in Dubai.
• Present your documents at the front desk.
• Pay the required service fees (typically around 170 AED for most vehicle types).
• Obtain the tourism certificate from the centre.

Oman Car Insurance

You will need valid Oman car insurance that explicitly covers you whilst driving in Oman.  

Some Dubai car hire companies can provide this (ask for written proof of coverage).  If not, you can buy Omani third party insurance at the border.

Not all insurers cover off-road driving.   If this is something you’d like to do, check whether the insurers in question will cover you.  

And you’d obvs need a 4×4. 🙂

For tips and inspiration to help you plan the perfect Oman road trip, also check out  this article .

Other Practicalities

Driving from Dubai to Oman is, in general, very easy.   Most main roads are paved and in excellent condition.

A 2-wheel drive car is fine for accessing most places.  A 4×4 is only necessary if you want to head off road into the desert.

Once you get out of the main towns and cities, phone signal can be intermittent.  Download offline maps in advance (e.g. Google maps offline) if you plan to spend much time outside of the main population centres.

In both countries, road signs are written in Arabic and English , and traffic drives on the right .

It’s not technically illegal to bring small quantities of alcohol with you across the border, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this, to avoid any issues with customs.  (And if you do, keep it hidden.)

It’s obvious, but don’t drink and drive .  Both countries have a zero-tolerance limit (with stiff penalties issued by the Royal Oman Police), and you are likely to be breathalysed if involved in an accident.

Make sure your medical  travel insurance covers you whilst in Oman.  Policies that cover the UAE probably also cover Oman, but it’s always worth checking.

Speed limits in Oman are usually  120km/h on highways, 80-90km/h on rural roads, and 40km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise shown.

Here are  179 of my favourite  desert quotes and captions .

Dubai To Oman By Bus

If you don’t want to drive, Mwasalat operates a direct coach service from Dubai to Muscat, the capital city of Oman.

However, I don’t really recommend this option unless you only want to visit Muscat.   The public transport network in Oman isn’t very comprehensive and you might struggle to get around without a car.

In Dubai, you can catch the coach from Abu Hail station (in Deira), DXB airport T2 , or Rashidiya Metro Bus Station .  The service terminates in Muscat at Azaiba bus station.

Tickets cost  60 AED one way, and 95 AED return.  However, you must purchase a ticket before boarding the bus .  You cannot purchase a ticket online or on the bus itself.  Tickets are available from Abu Hail station and  the Mwasalat Office in Deira.

Check here for latest timetable information and further details.

Accommodation And Tours In Oman

Where to stay.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options throughout Oman to suit most budgets.

As with most countries in the region, there aren’t many ultra-cheap/shoestring options.  However, w hether you’re looking for a simple guesthouse, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury five-star palace, you won’t struggle to find somewhere decent to stay.

Click here to compare the latest prices and more details.

Oman is a very safe country and is easy to explore independently (provided you have your own car).

However, if you would prefer a guided tour to see the country’s highlights, there are many excellent companies to choose from.

Click here for more information.

Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about driving to Oman from Dubai.

Is it safe to drive from UAE to Oman?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to drive to Oman from the UAE. The roads are in excellent condition and it’s an easy drive.

Do I need a visa to visit Oman by road from UAE?

Citizens of most countries need a visa to visit Oman, whether you’re arriving by road or by air. Check on  iVisa.com to see which Oman visa rules apply to you.

Dubai to Oman distance?

The distance from Dubai to Oman is 140 kilometres to the Hatta border, or 160 kilometres to the Mezyad border.

See here for the  best family-friendly places to visit in Dubai . And see here to read more about  hotels, jobs, and other things in Dubai .

** Love road trips?  Me too.  Check out some of my other road trip-related posts, including:

• Oman Road Trip: An Epic Arabian Adventure
• Romania Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know
• The Perfect Albania Road Trip
• Best Places To Visit In Northern Turkey  **

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Alex Tiffany

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51 Comments

Hi Alex, thanks a million for your very interesting and useful blog! We hope to be able to travel to Oman in January (if Covid lets us in;-). We’ll first fly from Europe to Dubai, and hope to find a rental company which allows us to drive their cars to Oman. May I ask you a couple of questions as you seem to know A LOT about UAE/Oman: among the 3 border crossing points you mention, do you know if they are all ok for European tourists with a UAE-Dubai-rental car or would you recommend one of them? Do you know if it is possible to get the Oman-visa at the border crossing points too (and not at the airport since we would enter the country by car), or would you advise to apply for it online? I read that a visa for up to 10 or 14 days is free of charge for EU citizens at the Mascate airport, but was not able to figure out if the same conditions apply for land crossing points. THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE for your help, and best regards! Anne (from Brittany, France, best place on Earth hahaha)

Hi Anne, glad to be able to help.

All 3 of the border crossings I mention in this article are fine for European tourists with a Dubai rental car.

In terms of which of the three crossings to use, the Hatta – Al Wajajah crossing is the closest to Dubai and probably the most popular one to use. However, the drive from the Meyzad – Hafeet border to Muscat is more scenic and interesting. Personally, I’d use the Meyzad – Hafeet border, though any of those 3 are fine.

If you’re a French/EU citizen, unless the Omani authorities decide to change the rules last minute (always a small possibility), you should be able to get a free visa on arrival at the border (applies to land borders and airports equally). You’ll either get 10 or 14 days — I can’t work out whether there’s a rule on who gets 10 and who gets 14… but if you’re only planning to be there for 10 days or less, you’ll be fine either way 🙂

You could apply for an e-visa in advance if you prefer, but it’s not technically necessary, and I don’t think it’s free. Personally, I think it’s fine to just get the free one at the border (though keep an eye on the news in the days running up to your trip, in case there are any changes to the rules). I’d also definitely bring a couple of printed passport photos with you. They have photo booths at the main border crossing points, but you can’t always rely on these to be working.

You’ll need to show the immigration people QR codes confirming you are fully vaccinated against covid, and have received a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Oman).

Before entering Oman, you also need to complete a pre-registration form at the eMushrif website ( https://covid19.emushrif.om/ ) and upload your vaccine certification and PCR test result.

In terms of car hire, not all companies allow you to take their cars from UAE into Oman. The list of companies which allow it does change periodically, so you should call them up and check before paying for one. Bigger international companies like Avis and Hertz are more likely to say yes than small local ones, but definitely call them to check first!

Enjoy your trip! Oman is awesome

If traveling by land, from EUA to Omand without any covid -19 vax certification what are the issues if any? Thanks

Hope you are good, and really appreciate for in-depth info, just wondering that if i have a bank mortgaged car on my name is it ok to travel to oman in the same car or shall i be requiring any sort of NOC from the Bank.

Hi Alex, Do you have any format or sample of NOC letter to be shown at border if iam taking my friend’s car

We’re planning a trip to Oman in February 2022. We also want to rent a car in Dubai to cross the border to Oman. The car rental I normally use doesn’t allow to cross the border. Can you tell me the name of the car rental you used?

@Alex: your detailed information about crossing the border is so useful to plan our trip. Thanks!

Many thanks Alex for the blog which I found very useful for my recent road trip from Dubai to Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. We used the Mezyad crossing as you suggested and it was really quick both ways. We left early around 5 am on 1 December, the beginning of the 4 day long weekend in UAE, expecting long queues at the border. But barring a pack of bikers, which marginally delayed the departure from the UAE side of the border, it was a very smooth exit. All counters were drive through (unless you don’t have an evisa for Oman in which case you will have to leave the car at the parking lot on the Oman side to walk to the visa office). There were 2 on UAE side, one to check and stamp the passports and the next one to validate. On the Oman side, you first drive to the counter where the vaccination records and pcr reports are checked. Then drive to the passport control counter where your evisa, passport, vehicle registration and drivers license are checked. It is best to obtain an evisa, otherwise you will need to drive to an adjoining visa office, apply and get one on the spot. On busy days, this can be delayed. Then drive to the vehicle inspection bay where you may be asked to open the boot and perhaps the bags as well for customs. It took us just below an hour from the beginning of the Mezyad border post on the UAE side to the end of the Oman side of the crossing.

Returned today (4th December), through the same crossing. Took less than 5 minutes on the Oman side of the immigration (drive through) and another 20 minutes on the UAE side. We are a family of 4 so on the UAE side we were asked to park the car and go to the departure hall nearby where passport control formalities were completed in 5 minutes. Then we drove to the medical counter where our pcr and vaccine records were checked and finally car contents checked at the last stop. All in all very smooth exit and entry back to UAE.

One point to note is that on the Oman side after the border crossing, there are no good cafes or restaurants. So best to stock up on food and drink.

Glad you had a good (and easy) trip! Thanks very much for the extra detail and info here, all incredibly useful.

Hi Mr.Alex Please let me know if I have bank loan with my car,I can cross Oman border from Dubai.

we are planning to stay in Oman for 6 days.

Do we (currently) have to take a PCR test before going back to the UAE?

Each of the emirates has their own rules regarding testing for (re)entry. For example, Abu Dhabi has stricter rules than Dubai. But my understanding is that most (if not all) of the emirates currently require you to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before travel. I’d recommend checking the health section of the official website for the emirate you will be returning to, to ensure you have the most up to date information. For Abu Dhabi, it’s https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel

thanks a million Alex for all your hints!! Great to see the other message concerning border crossing Oman/UAE, too, very useful. Best regards from Brussels!

You’re very welcome! 🙂

Hello Alex, This is Pratheep, I am planning to visit Muscat with my family, driving my car that is still under bank loan. Do we have to carry NOC from the bank to cross the border? Kindly advise Thanks Pratheep

Hi Pratheep, I don’t have any personal experience with this I’m afraid.

My understanding (from doing some online research) is that it depends on the terms of your mortgage with the bank. Some banks require NOCs, others don’t. Each bank will have its own rules, there’s no hard and fast rule that covers all, unfortunately. You could ask your bank and see what they say?

Many people appear to have done the crossing without obtaining a NOC (even if they technically should’ve had one), with no issues. This might be a breach of the terms of your mortgage agreement with the bank (depending on what it says). I’m afraid I can’t advise whether it’s worth taking that risk, it’s up to you. I’m sorry that’s not a perfect answer.

Planning to drive to oman after obtaining thr dubai/oman join visa at arrival DXB will be driving to buriami via hatta/AL wajajah border on a rental car. Do I need a NOC as well as an orange card ?

Hello Pradeep, Can you tell me about your experience on taking ban financed car to Oman? It is allowed? Do we need letter?

Going to Oman with a mortgaged car is allowed as long as it belongs to you or your spouse. You don’t need any additional document apart from Registration card and and insurance that is valid in Oman.

Hi Navin, thanks for the info. But how can we prove that the car belongs to me if it’s mortgaged, because on the mulkiya, the owner name will be the bank’s. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi Hanne, Unfortunately, we ended up cancelling our trip to Oman in January because of a major incident in our family, but do hope to be able to go in March. So I can not give you any feedback about the car rental company and how it worked out the cross the Omani border. The company’s name is Dollar Car rental. They have several offices at the airport and downtown Dubai. You can check online for their deals. I might come back to you later in February, maybe you will be able to tell me how it worked out for you. We should be leaving on March 4th. Enjoy your trip !! Best regards, Anne

I need to know the method for a US citizen who once visits Dubai, stays there for 30 days, drives to Oman and return back to Dubai getting a re entry for UAE for 30 days the same day.

Great article! Much appreciated. I have two specific questions: – If I do pcr in Dubai and will get to Oman and back within 72 hours, will it work on the bordeR? – I’ve seen some mentioning about “Oman exit permit”, is it required for a Oman-UAE crossing?

Thanks, Aleh

Hello Alex, excellent post, could not have been more helpful in helping me understand what is required to get into Oman from Dubai. My wife and I are planning a trip to Oman (Muscat) from Dubai this month and in mapping the route, I discovered a border crossing you did not mention – Khatmat Milaha. Do you have any experience with this one? If so, what should I look out for? I will be driving my sister’s car (not traveling with us).

Hi Sherief, I am looking at a similar route, may I ask if you tried the Khatmat Milaha crossing?

Hey Alex, thank you so much for the guide! This looks like it was a really cool trip. You’ve inspired me to go on a similar trip on the future. Keep up the fantastic work!

do a UAE resident needs a PCR to travel to Oman? can we take the car insurance from the boarder?

can i have noc letter format for using my friends car

Hi noushil if u have noc format please share

Hello! If someone is driving in their own car with valid registration and insurance, do they need another insurance to enter oman? Is that optional ? How much can we expect for 3rd party insurance? Thanks Inayat

Hi Alex, I’m planning to go to Salalah during the EID holidays. As it is going to be a loooong drive I’m planning to start at 2 AM from Dubai. My question is are insurance companies open at Al Mezyad border at this hour. I will probable reaching the border around 3.30 AM. Also is it possible to buy Omani sim card at the border crossing at this hour. Thank you. Regards Ramkrish

July 12 I want to visit Oman with my family’s members 5 We have full vaccinated as Sinofarm Pfizer.its ok for tour? Now need PCR? My own car models 2004;it’s ok?

Hi, Can I drive company car to Oman? If I can then what are the documents required? please suggest me Thank you

Good day Alex, Is it allowed to cross into North Oman from Dibba by car ? My understanding is you can only enter from RAK side as the border in Dibba is only for locals or if you have a Dhow cruise booking. Can you please advise,

Very thankful for you to share all the things required to go from Dubai to Oman via road, I am leaving in Oman but I haven’t visited Dubai yet and I was planning to go but now I am clear that I will go from road and enjoy my trip thanks for sharing this information.

Hi can you please tell me if I can use ky company car. What is the requirements that they will ask from the border. I need your advice. Please thank you.

Hi, im planning a trip in October and would like to know if the border is open for driving with your own vehicle and do i need a special letter to produce at the border or just the normsl mulkiya etc. Also confirm the fees applicable/visas.

Great information! Here is a question: for renting a car in Dubai to drive to Oman, is there any reason/benefit to me bringing proof of insurance in my home country (Canada) from my insurance company here? I.e. is Omani auto insurance cheaper if I do?

We will be renting and driving across in November this year…definitely planning on the route that lets us stop at Al Ain on the way to Muscat.

Thank you, Shawn

Thank you for the detailed information. My daughter and her family are visiting us (all US passport holders) and we were planning to meet them in Dubai and drive back to Muscat. I am getting mixed messages about the visa they need, and do not want to get stuck at the border crossing as they have a small baby. Any tips you can give regarding visa for borders to Muscat and return would really be appreciated. TIA

Thanks for share very informative article. I am planning for trip in next month . I went to go on long drive , so i buy used car on installment in uae. so i can enjoy my trip . thanks fristchoicecars making my trip tension free.

Al Wajajah border crossing between Dubai and Oman is the preferred choice and most popular route for driving from Dubai to Muscat. The Hatta border post is only 140km from Dubai. By car it takes less than two hours to reach from Dubai. Other is Musandam Oman where mostly go on a day trip.

Recently, I traveled by road to Dubai from Muscat Oman, and I must say that it was a great experience.

I’m glad! 🙂

hello, just wanted a small help i am driving a company car and i was not allowed ro pass the HATTA border as they were asking for some Registration certificate how do i get the certificate and from where in UAE need your support on this

Hi Anand – you’ll need to ask the company that owns the car for this document. They should have it as they’ll need it to register the car.

Thank you for sharing important aspects but as I’m new in Dubai I’ve been fined by RTA twice. What do you advise me to follow so I can avoid getting these if I’m planning to go to Oman by road?

I’m not really in a position to advise in relation to your RTA fines I’m afraid. I guess it depends what the fines were for. My advice would be to reach out to RTA and ask them as they’ll be in a much better position to answer your query.

Rule changed for Company/Rent A Cars

Hi Dears, I tried to go to Oman in my Company Car yesterday via Hatta Wajajah border. I have NOC and original Mulkhiya also. But the border police denied my travel saying that they now need RTA approval as well. Please note that you cannot drive even in your friend’s car as well although you have NOC form.

RTA approval is mandatory now.

That’s very helpful to know, thank you. I’ll update the post accordingly.

Hi all. I am actually planning to go to Musadam for a ONE day trip, on 31st Dec. But my car registration expiry is on 4th Jan. Is it possible for me to go???? I have read through many articles, i saw only information that it shouldn’t be expired. So, im confused if “going to expire” registration status will be accepted at border.

I’m not sure on this one. I’d guess it should be fine as long as it’s currently still valid, but I can’t say for definite. Personally, I would check with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just to be sure. You now need to get a “tourism certificate” from them to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE (see above section on this), so you might as well ask them about the expiry date at the same time.

It’s really informative. Recently, I had to go to Oman for my business purposes. Basically, I am a content writer specializing in companies. Firstly, I visit companies and offer to enhance their online visibility. However, during my journey from Dubai to Oman, I received fines twice. Is it possible to receive fines from RTA multiple times? Because I am new here. If yes, is there any way to get a discount on them or can we delay these fines for 2 or 3 months?

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Want to travel from uae to oman by bus here are all the details you need, if you are not up for the long drive to muscat or hesitant to shell out for a one-hour flight, you could opt for some budget-friendly buses.

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Oman's proximity and scenic landscapes make it a popular travel destination among UAE residents. Whether you want to experience the wadis, the white beaches or the majestic mountains, the Sultanate offers something for every traveller.

The country is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike — you could hop on a bus, a car, or even a flight to discover the Sultanate's otherworldly charms.

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If you are not up for the long car drive from Dubai to Muscat and are hesitant to shell out around Dh1,000 for a one-hour flight from DXB to MCT, you could opt for some budget-friendly buses plying between UAE and Oman.

These buses offer a convenient and economical option for travellers looking to explore the Sultanate without breaking the bank. Here are the bus options, fare, timings and the documents required to travel to Oman from UAE.

Sharjah- Muscat bus service

A bus service connecting Sharjah and Muscat was launched on February 27 (2024) by Sultanate's public transport company, Mwasalat. The service provides four trips — two each from Sharjah and Muscat and is operated via Shinas.

• 23kg as check-in baggage is allowed with 7kg permitted as hand baggage
• Fares start from 10 Oman Rials (Dh100) and 19 Oman Rials (Dh190)

The first bus from Sharjah departs at 6.30am from Al Jubail Bus Station and reaches Azaiba Bus Station at 2.30pm. The second bus departs from Sharjah at 4pm and reaches Muscat at 11.50pm.

Bus from Muscat will departs at 6.30am and reaches Sharjah at 3.40pm. The second will leaves Muscat at 4pm and reaches Al Jubail Bus Station at 1.10am.

Ras Al Khaimah to Musandam bus service

Residents wishing to see Musandam's rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters can take a bus ride from Ras Al Khaimah. Operated by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), the public transport service to Musandam in Oman started in October, 2023.

• Travel time is approximately three hours
• Ticket for the one-way journey costs Dh50
• Booking can be done on the official website of RAKTA, the RAKBUS application, on the bus and at the bus station
• Runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8am and 6pm

The service starts at the main bus station (Al Dhait South) in Ras Al Khaimah and stops at two places in the emirate: the Al Rams and Shaam area. In Musandam, the service will start and end at Wilayat of Khasab, with stops at Tibaat, Wilayat of Bukha, Harf, and Qada area.

Abu Dhabi to Muscat bus service

Mwasalat relaunched bus service to the UAE in October 2023, connecting Muscat to Abu Dhabi via Al Ain.

• One-way ticket from Muscat to Abu Dhabi will cost OMR11.5 (Dh109)
• Book tickets on the Mwasalat website
• Passengers are allowed to check up to 23kg of luggage
• Hand baggage allowance is 7 kilograms.
• From Abu Dhabi, the journey to Muscat will be around 5 hours

Buses depart from Muscat's Azaiba bus station at 6.30am and reach Abu Dhabi at 3.40pm. Buses depart from Abu Dhabi station at 10.45am and reach Azaiba at 8.35pm.

Dubai to Muscat bus service

Yes, there is a service available from Dubai. Although Mwasalat cancelled the route during the Covid-19 pandemic, residents can still avail themselves of bus services through Al Khanjry Transport. Operating daily, this service provides a vital link for travellers seeking to journey between the two cities.

• Online booking is unavailable, but it could be booked in person at their offices in Ruwi and Burj Sahwa or through WhatsApp.
• Bus ticket from Dubai to Muscat is around Dh95 (10 rial) per person for a one-way
• Daily service at 7am, 3pm, and 9pm from the office of Al Khanjry Transport in Dubai
• The journey takes approximately 4-hr 35-min (excluding immigration process) and covers around 450 km

Documents required

UAE residents entering Oman via bus require the following documents:

• Passport (with at least six months of validity)
• Emirates ID (with at least six months of validity)
• For entry into Oman, UAE residents can get a visa at the Oman border

Fees, visa costs

At the UAE border, residents leaving the country must pay the exit fee of Dh36. An Oman visa may be obtained at the Oman border by paying Dh50.

For UAE tourists with a single-entry visit visa:

• An Oman visit visa must be obtained before the journey
• To return to the UAE, a visa application must be submitted while in Oman and must be obtained before starting the return journey

For tourists with multiple-entry visit visas:

• An Oman visa before departure is required.
• Re-entry can be facilitated with a multiple-entry visa. However, their passport should be valid for six months to enter Oman.
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Oman Road Trip from Dubai + Places to Stop

Oman is a country that is easily accessible from Dubai in two directions; to the north is Musandam and to the south east Muscat. Musandam is a brilliant weekend get away from Dubai in spring or autumn (it gets super hot in summer) and you can read all about it here . However, our Oman road trip this time was heading south east towards Muscat, Nizwa and the surrounding areas.

Places to Stop

Our first overnight stop on our Oman road trip was the town of Nizwa in the foot hills of Jebel Shams and the Hajar Mountain range. From miles before the town the landscape became shaped by rocky mountains made up of many different layers making it look like we were entering Mars or similar. The town of Nizwa sits on a dried up river basin with plenty of date palms lining the outskirts. It has a very ‘old Arabia’ feel to the town with gorgeous architecture and friendly locals. The main attraction in the town is the fort which is stunning from both outside and in. Be sure to visit early as it gets very hot during the summer months. The town is also home to a traditional souq; selling all kinds of food stuffs and handicrafts.

Accommodation

We stayed at the Golden Tulip hotel which was around a 10 minute drive out of the main town, which almost felt like the middle of nowhere. There were mountains on all sides as far as the eye could see and the hotel was a grand affair. Our stay here was brilliant, from delicious food to a huge modern room with terrace all for under 500AED. We chose to stay here due to its swimming pool, one thing I’ve learnt about travelling in the summer in the middle east is you’ll always need somewhere to cool off! There were slightly cheaper deals to be had if you didn’t want a pool however.

Misfat Village

This spot is around 30 minutes from Nizwa towards the mountains, with most of that time being spent driving through Al hamra and ascending the hill to get to Misfat. From afar you’ll spot a small village with colorful houses and several locals going about their daily lives but take the path beyond here and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. As you drive to the heritage site you’ll be greeted with a glistening green oasis of palm trees and those colourful house shaping the view.

Park up when you spot the signs for the village and spend a minute just to take in the view. From here you can follow the trail down towards the palm plantation. There is a guest house here which it’s possible to stay at and some rather dubious public toilets. There are a few ways to enter the palm plantation, we chose the path to the right of the public toilets as recommended by Lonely Planet and didn’t have to walk far before we were in the middle of the trees.

Misfat is highly worth the little detour in my opinion, it’s one of the only mountain spots you can visit without needing a 4wd. This village gives you a glimpse into local Omani life and how it’s still a world away from the glitzy middle eastern cities.

This was the main stop on our Oman road trip as we spent two nights in Muscat but we used it as a base for exploring some of the surrounding areas as the accommodation choice was better (and cheaper) in the city. There are a few key sights in Muscat to spend time exploring. The first is Old Muscat or Mutrah as it is known, it is to the east of the city and close to the port. Here you’ll find a gorgeous souq which is worth allowing some time to explore. The shops are full of the most gorgeous handicrafts including amazing gemstone jewelry. I could have spent hours wandering the souq but after one rather pricey purchase I decided I better make an exit. From the souq you can easily cross over the road for a stroll along the corniche.

The other place worth stopping is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Located to the west of the city this gorgeous building is very different to the Abu Dhabi mosque but still worth visiting. Non-muslims can visit between 8-11am but must ensure they are covered, for women that means head, arms and down to the ankles while for men it’s just the ankles. You will need to make sure you bring these clothes with you as I didn’t see anywhere to rent items. The architecture design of this mosque is amazing with all of the archways but the most breathtaking spot is the mosaic feature inside the main prayer hall.

We stayed at the Sheraton Oman hotel while we were in Muscat as we got a brilliant deal with breakfast included for two nights. The hotel was gorgeous, the facilities top notch and most importantly it had a shaded pool for cooling off in after a long day in the sun. There are plenty of other accommodation options in Muscat from cheaper hotels, apartments and even Airbnbs.

Bimmah Sink Hole

Oman is known for its swimming spots and this one is probably one of the most easily accessible spots with plenty of facilities. Located not far from the main highway connecting Muscat and Sur this sink hole is a cool spot to check out or even swim in. During our visit it was Eid al Fitr so the sink hole was extremely busy by midday, however, I imagine during a normal weekday it would be less busy. It is free of charge to visit.

What’s better than an easily accessible sinkhole? Well a harder to access Wadi of course. This spot really is pretty cool. Located around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Muscat, it’s easily do able from the city although I would recommend leaving as early as possible especially during the hotter months. Once you reach the carpark at the start of the wadi you’ve got a bit of a trek ahead of you until you’ll reach the glorious pools. First you’ll need to take a boat across from the car park to the start of the trail as this is located on the other side of the water.

Once you get to the trail it’s around a 40 minute walk from here, for the most part the trail is obvious but if you ever lose it just follow the irrigation system and you’ll find it again soon enough. The path itself isn’t the most stable; some parts you’ll be climbing over rocks and other parts you’ll be right along the side of a steep drop. I’d recommend wearing proper shoes and taking plenty of supplies especially in the hot weather. That being said we hiked there and back with relative ease. There are plenty of pools along side the track but the ones you’re after are where the path stops. I’ll write up a full guide to the wadi with all the details.

Crossing the Border UAE/Oman

There are several spots to cross the border from Dubai but make sure you do your research as some are not open to expats and tourists. We chose to cross in two different spots during and trip. Leaving the UAE we drove through Al Ain and took the Mezyad crossing. The process was very slow taking around two hours in total (it was Eid al Fitr though). You can also cross at Khatm Al Shiklah in Al Ain. On our return we chose to cross at Hatta and although the check points are located quite far apart the whole thing was quick and easy. Be careful not to mix the Hatta border with the other two that are not open to expats.

At the border you will need to present the car registration card, the ‘orange card’ insurance document and of course passports. We purchased our visa online before hand so had these printed but it was possible to buy the visa at the border in Mezyad.

Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration to take your own Oman road trip. If there’s anything you’re still not sure about just ask in the comments below.

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Hi I loved your blog . Am a Dubai based Indian expat and am planning to drive to Nizwa in Jan . Please let me know the easiest way to cross over the border into Oman. Are the Hatta or Mezyad borders open? I have done the trip to Khasab a few times . Thanks

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Road tripping to Oman: everything you need to know about driving from Dubai to Muscat

From the documents you need and the fees you’ll have to pay to the covid-19 proof required at uae-oman border points.

An Omani family stands by the waterfront in the Mutrah area of the capital Muscat. AFP

As the price of flights continues to soar, some weekend getaways are looking increasingly expensive. But with Oman right at the UAE’s doorstep, there’s no need to book a flight if you want to explore Muscat ’s corniche, Jebel Akhdar’s peaks or the turquoise Sea of Oman .

The drive from Dubai to Muscat is a trip of about 450 kilometres, a journey that Google Maps estimates takes four-and-a-half hours. But what do you need to do before you set off, do you have to show any Covid-19 paperwork at the border, how much does it cost and how long does it really take door-to-door?

The National set off to find out for ourselves.

Before you go: orange card, visas and insurance

There are a few things you need to organise before you embark on a road trip to Oman . Firstly, you’ll need to check that your car insurance covers you to drive in the sultanate. If it does, you can request an "orange card" from your insurer. This is usually free of charge and can be presented as an emailed electronic format or as a physical card — it's worth noting that it's not always orange.

If your insurance does not cover you to drive in Oman, you can purchase temporary insurance at the border crossing; however, this typically covers third-party damage only.

An Oman visa is required to travel to the sultanate and you can apply online for this in advance, or on arrival for eligible nationalities.

Applying online can save time at the border, but make sure to complete the application at least five days in advance. Typical processing times are 24 hours, but it can take longer. If it’s not processed by the time you arrive, you’ll have to apply (and pay again) for an on-arrival visa — a lesson we learnt first-hand — or even worse, be turned back if you’re not eligible for this option.

The visa fee is 5 Omani rials (Dh50) and you can pay in the local currency or by credit card. Check that you have at least six months validity on your passport and empty pages for exit/entry stamps. You may also be asked for your address while in the sultanate, so make sure you know where you are staying.

Leaving the UAE: no photos please

We used the Hatta-Al Wajajah border to leave Dubai for Oman. It’s located 6km along the road from the Hatta Wadi Hub and takes about an hour and 20 minutes to reach from Dubai. Driving on a Friday morning, there was very little traffic, perhaps because the UAE recently shifted its weekend to start on Saturdays.

Photographs and recording are not allowed at the border point, so keep your phone firmly in your car.

The first part of the exit process is on the UAE side, where you hand over your passport to the official on duty and pay a Dh30 exit fee. You may be asked for proof of car ownership and registration at this point, and if you don’t own the car you are driving, you’ll likely need a letter of consent from the owner that includes their contact details.

The official will give you an "opening file" ticket, and with that in hand, you can continue on to the next checkpoint.

Entering Oman: Covid-19 vaccines and visa applications

Turn left at the roundabout as you enter the Hatta Border Crossing and you’ll come to a series of cabins, each designated for light vehicles, buses or trucks. More important than the vehicle category is whether or not the cabin has an illuminated green traffic light in front of it, as this indicates that it is in operation. If you already have your visa, or can travel without one — you can go straight to one of these cabins and hand over your passport. You can check what type of visa you need on the Omani Police website.

If not, you’ll need to park next to the building on the left and go inside to apply for an on-arrival visa. Bring a pen to fill out the application form, then head to the central desks where you submit the completed form along with your passport. The visit visa fee is 5 Omani rials per person.

Visa complete, drive to one of the occupied cabins where Omani border police will check your documents and direct you to the vehicle inspection point. All car doors need to be opened, including the boot. Officers are thorough, so don't be surprised if they request to look inside any bags, luggage or glove compartments.

When you’re cleared to go, you’ll get a small piece of paper to give to the official in the next booth. Another checkpoint a few kilometres away typically only requires visitors to slow down, and when we reach the final checkpoint once we’re inside the sultanate, there's no one around, so we simply drive slowly through the gates.

No Covid-19 documentation was requested during our border crossing; however, official rules still state that travellers need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 with at least two doses of an approved immunisation, so be sure to have your vaccine certificate with you. Approved vaccinations are AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V and Covaxin.

If you're an Omani citizen, you can return to the sultanate without being vaccinated and proof of a negative PCR test is no longer required.

On the road to Oman: sights to see and where to fill up

A leisurely journey from Dubai to Muscat took just under five hours, including a stop at a petrol station, a toilet stop and a break for a bite to eat.

The drive isn’t the most exciting in the world, but there are a couple of things worth looking out for on the way, including Sharjah Mosque , the largest mosque in the emirate, located just after exit 71, and the mountains of Mleiha, which you'll reach about 40 minutes into the drive. Once you pass into Oman, be on the lookout for roadside camels, and enjoy the impressive backdrop of the Hajar mountains that greet you further down the line.

Take snacks for the journey and plenty of water – once you pass the border crossing, there aren't too many places to stop to refuel. It's also a good idea to refill your tank at the petrol station you'll come across as soon as you cross the Omani border, as many of the petrol stations on the motorway to Muscat are still under construction and so not yet operational.

Also take note of the speed limits on Omani roads. While locals will tell you that you can do about 10km per hour more than the limit before cameras flash, there’s no official buffer zone, so you are best sticking to the speed that signs display.

Covid-19 measures have relaxed significantly in the sultanate in recent months. Official rules dictate that face masks must be worn indoors and in public places, but in reality this rule seems to rarely be enforced.

Driving to the UAE from Oman by car

We returned to the UAE using the Al Ain border crossing at Khatm Al Shikla and it was a relatively simple journey, similar to the exit procedures.

At the first cabin, Omani officials will want to see passports and also asked for our car registration card before giving us an exit stamp and waving us onwards.

Entry into the UAE includes a passport check from Emirati officials and a second checkpoint where each passenger undergoes what seemed to be an EDE scan; there's no need to get out of the car for this. Officials did not ask to see our Al Hosn app or any vaccination documentation upon entry.

A huge scanning machine is in operation for vehicles. When you drive through this, make sure you don’t exceed more than 5 kilometres per hour. Afterwards, officials may ask you to pull into a parking spot and open the boot for a further inspection, although this is typically a faster process than on the Omani side.

When clear, you can continue to the next window where you hand over a stamped piece of paper, then continue into Al Ain to complete the last 160km to get you back to Dubai. Remember that Al Ain is part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, so keep a face mask handy to put on if you're making any stops across the border.

Dubai to Muscat By Road: Essential Planning Tips

Oman has long held a claim to fame as one of the Middle East’s best-kept secrets!  The secret might be slightly out of the bag, but the experience has still not been spoilt by any mass-tourism – yet.

It is truly a unique part of the Middle East region in the way it has kept its traditional charm and offers so much of interest to active, outdoor-loving families.

We talked extensively about things to do in Muscat with kids here, so this post will focus on the how to actually get there; taking you through possible routes from Dubai and itinerary suggestions, as well as the practicalities of driving from the UAE to Oman.

We have broken it up into a few sections:

Practicalities you need to know to cross the border and drive in Oman

• A suggested long weekend itinerary Dubai to Muscat (with distances and times)
• Where to stay and what to do in Muscat, Nizwa and Sohar.

You can learn more about Oman, including customs, visa rules and safety issues on our Oman with kids home page .

What you need with you to leave the UAE and enter Oman by car

You are crossing an international border!  You will need for every passenger:

• A valid passport (with 6 months validity)
• Payment in AED for the exit tax from the UAE (this is included in a flight ticket so you don’t normally realise you’re paying a departure tax)
• Visa and fee to enter Oman (AED or Omani Royal – OR – accepted)

In addition, for your vehicle you will need:

• Proof of ownership of the vehicle (or proof that you have permission to drive the vehicle if the owner is not present in the car)
• Insurance that covers your vehicle in both the UAE & Oman (if your UAE insurance does no explicitly cover Oman as well, you will need to buy insurance from a broker at the border).

Learn more here about driving in desert conditions and what should always be in your car

Where can you cross the border to Oman

Ignoring Musandam and other enclaves, the main border crossings open to all tourists and non-GCC citizens from Dubai are:

• Wadi Hatta – Al Wajajah – closest to Dubai & Sharjah. Note the E44 Hatta route is not an option for tourists, program Hatta Fort Hotel in your GPS/Google Maps/Waze for the most accurate route.
• Kathm al Shukhla, Al Ain – note the Oman crossing is in Buraimi, some further 30km away! As this is a popular truck route option, it can actually be the quieter, easy route for cars.
• Meyzad – Hafeet, Al Ain – closer crossing for Abu Dhabi residents and if returning from Nizwa / Jabal Shams direction.

How the UAE-Oman Border Crossing Process actually works

Exit from the uae.

• At window one state how many people are in your car and confirm ownership of the vehicle (they will probably already have your plates scanned in a computerised system). You’ll be printed a statement in Arabic
• Next, pay your departure tax (currently 35AED per person) We have variously done this from the car and needing to park and go into an office.
• At the final stop hand over the piece of paper you were given at the first stop.

Next you need to cross the Oman Border

• Passports are first checked for an e-visa.  If you already have an e-visa you should be advanced to the next window.
• You can apply for your Oman visa in advance here.
• If not you will need to park and go into the immigration office.
• An immigration form is needed for each passenger, they must all be present in the office, not sleeping kids in the car I’m afraid.
• A tourist visa is issued on your passport and payment made (can be a two-step process or one officer does it all)
• The fee at present is 5OR (50AED) for 1 10 day tourist visa, or 20OR for a 30-day tourist visa
• Present the stamped piece of paper at the police checkpoint
• Some vehicles are searched at this inspection point – some are not. It’s not clear what they are looking for but best not to go in with any obvious alcohol.

Crossing BACK from Oman to the UAE

It is an easier, albeit still time-consuming process to return to the UAE.

Oman charges no departure tax, and the UAE does not charge an entry Visa fee for most passport holders.  It is simply a matter of being stamped back out of Oman and back into the UAE, each requiring separate queues and the offices not necessarily walking distance apart.

Some visa technicalities to be aware of

• If you have anyone in your group travelling on a 30-day UAE  Tourist Visa note that their UAE visa will NOT reset if they are travelling within that 30 days – multiple entries in to and out of the UAE are allowed.
• If you are travelling between day 30 and day 39 of your UAE Tourist Visa (there is a 10 day “grace period”) then your passport re-news on re-entering the UAE.
• Crossing over into Oman on a Tourist Visa for the sake or renewal is common practice – referred to as “border runs”.  The price of the Omani Tourist Visa was significantly increased in 2017 to deter this practice, but it seems it was affecting tourist numbers and the 10-day, 5OR (50AED) tourist visa was reintroduced in 2018.
• You can also obtain a longer 30-day tourist visa for 20OR (200AED) – note this visa DOES reset if you cross back into the UAE. (This caught us out visiting Muscat and Musandam on consecutive weekends, thinking we had 30 days to use  – we ended up having to pay the Oman entry visa twice!)

Driving tips in Oman

• You drive on the right side of the road (same as the UAE)
• Road signs are displayed in both English and Arabic.
• Download Google maps in advance as coverage is patchy beyond the cities. Waze also works in Oman.
• A 2WD will suffice for almost all driving on a long weekend itinerary. If you want to head deeper into the desert or Wadi’s you will need a 4WD.
• You must have insurance to drive your vehicle in Oman (if not included in your UAE insurance policy, this can be purchased at the border crossing).
• Speed limits are up to 120kms but most vehicles do not travel that fast, kept right as much as you can to allow others to pass.
• The traffic in Oman can still be erratic (eg sudden lane changes without indicators) but moves nowhere near as fast as the UAE.  On the whole, its a more forgiving, less stressful driver.
• You can find general safety tips here for driving in desert conditions.

Is there a best time of year to do your road trip to Oman?

Just like the UAE, the summer months in Oman can be excruciatingly hot. The best time to visit Muscat & Oman is over the cooler winter months October through to April.

One big advantage of visiting during the hotter summer months is the opportunity to see the turtles at Ras Jinz on the south coast.  But at this time it’s probably too hot to do most outdoor sightseeing and camping in the desert could be a bit too hot and uncomfortable.

Long weekends are incredibly popular times to cross, but do be aware this can mean extensive queues at the border crossing points.

Opening hours in Oman

This is a really important practicality to consider if planning a Muscat road trip, especially over a weekend.

Friday is the holy day, and many attractions are either only open 8am to 11am, shut for a long period middle of the day only re-opening in the evening, or shut altogether on Fridays. This could put a real dampener on cramming in your plans to one weekend!

Alternative methods getting from Dubai to Muscat

Dubai to muscat by bus.

It is possible to catch a bus from Dubai to Muscat with Mswalat (formerly ONTC) – click here for timetable details . (Suspended since COVID)

• Tickets are 5.5OR (55AED) one way or 9OR (90AED) return
• They cannot be purchased online you will need to buy from the Mswalat ticket counter
• Buses leave Dubai from Deira and take the Hatta-Sohar route, departing 7.30am, 3.30pm & 11pm
• Buses arrive at Muscat Al Athaibi, near to the Grand Mosque – note this is some distance from the touristy areas, a cab to your final destination may add another 5OR.
• Buses leave Muscat from Al Athaibi station at 6am, 3pm and 11am
• Expect the journey by bus to take a minimum of 6 hours

A new Muscat-Abu Dhabi via Al Ain service looks set to launch in October 2023 replacing the Dubai-Muscat service.

Looking to connect between Muscat and Musandam? You need this guide.

Dubai to Muscat Flight

Flying from Dubai to Oman is also popular, especially for short breaks as this will give you more time on the ground.  You can check regular flight schedules and pricing here:

Related reading: More Dubai short break ideas 

Suggested long weekend itinerary Dubai to Muscat by Road

You can see the highlights of Muscat and surrounds within 3 days if you were to fly and only base yourself in Muscat.

The absolute minimum to make a road trip from Dubai to Muscat worthwhile is 4 days. This is simply because driving distances will take up a lot of the time.

Depending on who you are travelling with how far you can drive without regular stops (we know toddlers!) , here’s a guide to some of the distances to consider (Dubai distances taken from Downtown Dubai):

Dubai to Hatta Wadi Border Crossing: 131kms – 1 hour 30 mins 

Hatta Wadi Border to Sohar: 104kms – 1 hour 18 mins

Dubai to Al Ain Khatam Al Shukhla Border Crossing: 152kms – 1 hour 50 mins

Al Ain Khatam Al Shukhla Border to Sohar: 113km – 1 hour 30 mins

Sohar to Muscat: 210kms – 2 hours 10 mins

Muscat to Nizwa: 158kms – 1 hour 40 mins 

Muscat to Jebel Shams: 243kms – 3 hours 20 mins

Nizwa to Jebel Shams: 91km  -1 hour 50 mins

Nizwa to Al Ain Mezyad-Hafeet: 258kms – 2 hours 30 mins

Al Ain Mezyad-Hafeet to Dubai: 167km – 1 hour 50 mins

Some roads are better than others with two land freeways.  As you hit the more mountainous roads, these will add time.

The border crossing itself could take you from 20 minutes to 2 hours+, it depends on so many factors like how many staff are on, time of day. At peak weekend times, expect it to be lengthy delays, and don’t always expect an organised queuing system.

Ideal 4 Day weekend itinerary Dubai to Muscat

Day 1: Dubai to Muscat, via Hatta & Sohar

Day 2: Muscat sightseeing

Day 3: Muscat to Nizwa

Day 4: Nizwa to Dubai, via Al Ain

Tips and suggestions

• If you have seen Sohar and Muscat before, you could bypass the coastal route and head immediately south to Wahiba Sands / Ras al Jinz and stay near Sur, as an alternative trip. It is very difficult to attempt to fit these more southerly destinations in on a Muscat road trip.
• If you’ve not visited Al Ain before, you could easily add 2 days to this itinerary, or visit as a separate weekend trip. You will never do it justice in a drive-through visit. ( You can read more on what to see and do in Al Ain here ).
• You can, of course,  easily substitute the start point of this itinerary to Abu Dhabi. In which case the two Al Ain border crossings are your best option.
• See this guide to overnight accommodation in Al Ain .

Where to stay in Muscat

We have a detailed Muscat accommodation guide here or read on for some top family suggestions:

Favourite luxury family options

• Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa  (you can read an extensive review of Barr Al Jissah by one of our readers here )
• Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel 
• The Chedi Muscat

Great mid-range options in the Qurum area

• InterContinental Muscat
• Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat 
• Crowne Plaza

Serviced apartments in Muscat

If you prefer more space for a group but still the luxuries of a resort, try these serviced apartment options:

• Coral Muscat Hotel and Apartments
• Millennium Executive Apartments Muscat

Where to stay in Sohar

If you’d like to break up the journey with an overnight stop, Sohar makes a good midway resting point.  You can try:

• Radisson Blu Hotel Sohar for a luxury retreat on the waterfront
• Mercure Sohar For a simple clean and comfortable highway stop
• Sama Suhar Hotel Apartments for a larger room option

Where to stay in Nizwa

• Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort  for the ultimate luxury mountain indulgence
• Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel for a solid mid-range more resort-style option
• Al Karam Hotel Apartments for a 2 bedroom apartment option

Where to stay in Hatta

• JA Hatta Fort Hotel get to the border for an early start but stay overnight in this attractive mountainous resort

Note: Don’t expect serviced apartments to necessarily come with everything you need.  You can still BYO meals but perhaps bring your own sets of cutlery -quasi-camping with a  roof! 

What to do in Muscat

See also our detailed guide to Muscat with kids

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (8am-11am Sat-Thu)
• Walk the Corniche in Muttrah
• Muttrah Souk (8am- 11am, 4pm-10pm)
• Children’s Museum
• Qurum Natural Park
• Shatti Qurum Beach
• Dolphin Tour
• Boat to Daymaniyat Islands
• Royal Opera House Visit
• Wandering old town and see the Al Alam Presidential Palace
• National Museum of Oman
• Bait Al Zubair Museum

What to do in Sohar

• Sohar Fort (check is still closed for renovation)
• Sohar Traditional Handicrafts Souq (note limited opening hours)
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Sohar (8am to 11am Sat to Thu)

What to do in Nizwa and along Highway 15

You can find our complete guide to things to see and do in Nizwa here . Some of the highlights include:

• Nizwa Souq (market)
• Falaj Daris ( UNESCO World Heritage site )
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Nizwa
• Al Hoota Caves ( need to pre-book )
• Al Hamra Village
• Al Ayn Tombs ( UNESCO World Heritage site )
• Tanuf Ruins
• Birkat Al Mouz Ruins
• Al Bahla Fort ( UNESCO World Heritage site )
• Jibreen Castle (also known as Jabrin, Jabreen)
• Jebel Akhdar

Got a review of any of these attractions you would like to share?  Get in touch we’d love to share your photos and experiences.

Further Oman resources and inspiration:

Check out these guides for more great ideas visiting Oman

• A highlights tour of Oman with Kids – including Sur, Wahiba Sands & Wadi Shab 
• When is the best time to visit Oman
• How to get from Muscat to Musandam
• Best resorts and hotels in Musandam
• Best Resorts & Hotels in Muscat
• Easy day trips to try from Muscat

Save this for later

Take me back to the Oman Homepage

This post was written by Keri Hedrick, an avid family traveller and writer based in the UAE. This page contains affiliate links which may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Our full terms of use can be found here. 

The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.

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Crossing the border from Dubai to Oman via the Hatta – Al Wajajah Border Crossing.

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 20, 2024

On our most recent trip to the UAE, we thought we would extend our Middle East adventures and rent a car to drive from Dubai to Muscat.  This meant we ended up with an amazing week of road tripping around Oman in our own vehicle.  And have you heard about the wadis in Oman?! 

If you are wondering about crossing the border from Dubai to Oman and making the drive from Dubai to Muscat with a rental car we have everything you need to know!  It is a straightforward border crossing with a little bit of preparation to make sure your rental car has everything you need to cross the Hatta border from Dubai and enter Oman.  

About the Dubai to Oman border

There are multiple border crossings between Dubai and Oman however not all of them are open for tourists/non-GCC residents to cross. 

• Hatta – Al Wajajah 
• Khatm Al Shiklah

We crossed the border from Dubai to Muscat via the Hatta – Al Wajajah border crossing.

About the Hatta – Al Wajajah Border Crossing from Dubai to Muscat   

The Hatta – Al Wajajah border crossing between Dubai and Oman is the preferred choice and most popular route for driving from Dubai to Muscat.  

The Hatta border post is only 140km from Dubai.  By car it takes less than two hours to reach from Dubai.  

And from the Hatta – Al Wajajah border it is another three hours to the capital city of Muscat meaning that the drive from Dubai to Muscat is totally doable in one day.  

Getting to the Hatta – Al Wajajah Border (from Dubai to Muscat)

Since Dubai is the most likely point of departure to drive to Oman we have written about the border crossing at Hatta as departing from Dubai to Muscat. 

From Dubai to Hatta is takes less than two hours to reach passport control at Hatta. 

Distance from Dubai to Hatta 

The first half of the border crossing from Dubai to Muscat is the drive from Dubai city to the border town of Hatta.  

• Dubai to Hatta:  1 hr 22 min  (134.7 km) via Sharjah-Kalba Rd/E102
• Sharjah to Hatta:  1 hr 14 min  (124.5 km) via Sharjah-Kalba Rd/E102

Distance from Hatta to Muscat

After crossing the border at Hatta the drive from the UAE – Oman border to Muscat is straightforward and all on highway. 

• Hatta to Muscat:  3 hr  (321.5 km)

Crossing the Hatta Border from Dubai to Muscat 

Here is the step-by-step version of crossing the UAE Oman border from Dubai to Muscat. 

• First Checkpoint:  This is outside the building for UAE Passport Control but driving through by car this is the first drive-through window you approach.  At this window you are asked how many passengers in the car and requested to pay the 35 Dirham departure fee. 
• Second Checkpoint:  This is passport control to depart the UAE.  You don’t need to get out of your car but hand over your passports and the paid departure fee slips.  You are then stamped out of UAE. 
• Passport Control:  Drive 1km to passport control. Unless you already have a visa in your passport; at this drive-through window you will be directed to park and enter Oman Passport Control. 
• Immigration:  Show your Visa for Oman/Obtain a Visa On Arrival.  Fill out the arrival document and process immigration.  Show your vehicle documents (vehicle registration card, Oman insurance, NOC) There is an ATM inside the building right by the door if you need.  
• Customs:  Hop back in your car and drive to the next checkpoint (under the shade of a huge, roofed area).  Here you will be asked for your entry receipt (a stamped piece of paper) and the customs officer will open your car and check inside. 
• Exit through police checkpoint.
• Enter Oman:  Welcome to Oman!  

Getting from the Hatta border crossing to Muscat

The drive is straight forward after you leave the UAE Oman border crossing.  Most of the drive is on large highways and motorways.  

If you don’t have a GPS or SIM card for Oman it would be a good idea to download some of the maps before crossing the border from Dubai to Muscat.  At least this will make sure you are able to find your hotel in Muscat. 

Renting a car to cross the Hatta Border from Dubai to Muscat

It  is   possible to drive a rental car across the border to Oman from Dubai to Muscat.  (That’s what we did!). However, not every rental agency will allow you to drive a car over the border.  

But one of the most frequently asked questions we get about driving from Dubai to Oman is whether you can do the drive with a rental car.  

And where did you hire a rental car from to cross the border Dubai to Muscat?

Not every rental company will allow you to take a car out of the United Arab Emirates.  But it is possible.  And it is a great way to be able to explore Oman with your own vehicle. (Public transport is limited if you want to explore further than Muscat). 

The rental company must provide you with: 

• Oman Insurance 
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Vehicle Registration Card

They will/might check for these three things at the border posts during your crossing from Dubai to Muscat. 

You are required to have additional vehicle insurance for your rental car specifically for Oman.  You need to let your rental car company know you intend to drive from Dubai to Oman and they will offer you the option to insure the vehicle for an additional charge (in AED) per day. 

Vehicle insurance fees for Oman for Car Groups B, C, D, and E: 

• 1-3 days: 450 AED (100 AED per additional day)
• 1 week: 750 AED (100 AED per additional day)
• 1 month: 1500 AED (100 AED per additional day)

We opted for insurance for one week as we were returning the car on the seventh day and driving back from Oman to Dubai. 

Where did you hire a rental car from to cross the border Dubai to Muscat?

We rented a car to drive from Dubai to Muscat via the Hatta border crossing from  Autorent Car Rental in Dubai . 

• Phone: +971 56 546 9841 or +971 600 549993 

Where to stay before and after crossing the border from Dubai to Muscat

• Dubai:   Admiral Plaza Hotel   A great centrally located hotel within walking distance of Old Dubai and the Dubai Creek. Plenty of restaurants (to suit all budgets) around the area and very friendly, clean and modern rooms. 
• Muscat:   Ramee Guestline Hotel We have stayed here twice and recommend it as a good place to find your feet in Oman.  And as a base to explore Muscat.  It is by a quiet corniche (promenade) and a nice place to go for an evening wander.  There is a restaurant onsite (actually there are two!) and breakfast is included. 

Where we stayed in Oman

• Muscat:   Ramee Guestline Hotel We have stayed here twice (on each visit to Oman) and recommend it as a good place to find your feet and explore Muscat.  It is by a quiet corniche (promenade) and a nice place to go for an evening wander.  There is a restaurant onsite (actually there are two!) and breakfast is included. 
• Ibra:   Oriental Nights Rest House  [handy location to arrive early to Wadi Bani Khalid; good distance from Muscat; no town or restaurant nearby, only one petrol station/store so bring basic dinner to make]. 
• Sur:   Leading Wings Beach Apartments  [amazing views; basic but spacious rooms with own kitchen and bathroom; very friendly staff; free parking].

The verdict about crossing the border from Dubai to Muscat?

This was a straightforward border to cross.  We even crossed the border from Dubai to Muscat with a rental car! And Oman is another fantastic Middle Eastern country to explore. 

It does take a day as the drive is quite long from Dubai to Muscat.  But with your own transport and at your own pace it is a hassle-free border to cross.  

We can highly recommend you continue your Dubai to Muscat road-trip further and explore the wadis of Oman!  Did you know Oman has hundreds of wadis and lots you can swim in?! 

Happy border crossing! 

Useful links for your travels in Middle East and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about travel in the Middle East 

• Saudi Arabia Travel Guide: Everything you need to know about visiting KSA.
• Jordan Travel Guide: Read all about magical Jordan.
• Visiting Umm Qais in Jordan
• Crossing overland from Israel to Jordan (and the worst noise ever).
• UAE with kids: Three Emirates in three days.
• Quick tips for visiting the Sheik Al Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi with kids.

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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1 thought on “Crossing the border from Dubai to Oman via the Hatta – Al Wajajah Border Crossing.”

Hello, Great to read that driving a rental car from Dubai to Oman is possible. Also clearly described how it works. Just wondering. We want to go for 10 days. So that means for the insurance that we pay 750AED plus 300AED for the 3 extra days, right? We were also wondering what you had to pay for the car itself per day, since we didn’t read that anywhere? Then we have an idea of ??what the total costs are. Thank you in advance!

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How To Travel From Dubai To Muscat By Bus (Via Hatta Border)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: December 16, 2022

Categories Oman , United Arab Emirates

Are you planning to visit Oman from the U.A.E.? While you can fly directly to Muscat , the capital of Oman, it's often cheaper to travel from Dubai to Muscat by bus.

The bus is a comfortable, easy, safe and very affordable way to travel from Dubai to Muscat.

In this post you can read everything about the Dubai Muscat bus route, where to buy tickets and what to expect along the way.

How to travel from Dubai to Muscat by bus via the Hatta border?

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Update 2022: I received several messages from travelers (thank you Christian, Lioba and Kreso!) who kindly shared their recent experience traveling between Dubai and Muscat. Unfortunately, the Mwasalat busses (line 201) are still not operating between Dubai and Muscat due to COVID-19. This information was confirmed by an official agent at the Mwasalat counter. Instead, you can purchase a ticket from a private bus company called ‘ Al Khanjry Transport ‘. There are two daily buses, one at 6 am and one at 3 pm. Tickets are 100 AED / 10 OM per person (one-way) and can be bought directly at the Al Khanjry offices in Dubai or Muscat. It's recommended to purchase your tickets a few days before your intended travel date as they sell out quickly (only 50% of seats are currently available due to Covid safety regulations).

Things to know about the Dubai Muscat bus

How long does the bus from dubai to muscat take.

If you are lucky the it only takes 6 hours to travel from Dubai to Muscat by bus. However,due to traffic jams in Dubai and the long waiting time at the Hatta border the journey took us 9 hours.

Important: don't make the same mistake as we did and avoid traveling to Muscat by bus from Dubai on Thursdays (especially the afternoon and evening bus) . Because Friday is when the weekend start in both the U.A.E. as well as Oman, this bus is very busy with workers going back home for the weekend. Waiting times at the borders can be long and traffic is pretty bad too.

Where to stay in Dubai: – Premier Inn IBN Battuta (3-star) – Edge Creekside Hotel (4-star) – Taj Dubai  (5-star) Best things to do in Dubai: – Admire the view from the  Burj Khalifa observation deck – Visit the colorful Miracle Garden – Go on a desert safari

Which facilities are there on the bus?

For those who are a bit apprehensive about long-distance bus travel, don't worry! These luxury buses are as comfortable as they get.

On the Dubai Muscat bus, there are air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and USB charging points in the back of each chair.

There are no bathrooms on the bus, however, there are bathrooms at the border crossings (both at the U.A.E. as well as the Oman side).

For the return bus from Muscat to Dubai, the driver will usually allow a bathroom break if requested at one of the eleven stops in Oman.

Where to stay in Muscat: – Mutrah Hotel (2-star) – Hilton Garden Inn (4-star) – Al Bustan Palace  (5-star) Best things to do in Muscat: – Join a dolphin-watching tour – Explore the underwater world when snorkeling at the Dimaniyat Islands – Go sightseeing on this Muscat city tour

Bus Dubai to Muscat: a step by step guide

Step 1: buy a bus ticket, how much does a bus ticket from dubai to muscat cost.

We paid 55AED per person for a one-way ticket (a return ticket is 90AED).

If you travel from Muscat to Dubai the price is 5.5 Omani Rial for a one-way ticket and 9 Rial for a return ticket.

What time does the Dubai-Muscat bus leave?

There are 3 buses a day in both directions.

From Dubai to Muscat:

• The Mwasalat bus from Dubai to Muscat departs at 7.30 am, 3.30 pm, and 11 pm from the Abu Hail bus station.
• Getting on the bus is also possible at Airport Terminal 2 (7.45 am, 3.45 pm and 11.45 pm) and at Rashidiya Bus Station (8 am, 4 pm and 12 pm). Please

From Muscat to Dubai:

• The Mwasalat bus from Muscat to Dubai departs at 6.20 am, 3.20 pm and 11.20 pm.
• Departure from Al Azaiba Station in Muscat. Along the way to Dubai, the bus stops at Muscat Airport, Burj Al Sahwa, Maabela, Barka, Musanah, Suwaiq, Khabura, Saham, Sohar, and Shinas.

On the Mwasalat website you can find the the bus time table (route 201).

Where can I buy a ticket for the bus from Dubai to Mucat?

Unfortunately, it's still not possible to book a ticket for the Mwasalat bus from Dubai to Muscat (or vice versa) online.

Tickets can be bought directly from the RTA stand found at exit 2 at the Abu Hail Station MRT station) or at the Mwasalat Office in Deira (near the Clock Tower), see the map below.

Alternatively, you can board the bus at Rashidiya Station (the last stop on the red metro line), however, you must get a ticket before getting on the bus because you cannot buy one in the bus itself.

Click here for the interactive map .

Step 2: board the bus 30 minutes before departure

When departing from Abu Hail Bus Station, be sure to be here 30 minutes before departure .

Put your big backpack in the luggage space of the bus and hop aboard. Someone from the bus company will come and check your ticket.

Pick a seat (the ones at the front of the bus are usually reserved for single female travelers), sit back, and relax.

Keep your fingers crossed for light traffic in Dubai, in our case, it was very busy which added at least an hour to our travel time.

Step 3: the Hatta border, U.A.E. side part 1

After about a two hours drive you should arrive at the Hatta border (unfortunately it took us a lot longer due to the heavy traffic in Dubai).

At the U.A.E. border, you have to get off the bus and pay a 35AED exit fee per person. This can be paid in cash as well as by card. Once that's done, get back on the bus and KEEP YOUR EXIT FEE RECEIPT!

Step 4: the Hatta border, U.A.E. side part 2

The bus will drive a little further and stop at U.A.E. customs. Get off the bus again, take your passport and exit fee receipt with you.

Inside this customs building, you will get your U.A.E. exit stamp after which you can hop back on the bus.

Step 5: the Hatta border, Oman side part 1

Again the bus will drive on a little before stopping at Oman customs. Well, actually the Oman luggage checkpoint.

At this checkpoint, you will have to take all your belonging off the bus and present them to an Omani policeman (if you are male) or policewoman (if you are female).

The police will give your luggage a superficial check, but the real test is when all luggage is lined up and a specially trained dog is led around the luggage to check for drugs.

Presuming this goes smoothly all luggage can be loaded back on the bus and there is only one more step to go before you are officially in Oman!

Step 6: the Hatta border, Oman side part 2

Usually this part of the journey should go quite smoothly, however, it took us quite a bit of time because there were long lines at the Oman immigration counters.

We crossed the border on Thursday evening, which is the start of the weekend in Muslim countries. In hindsight, I knew this, but it hadn’t occurred to me the border would be extra busy on the evening before the weekend.

Regarding visas, since 2018 you can either get an electronic visa online before your Dubai to Muscat trip or a visa on arrival.

There are two tourism visas: a 10-day visa that costs OMR5 or a 30-day visa which is ORM20.

As we were going to do a 2-week road trip in Oman , we got a 30-day visa. There is an ATM at the Oman Customs Office where you can get the Omani Rial needed to pay for the visa.

After buying our visa and getting our stamps we got back on the bus which continued to Sohar. There are a couple more stops along the way where local people will board the bus or disembark.

The last stop in Muscat is Al Athaiba and by the time you arrive here, the bus will probably be almost empty.

You can either find a hotel nearby or get a taxi to Mutrah (we stayed at Mutrah Hotel . A taxi from Al Athaiba to Mutrah costs around 5 or 6 Rial.

Plan your trip to Oman like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best 4×4 rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ? Stay connected with an  Oman SIM card . ? Plan your journey with the  Oman Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide or Viator . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Dubai to Muscat bus: in conclusion

That's everything you need to know about traveling by bus from Dubai to Oman. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a message .

Also read my posts about why you should visit Oman , our Oman travel budget and camping in Oman . Got more time to spend in the U.A.E. ? Why not add a visit to Abu Dhabi as well!

This post was updated in May 2022 .

Wednesday 14th of December 2022

Hi, Do you know if the bus (the 201) from Dubai to Muscat likely to be running again by Feb 2023? I saw your notice that it was cancelled due to Covid 19, and would appreciate an update if you are able to do so. Thank you.

Hey Veronica, I've checked and according to the Mwasalat website (https://mwasalat.om/intercity) the Dubai-Muscat bus is still not available at this moment. There is the Al Khanjry bus and you can always check the Mwasalat site again in January to check if services have been resumed. I wish you a safe journey! Lotte

Wednesday 31st of August 2022

Hello, do you have some more information about purchasing bus tickets by Al Khanjry?

Tuesday 6th of September 2022

Unfortunately not firsthand. You can contact them via [email protected] in case you would like to purchase tickets. Safe travels!

Thursday 14th of April 2022

To book a ticket do we need to produce the original passport or copy is enough?

Friday 15th of April 2022

Dear Hussain,

I haven't booked with Al Khanjry Transport myself but I imagine you'll be needing the original passport. Since you're crossing the border in this bus they probably want to make sure you actually can and to do so you need your actuall passport;)

Safe travels! Lotte

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

Hi, just short notice since your page is jumping out on google regarding the bus Muscat - Dubai, so I wanted to leave an update to whoever might need the info.

Al Khanjry is operating 6 am and 3 pm, we went on the trip on 14.1.2022. 3 pm and it was ok.. took us 7 hours since we had a deep search of our bags on the UAE border by police.. though we arrived on time by 11 pm.

The trip is costing now 10 OMR in one way (we didn't ask for a discount since we were desperate not to go by air and no rent a car allowed!) and we bought a week earlier since the tickets are selling out very early and every second seat is empty. We bought it in their office on Ruwi station in Muscat.

Friday 21st of January 2022

Thank you so much for this info, it's really helpful for other travelers who want to take a bus from Muscat to Dubai or vice versa. I've added your info to the top of the article, thanks again for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it!

Saturday 8th of January 2022

Are you asked to provide a PCR test to enter Oman by bus? What if it's from Oman to Dubai?

Monday 10th of January 2022

Hi Nicolas,

I haven't done the border crossing myself since Covid-19 so I can't say with certainty but yes, I expect you will need proof of vaccination as well as a negative PCR test. Your best bet is to check here: https://www.omanairports.co.om/news/update-on-travel-restrictions-related-to-covid-19/ for current information.

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A guide to the Oman tourist visa process for UAE residents

• Eligibility
• Required Documents
• Oman Visa Online Application
• Contact Information

The picturesque country of Oman, known for its rugged natural beauty, scenic attractions and cultural heritage, is a popular tourist destination that Emiratis as well as expats frequent for weekend getaways and longer holidays. The process of applying for visa to Oman is relatively simple and easy.

Irrespective of nationality , UAE residents who want to apply for a travel visa for Oman can do so via the Royal Oman Police portal.

If you are also planning to visit the Sultanate of Oman from the UAE, here is everything you need to know about the visa application process — from the visa eligibility criteria and required documents to the online application process and more.

Please note that the visa information given in this article is subject to change and may vary from case-to-case basis. It is therefore recommended to confirm with the official portal of the Royal Police of Oman before applying for a visa.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR OMAN VISA FOR UAE RESIDENTS

Wondering how to apply for a visit visa to Oman for UAE residents? From eligibility requirements to documentation and more, here is everything you need to know.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VISA TO OMAN FROM UAE

UAE citizens do not require a visa to travel to Oman. However, residents need to apply for a visit visa to enter Oman. You can check your eligibility criteria through Oman e-visa website.

All you have to do is select your nationality as per your passport and verify whether you are GCC resident or not.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR AN OMAN VISA FROM THE UAE

Anyone who has been a resident of the UAE for at least six months does not need a sponsor from Oman to get visa approval. All they need is the following documents to apply.

• Copy of valid UAE residence visa
• Passport photo
• Valid passport copy
• Emirates ID copy

Please note:

• The passport has to be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Oman.
• Joint family visa applications are allowed only for children under 21 years old.
• The joint visa is free, given that you are coming directly to Oman.
• A visa type 29A, if they are the main visitor with an approved profession
• A visa type 29B if they are accompanying the main traveller.

APPLYING ONLINE FOR AN OMAN VISA FOR THE UAE RESIDENTS

Oman has introduced an online visa portal for the convenience of all those who want to apply. The first step is to create an account on the platform. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step procedure of how to create an account on the Oman eVisa platform.

• Visit official Oman’s eVisa website
• Click on ‘Apply for Tourist Visa’ on the homepage
• Email address
• Family Name
• Mobile number
• Date of Birth
• Nationality

After filling the captcha, you will get a verification code. Enter that code and click on ‘Register’.

After creating the account, you will be asked to choose a visa category and fill out the resident visa application details as follows:

• Country of birth
• Travel document type (passport)
• Travel document number (passport number)
• Required travel documents
• Passport nationality
• Place of issue
• Date and place of birth
• Passport issue and expiry date

OMAN VISIT VISA FROM UAE PRICE

Oman visa cost for UAE residents with a stay limit of 30 days is approximately AED 47.50 (5 Omani Riyal approx.). This type of visa is valid for a month after the approval of the application.

Please note that Oman visit visa price from the UAE differs according to the duration of the visa you apply for.

CONTACT DETAILS

If you are facing any issues in the process of applying for a visa or have any queries, you can contact the Oman eVisa Department.

• Helpline: +968-2-284-8200 | 800-80011
• Office Hours: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm (GMT+4)
• Email: [email protected]

FAQS ABOUT VISA TO OMAN FROM UAE

What is dubai to oman visit visa price.

You can easily apply for Oman visa from Dubai. The tourist visa fee from Dubai to Oman ranges from AED 50 to AED 200 depending on the duration of the visa.

WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS IF I AM TRAVELLING BY ROAD?

Requirements of Oman visa for UAE residents by road remain same irrespective of your travelling mode.

Is it possible for UAE residents to get a visa through a paper application form at Oman’s border posts?

It is recommended that you apply via the website as that is the preferred option. Only in exceptional circumstances, a paper application form at the border post will be accepted.

How can you reprint a visa after approval?

• Visit eVisa website
• Login to your account
• Search for your visa application.
• Fill minimum of one field (travel document number)
• Click “view visa details”
• ‘Generate PDF
• Download/print it

How long can your visa stay valid?

The validity period for an unsponsored resident tourist visa is 28 days or a month.

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME FOR THE VISA?

Oman visa process time varies on a case-to-case basis. It is recommended, however, to apply for a visa application at least four to five days before you need it to be approved.

CAN UAE RESIDENTS GET VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR OMAN?

Oman used to offer visa on arrival for UAE residents, but this service is now replaced by eVisa.

This concludes our guide on the process of applying for visa to Oman from UAE. Consulting the best travel agencies in Dubai can also make the process simpler for you. You can also visit these places in Oman on your tour from Dubai/UAE!

Did you know that you can also go to Oman via bus? Dubai to Oman bus runs three times a day.

Residents of the golden city who like to travel during holidays can also consider some of the popular international destinations to travel from Dubai such as Thailand, Vietnam and Egypt.

Do you want to check your UAE visa status online ? Our comprehensive guide has all the details.

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Dubai to Oman By Road – Everything to Know About Driving Across the Border!

On our most recent trip to Dubai, we decided it would be fun to rent a car and travel from Dubai to Oman by road.  We love a good road trip and figured what better way to see more of the two countries than driving from Dubai to Muscat and beyond?!  

If you’re wondering how to travel from Dubai to Oman by car, we’ve got you covered!  Below is everything you need to know from renting a car in the UAE, Oman border crossing requirements, and more. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you purchase something after clicking one of these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.  As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Traveling from Dubai to Oman by Car – What you need to know

Table of Contents

Oman borders the UAE to the east and is located only 140km from Dubai .  Catching a flight from Dubai to Muscat is very quick and easy, but if you have some extra time, driving from Dubai to Oman makes an excellent road trip!  Both countries have excellent roads and freeways and are easy to navigate.

By driving from Dubai to Oman, you get to see a varied range of landscapes, from the deserts to mountains to coastline.  You are also able to see more of Oman outside of Muscat without having to rely on tours.  Oman is not well-connected by public transport so being able to self-drive is best.

As foreigners to the region, the first step is to rent a car in the UAE .  Next, figure out which UAE – Oman border crossing to use.  Make sure you have all your required documents in order and then hit the road for a spectacular road trip!  We will guide you through all the processes below.

Dubai to Oman by Road – Can I take a rental car from the UAE to Oman?

Yes, you can, but not all rental car companies allow it .  Before renting a car in the UAE, inquire with the company first to ensure they allow their vehicles to be taken into Oman and can provide you with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) .

When crossing the UAE Oman border, you will be asked to show proof that you are allowed to take your UAE rental car to Oman.  This is where you’ll have to show your NOC letter you obtained from the rental company.

Dubai to Oman by Road – Renting a Car in Dubai

Since we were arriving in the UAE via the Dubai International Airport, we looked into the many car rental companies located at the airport.  We decided to go with Avis since they are a well-known global company and we’ve always had a good experience with them.  They also clearly stated on their website that they allow their rental cars to be taken to Oman and can provide a No Objection Certificate .

Permission to take UAE rental car to Oman

First, reserve the car directly on the Avis UAE website .   Avis’ terms and conditions state that in order to take the car out of the country to Oman you need to contact the Avis UAE Call Centre at least 72 hours in advance to put in your request .  This allows them time to put together your Oman Insurance and No Objection Certificate letter.

Once we had made our car rental booking, we e-mailed the Avis UAE Call Centre with our confirmation number and put in our request to take the car to Oman.  They emailed back requesting a copy of our passport and driver’s license so we emailed over scanned copies.  We didn’t receive any emails after this, but everything was all set and ready for us once we arrived at the airport to pick up the car.

Avis UAE Call Centre Email Address: [email protected]

Avis UAE Call Centre Phone Number: + 971 4 3307272

Oman Insurance

You are required to have additional insurance specifically for Oman when driving from Dubai to Oman.  Avis will add this onto your rental when you request to take your rental car to Oman. The additional fee will cover the cost of the insurance and documentation.

As of 2023, the fees are as follows:

Car Groups B, C, D, and E:

• 1-3 days: 450 AED (100 AED per additional day)
• 1 week: 750 AED (100 AED per additional day)
• 1 month: 1500 AED (100 AED per additional day)

Car Groups K, M, N and L:

• 1-3days: 650 AED (125 AED per additional day)
• 1 week: 1100 AED (125 AED per additional day)
• 1 month: 2000 AED (125 AED per additional day)

Upon picking up our rental car, we were given an envelope containing the Oman insurance.  The document was in Arabic and we had to show it at the UAE Oman border crossing and at police checkpoints throughout Oman.

No Objection Certificate

It is necessary to show a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the border crossing when traveling from Dubai to Oman by road.  Avis will prepare a signed letter confirming that you, the registered driver, are leasing a vehicle from them and that they have no objection to you traveling to Oman with this vehicle during your rental period.

This letter was printed on letterhead and included in the envelope of documents we received when picking up our car at the Dubai Airport.

Car Registration Card

You need to have the car’s registration card in the car at all times.  We were asked for this every time we were stopped.  The police would say “car card?” and we eventually figured out they were asking for the registration card.  Avis made sure we had the original and we kept it in the glove compartment box at all times.

Upon returning the car to Avis, we had to return this original document to them as well.

Dubai to Oman By Road Route Options

There are a number of different UAE-Oman border crossings, but not all are open to tourists/non-GCC residents.  When traveling from Dubai to Oman by road, you’ll want to focus on the following four border crossings, depending on where you’re headed.

• Khatm Al Shiklah

Hatta – Al Wajajah Border Crossing

The Hatta border crossing is the preferred choice for those driving from Dubai to Oman as it is the closest border post.  Located only about 140km from Dubai, the Hatta border post takes less than two hours to reach by car.

From the Hatta – Al Wajajah border it is another three hours to the capital city of Muscat.

This is the border crossing we took when driving from Dubai to Oman.  We left our hotel, the St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, at 8:45am and made it to the Hatta border at 10:35am.

The border crossing procedures took about half an hour , and then we continued on to Muscat, arriving at our hotel there by 2:20pm.

Mezyad – Hafeet Border Crossing

The Mezyad border crossing is located close to the “Garden City” of Al Ain.  It is a little bit further from Dubai, but is the ideal border crossing if you are headed to Nizwa, Jebel Shams or other places in central/south Oman .  This was the border crossing we took on the way back from Oman as we were coming from Jebel Akhdar back to Dubai.

If you are driving from Abu Dhabi to Oman , rather than from Dubai, then this will be the closer border crossing for you.  The Mezyad border post is located about 160km from Dubai and about 180km from Abu Dhabi.

Khatm Al Shiklah Border Crossing

This border crossing is also located close to Al Ain.  However, it is mostly used by trucks.  Since it is not a popular route for traveling from Dubai to Oman by car, it is often less busy and may be the ideal border crossing during busy travel periods.

Located about 160km from Dubai, it takes about the same amount of time to get to as the Mezyad border crossing, and not much longer than the Hatta border crossing.  While we did not take this route ourselves, we’ve read that it is less scenic than the Hatta route, although more direct if you are headed to Muscat.

Dibba Border Crossing

Last on the list is the Dibba border crossing as this is the one you will want to use only if you are headed to the beautiful Musandam region of Oman.  Musandam is located on the northern tip of the Arabian peninsula and is known for its fjords.

From Dubai, it is only about 146km to the Dibba border crossing and should only take you 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach.

We did not get to use this border crossing on our recent trip, but hope to next time!

UAE Oman Border Crossing Procedures

When driving from Dubai to Oman, you will need to:

• Exit the UAE and pay the exit fee
• Show your Visa for Oman/Obtain a Visa On Arrival
• Show your vehicle documents (vehicle registration card, Oman insurance, NOC)
• Proceed through vehicle inspection
• Exit through police checkpoint
• Enter Oman!

Exiting the UAE

Upon arrival at the UAE – Oman border, you will pull up to a window and hand over your passport.  You will be asked to pay the exit fee of 35 AED .  We were surprisingly given the option to pay by credit card, which we did.  However, it is good to have cash just in case.

Once you’ve paid your exit fee, you will be given a receipt.  Proceed to the next checkpoint and show this receipt.  They will then put an exit stamp in your passport.

Entering Oman By Road

After officially exiting the UAE, you will need to drive a short distance (about 850m) to the Oman border post.  Line up in the appropriate vehicle lane and hand over your passport to the border official.

If you do not already have an Oman visa, you will be directed to park at the building to the left to apply for one.  To save time, you can apply for an e-visa in advance online .

Dubai to Oman By Road Visa Process

We opted for an on-arrival visa rather than applying online in advance since we weren’t 100% sure on our travel dates ahead of time.  Therefore we had to park our car and enter the building to complete our visa paperwork.  It was actually a nice break to stretch our legs and use the toilet.  The building was very spacious and air-conditioned.

1. Complete immigration form/show e-visa

Once inside, you need to fill out the immigration form.  Make sure to bring a pen as there weren’t any provided.  Take your completed form and line up at the immigration desks.

2. Show vehicle registration and insurance

The border officials were very friendly!  They asked us where we were going in Oman and asked to see our vehicle registration and Oman insurance.  We ended up having to go run back to the car to grab this – make sure you bring it with you!  They didn’t ask to see our NOC letter, though.

3. Pay visa fee, if applicable

To our surprise, we were informed that we were entitled to a 21 day tourist visa at no cost!   That was a nice surprise for us as we were expecting to pay a fee from what we had previously read online.

I later looked it up and it turns out this is due to the “ Dubai/Oman Common Visa ” which “Allows a visit to Oman for a person who is on the list of eligible nationalities, and who has a current tourist visa which was used to enter the Emirate of Dubai, and now wishes to enter Oman directly from Dubai.”

Tip: You can go online ahead of time and figure out exactly which visa you are eligible for and the cost.  If you do have to pay a fee, make sure you have cash as the ATM in the building was not working.

4. Obtain entry stamp

The border official gave us a piece of paper with an entry stamp for Oman and stamped our visas into our passports.  Make sure to hold onto this paper as you will have to show it later!

2023 Update: The Oman government has announced that 103 countries are now eligible for visa-free entry for stays of 14 days or less.  Check the current list of countries on the Foreign Ministry website .

Dubai to Oman By Road Visitor Visa Cost

• 10 Day: 5 OMR
• 30 Day: 20 OMR

Dubai/Oman Common Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the free 21A Dubai/Oman Common Visa , you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Arrive in Oman from Dubai (at Hatta Al-Wajajah land crossing, or at Muscat airport, or at a seaport)
• Have 21 days validity on your Dubai visa remaining on entry to Oman
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry to Oman
• Must be a citizen of one of the Dubai-Oman joint visa countries (sorry, I don’t have an up to date list)
• Must already hold a visit visa from Emirate of Dubai

There is no fee for this visa.

Dubai to Oman By Road Vehicle Inspection

After obtaining your visa and entry stamp, get back into your car and drive to the next checkpoint.  Here you will undergo a full vehicle inspection.  You must park the car and open up the trunk and all doors .  The officers will examine the entire vehicle.

We were asked to remove our luggage and go inside the building to place it through the scanners, just like in an airport.  The officers we encountered didn’t speak English and it was a bit difficult to understand their instructions.

Once they are satisfied with the vehicle inspection, they will stamp a piece of paper showing the inspection is clear.

After the vehicle inspection, make your way to the final police checkpoint.  All you need to do is hand them the piece of paper that shows you are all clear and you can make your way into Oman!

Check out our Oman Road Trip Itinerary !

FAQ and Tips

How long does it take to cross the uae – oman border.

The entire border crossing process took us only 30 minutes .  We arrived at the Hatta border at 10:30am on a Friday and were out of there by 11:00am!  This was quicker than we were expecting as we had previously been warned Fridays can get busy.

If you cross on a weekend or holiday, others have said the process can take up to 2 hours , so make sure to factor in extra time.

Will my cell phone work in Oman?

We used our Canadian SIM cards and they worked well in Oman while roaming.  Once we crossed the border, our phones automatically connected to an Omani carrier and we didn’t experience any issues with cell reception.

I had previously read that sometimes you can buy an Omani SIM card at the border, but we didn’t see anywhere to buy them when we were there.

Gas Stations

You won’t have any issue finding a gas station on either side of the border.  There were plenty in Dubai on the way to the border and there was a Shell gas station immediately after crossing into Oman.

Gas is thankfully very cheap in Oman.  Coming from Canada where gas prices are super high, we were quite pleased to see how cheap it was to fill up our 4×4 rental.  It was only 0.229 OMR per litre (equivalent to about $0.80 CAD/$0.60 USD!)

Gas stations are also a good place to stop for toilet breaks.

What’s it like driving in Oman?

Check our Driving in Oman post !

Driving to the UAE from Oman

Returning back to Dubai from Oman is quite similar to entering Oman from Dubai.  We ended up crossing via the Mezyad border on the way back since we were driving back from Jebel Akhdar.

Exiting Oman

It was a very quick process to exit Oman.  They just stamp your passport and give you a paper with an exit stamp.  You then drive further and give the piece of paper to the guard at the next checkpoint.

Entering UAE

Continue driving a few hundred feet further to enter the UAE.  This was a slower process.  It took us about 20 minutes at this step as we waited in a line up of cars.  Once at the window, they stamped our passport without asking any questions and gave us an exit paper.

Drive a bit further and undergo a car inspection .  Unlike in Oman, we did not have to get out of the car.  I believe it was a giant scanner that we drove through.

Once cleared, we drove to the final police checkpoint where we gave our exit paper.  There was no need to show our passports at this point.

Dubai to Oman by Road Route Map

Video: Dubai to Oman by Road

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17 comments

[…] trip to the Middle East.  After spending a couple of days in Dubai, we decided to rent a car and drive from Dubai to Oman.  We spent four days driving around Oman and it was incredible!  If you are contemplating an Oman […]

thanks for sharing this

Interesting blog! Road trips are always best compared to other ways of trips. Taking the road helps in enjoying the sites on the way and collecting loads of memories.

[…] begin their Oman road trip at Muscat International Airport.  However, it is also possible to drive from Dubai to Oman, which is what we did.  The Oman itinerary below is the exact itinerary we followed for our road […]

This useful reference is for people thinking about taking a road journey from Dubai to Oman. The information, advice, and suggestions provided on the website are invaluable for arranging a trip of a lifetime. A memorable and well-planned road journey from Dubai to Oman is guaranteed by its thorough coverage of crucial topics including border crossings, scenic roads, and cultural considerations.

Esta publicación de blog proporciona información detallada y consejos de viaje mientras lleva a los lectores a un viaje ficticio por carretera desde Dubái a Omán. El autor ofrece información útil sobre los cruces fronterizos, las condiciones de las carreteras y los procedimientos de obtención de visas, además de compartir experiencias personales y destacar lugares destacados a lo largo del viaje. La historia refleja el encanto y la emoción de este viaje por carretera, lo que la convierte en una lectura interesante para los turistas que quieren conducir por los Emiratos Árabes Unidos y Omán.

[…] two options for getting to Starry Domes Desert Camp: you can drive yourself, either from Muscat or Dubai/the UAE, or you can arrange a transfer from either Muscat or […]

Hey Ryan and Lousi, I just stumbled your website and read this article. Its just amazing. Lovely blog, great information, and beautiful pics!!. You explain every thing very well. Keep doing this.

Thanks for your comment – glad you enjoyed our post!

unfortunately, AVIS is not allowing oman travel with their cars. (we booked it but they are not allow it although it is still on their website) nevertheless, thank you for you info… bw robert

Oh, wow, that’s disappointing to hear! I wonder why they are no longer allowing it? Did you contact them ahead of time to request authorization, or did they just inform you when you showed up to pick up the car? Sorry to hear…

Dear Robert Do you know which renral company allows to rent a car from Dubai to go to Oman (in 2023) ? Thank a lot for your help

Just to inform readers, unfortunately in the last few months, ALL rental companies have stopped tourists from having NOC to travel to Oman from Dubai.You can’t cross the border in a car that isn’t yours unless you are a resident of the UAE at the moment. I will comment to update if this changes.

Thanks so much for the update. That’s definitely disappointing to hear! Hope this changes soon…

Kind regards, Louise

I’m having this problem top, and I’ve already got the itenerary done, the rooms paid and I found a company that “supposedly” says they allow the car to cross the border, it’s called Thrifty, but honestly I’m afraid of being scammed, because if all car rentals are prohibited from renting, why can this one?

To cross the Dibba border, you require a permit unless you’re a GCC citizen. You can get a permit from the hotel you’re staying at or from the tour company you’ve booked show cruise, etc from. This changed a few years ago. If I remember rightly, only GCC residents can get the permit but things change.

Thanks for your insight, Alison!

Dubai to Musandam Road Trip: Best Things to Do in Musandam

Plan a perfect Dubai to Musandam road trip with my detailed Musandam, Oman travel guide. Here you will find: how to go on a Musandam trip from Dubai by car , UAE-Oman (Musandam) land border procedures and Oman visa requirements  (for tourists and UAE residents), places to visit and the best things to do in Musandam Peninsula, including Khasab dhow cruise tours through Fjords of Arabia, the best beaches in Musandam, hiking and camping opportunities, places to stay in Khasab , as well as where to eat. 

Musandam, an exclave governorate of Oman, sits on the very northern tip of the scenic Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by the UAE and separated from the mainland of Oman , Musandam is known for its dramatic jagged coastline, desolate mountain range, and fjord-like inlets (khors). Peninsula’s unique topography is why people often refer to Musandam as the Norway of Arabia, Fjords of Arabia , or the Norway of the Middle East .

Meanwhile, Governorate’s capital town Khasab serves as a visiting base and a harbor for iconic Musandam dhow cruise trips.

Musandam road trip from Dubai is one of the best things you can do while in UAE. Thus, I am excited to share all the essential tips and things you must know before visiting Musandam, Oman.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

Musandam from Dubai road trip guide: 15 best places to visit and things to do in Musandam

In this post, I focus on the Musandam-Khasab area. This northwest side of the Peninsula offers the widest range of activities and attractions in Musandam. Meanwhile, Musandam-Dibba on the eastern side is mostly visited for Zighy Bay Resort, overnight diving, and dhow cruise trips to Lima village. 

Musandam Travel Essentials- Quick Links

• Rent a car : The best way to explore Musandam is self-driving. Look for the best rental car rates at Discover Cars or Localrent .
• Before You Go: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• Sleep: book accommodation in Musandam on Booking .
• Travel insurance : have a safer trip with SafetyWing which offers some of the best rates in the market.
• Dhow cruise tours in Musandam: book the best-rated guided tours in Khasab on Viator .

Where exactly is Musandam in Oman? 

It often comes as a surprise to many travelers that Musandam actually belongs to Oman but is completely enclosed within the borders of the UAE.  Projecting into the strait of Hormuz at the northernmost part of the Arabian Peninsula, Musandam is bordered by Ras Al Khaimah Emirate from the west side and the Sharjah Emirate exclave from the east side of the UAE. 

It is relatively easy to go for a day trip from Dubai to Musandam , making it one of the most beloved weekend getaways for UAE residents. It takes only a couple of hours of driving from Dubai before you cross the UAE- Oman border in Ras Al Khaimah Emirate, and appear in a completely different world.

The scenery transforms instantly from an industrial dusty highway to one of the most scenic coastal roads you can imagine.

You will be driving a perfectly smooth Khasab highway winding between soaring rugged orange hue cliffs and unspoiled seaside. Every now and then you will see traditional low-rise pastel-colored villages and old forts nestled at the foothills of the mountainside. You may find yourself wanting to stop quite often as the road offers countless scenic viewpoints and beach breaks. 

RELATED READS: Renting a car and driving in Oman tips.

Musandam Map

Use this map to locate all the places mentioned in my Musandam travel guide. Click the tab in the top left-hand corner to open the layers (points of interest, accommodation, driving routes, etc.). You can save this map on your Google Maps account by clicking on the small star icon next to the name of the map. To open the saved map on your phone or laptop, open Google Maps, then click the menu button, go to “Your Places”, and click maps where you will see this map saved on your list.

Why is Musandam worth visiting? 

The Musandam Peninsula is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Middle Eas t. Musandam is a must-visit for its gorgeous landscapes composed of beautiful wild beaches and mighty mountains, as well as abundant marine wildlife. If you are travelling to Dubai, or live in the UAE, make sure to visit Musandam at least for a day. That being said, driving Khasab coastal road alone is worth the journey. 

IMPORTANT: Going to Musandam Khasab involves a UAE-Oman border crossing. Therefore, a passport and visa (for tourists and UAE residents) are essential (more on the border crossing details later in this post). 

How many days in Musandam?

Although the majority of visitors choose to go only for a day from Dubai (UAE), you can easily spend 2 days in Musandam or even longer . There are plenty of amazing outdoor sights and things to do in Musandam ranging from popular dhow cruises, wild beaches, snorkeling, and diving, to hiking, off-roading, and camping in the Musandam mountains, as well as historical places to explore in this secluded peninsula of Oman. 

The best time to visit Musandam

The best time to go to Musandam is October to March. The weather temperatures are lower, making it pleasant to stay outdoors.

You can still visit Musandam during the shoulder season which is March-April or September. However, it going to be quite hot, humid, and hazy, with temperatures hitting above 35 degrees Celsius during midday.

June to August are the hottest months with the weather heating up to over 40 degrees Celsius. Thus, it is not advisable to travel to Musandam in the summer.

Instead, you can look up for a perfect opportunity to escape the heat in the Middle East by heading to Salalah, south of Oman.

Where to stay in Musandam

Unless you are planning on overnight wild camping in the Peninsula which is a legal and very common activity in Oman, accommodation options in Musandam are very limited. You can only find less than 10 hotels in the town of Khasab on the northern side of the Peninsula. Meanwhile, on the eastern side, the only accommodation is Six Senses Luxury Resort which is mostly visited as a retreat destination.

The best hotel choices in Musandam, Khasab for slightly different budgets:

• Atana Musandam Resort – located in the town of Khasab, close to the fort and the harbor, this hotel is probably the most luxurious option in the area, yet for a very reasonable price. This hotel offers cozy rooms with a sea or pool view. Click here for prices and availability.
• Atana Khasab Resort – is another great accommodation option near Bassa Beach. The hotel is perched on a rock face and boasts fantastic views of the sea and the peninsula. Breakfast is also included in the price. Click here for prices and availability.
• Esra Hotel Apartment – offers 1 or 2-bedroom apartments with a kitchen- a great choice for a longer stay with friends or family in Musandam. Click here for prices and availability.
• Ahlam Musandam Villa – basic but clean rooms in a privately owned villa run by a friendly and helpful owner. We stayed here once for a couple of nights and loved it. Choose this place if you are not planning on spending any time indoors at all. Click here for prices and availability.

How to get to Musandam from Dubai by road

There are two land entrances-border crossings from UAE to Musandam: 

• Musandam (Khasab) from Ras AL Khaimah through the al Dhara border.
• Musandam Dibba from Fujeirah/Sharjah exclave through the Dibba checkpoint.

IMPORTANT: for the scenic road trip along the Khasab coastal road, you must enter Musandam from Ras al Khaimah emirate. You cannot drive from Dibba-Fujeirah to Khasab (more on that later). 

Musandam from Dubai by car 

The most convenient and exciting way is to self-drive to Musandam. You will have the freedom to stop along the beautiful coastline and visit attractions outside Khasab town. 

Since the majority of visitors are coming to Musandam from Dubai, I will use it as a starting point. However, you can drive to Musandam from any other Emirate of the UAE. 

Find the best rates for renting a car in UAE with Discovercars

Driving from dubai to musandam (khasab) .

When driving from Dubai to Khasab (the regional capital town of Musandam), take Mohamed bin Zayed Road E311 all the way to the end of Ras Al Khaimah Emirate. It is literally a straight way on the highway to the border. 

It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Dubai to Khasab: 2 hours to reach the border, around 30min for crossing the Al Dhara border post, and another 30-40 minutes to Khasab. If you are coming from Abu Dhabi, add another hour to your driving time. 

Note: border crossings may take significantly longer on weekends and public holidays. The visa and border procedures are explained in detail below in this post.

Getting from Dubai to Musandam by tour

Many visitors to the UAE opt for one-day or overnight camping trips using organized tours departing from Dubai. This option will suit those of you who do not have your own transport. Some of the tour companies offer pick-up from the hotel service and some have a designated meet-up point in Dubai. 

An easier way is to choose a tour that offers a pick-up service so you do not need to hire a taxi to the meet-up point.

These Musandam tours are recommended by UAE visitors and have hotel pick-up options :

• Musandam Khasab day trip from Dubai with classic dhow cruise through Arabian Fjords, dolphin watching, and lunch. Click here to check reviews, prices, and availability.
• Musandam Khasab from Dubai day trip including traditional dhow cruise through the fjords and lunch on the boat. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Khasab, Musandam by public bus

Unfortunately, there is no direct public bus service available from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE that can take you all the way to Khasab, Musandam. The furthest you can get by bus from Dubai is Ras Al Khaimah bus station. Then you would have to hire a taxi to Khasab. This option would not be sensible for visiting Musandam from Dubai as it is complicated, time-consuming, and costly. 

Getting to Musandam from Oman’s mainland

You can visit Musandam from Oman by car. If driving from Muscat, you will have to first enter UAE from the Al Wajajah border in Hatta or Khatmat Malaha border on the East coast of the Gulf of Oman. Then you will have to drive to the Al Dhara border in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a long journey that takes around 6 hours from Muscat.

Looking for a good rate to hire a car in Oman or UAE? Check Discover Cars search aggregator which offers some of the most competitive car rental rates in the market.

• Entering Musandam by air from Oman

It is possible to reach Musandam by taking a flight from Oman’s capital Muscat to Khasab airport. The flight takes just over an hour and there are daily departures between Muscat and Khasab. 

Search for the best flight deals in Oman using Skyscanner .

• Entering Musandam from Oman by ferry

Reaching Khasab, Musandam by ferry is probably the most adventurous way. There is a twice-a-week ferry from Shina’s town in Oman (3 hour drive up North from Muscat). It also transports vehicles. You can book ferry tickets here . 

Musandam, Oman Visa Requirements at Al Dhara (Khasab) border

To visit Musandam when entering from the al Dhara border in Ras Al Khaimah to Khasab, you must obtain Oman visit visa.

UPDATE: All GCC citizens and residents (including UAE residents) do not need a visa to travel to Oman.  UAE residency must be valid for at least 3 months before entering the Sultanate of Oman.

Which type of Oman visa should you apply for when travelling to Musandam:

• If you are a UAE resident , you will need to apply for a 29A visit visa. It is recommended by the Royal Police of Oman to apply for a tourist visa online for a faster procedure at the border. However, a visa on arrival is also available in case you could not apply online. 
• A single entry visit visa for UAE residents costs 5 OMR (50 AED)*.

*Note that in order to get a 29A visit visa to Oman, your UAE residency should fall under the approved professions list.

• If you are coming to Musandam from Dubai by road holding a UAE tourist visa , and fall under G1** countries list, you can get a visa on arrival for 10 days which costs 10 OMR (100 AED). If you intend to stay longer, then you should apply for a 26B visa online valid for 30 days which costs 20 OMR (200 AED).
• Travelers who do not fall under the G1 countries list must either be a spouse or a child of the G1 countries national to be able to apply online for an e-visa. Otherwise, they should obtain an Oman visit visa via the Oman embassy in their country of residence. Alternatively can use visa application services on ivisa .

IMPORTANT: Passport holders who do not qualify for a UAE visa on arrival, must have a multiple-entry UAE tourist visa. Single-entry UAE tourist visa holders will not be allowed to enter Musandam. 

**G1 countries as per Royal Oman Police . Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Rep., Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain,  Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, Ukraine. South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela. Other Countries and Regions: Australia, Brunei Dar al-Salam, Canada, French Guiana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Macao, Special Administrative Region of China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, United States, Islamic Republic of Iran, Russian Federation, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Kazakhstan

Passport validity

All passports must be valid for at least 6 months during your visit to Oman. 

If you are a UAE resident, your residency must be valid for at least 3 months (90 days) before entering Oman. 

Apply for an Oman visa online

• If you are eligible, you can apply for an Oman visa online on the Oman Royal Police website here .  It may take an hour to up to a week to receive an e-visa. Usually, e-visa will be issued within 24 hours. However, I suggest applying at least a few days before your trip.
• You can also get an Oman visa sorted for you for an additional fee using ivisa . This is particularly convenient for those travelers, who are not eligible for Oman visas on arrival. 

UAE Exit Fee

When exiting UAE by land, at the border you must pay a 35 AED exit fee per person. This is separate from your Oman visa cost. There is no exit fee for leaving Oman. If you are traveling from Dubai to Musandam with a tour, the exit fee is most of the time already included in the tour package.

Car documents requirements when entering Musandam from Dubai, UAE

When driving a car to Musandam from Dubai, UAE you must have the following documents:

• Up-to-date car registration (mulkiya) documents.
• An orange card that acts as driving in Oman car insurance. It can be requested to be issued by your car’s insurance company. If your car insurance covers the territory of Oman, it will be free of charge, if not it costs around 50 AED. Alternatively, you can get Oman car insurance on the border and it costs around 80-100 AED. 
• A non-objection certificate (NOC) if you are driving a rental car. Request it from your car rental company. Most car rental companies permit driving from UAE to Oman. 
• You will also need NOC if you drive someone else’s car. The owner must issue that for you.
• Valid driver’s license. 

RELATED READS: If you are planning a trip to Muscat or Salalah, read my full guide about traveling to mainland Oman from Dubai (UAE) by road here .

Musandam Al Dhara (Khasab) Border Crossing Procedure

Arrival to Musandam

When arriving at the UAE-Musandam border you will first pass the UAE checkpoint. If you are not a GCC citizen, you must first visit the departure hall, show your passport, pay an exit fee of 35 AED per person, and get a UAE exit stamp. You will be also given a small sheet of paper which you must show at the UAE checkpoint. This piece of paper is your exit fee payment confirmation. 

The next step is the Oman border post crossing. Again, you must park your car and visit the arrival hall to show your passport and get an Oman entry stamp for electronic visa holders. Or get a visa on arrival (you must check in advance if your passport is applicable for it).

Once your passport is stamped, head to the checkpoint, show your passport and proceed to the car inspection section. 

Musandam border control officer will inspect the interior of your car and will give you a small sheet of stamped paper which you will have to show at the last checkpoint before entering Oman. After that, welcome to Musandam! 

Border procedure on the way back to Dubai, UAE

When leaving Musandam your first stop will be at the same Oman arrival/departure hall where you received your Oman visa. Here you will have to show your passport and get an exit stamp.

Next, you will drive through an x-ray gate which will scan your car (no stopping there).

Then you will have to park your car and head to the arrival hall on the UAE border side for a passport check and entry stamp. You will get another sheet of paper, which you have to give to the officer at the car inspection point.

Proceed further to the car inspection point, get the small paper stamped, and proceed to the final checkpoint to hand it to the officer. After that, welcome back to the UAE! 

Visiting Musandam through the Dibba border

Dibba border is located on the east side of Musandam, in Dibba town, an exclave of Sharjah emirate. This border shall be used if you are going for a staycation to Six Senses Resort in Zhigy Bay, or if you are taking one of the dhow cruises in Dibba Oman, or any other tour in the area. 

The Dibba border is more like a checkpoint than an actual border. If you are visiting Musandam for the above-mentioned purposes then you will not need an Oman visa. 

The hotel or tour operator will be able to provide you with a permit to enter Dibba, Oman. 

Note that you should not attempt driving to Musandam through the Dibba side over the Wadi Bih. It is an off-road that requires a 4WD vehicle and also it is not permitted for ex-pats of UAE or foreigners. Only UAE citizens and Omanis can use that road. 

Nonetheless, if you are planning on hiking in Wadi Bih independently you can do so. We entered Dibba border a day before it was shut for lockdown back in 2020. It was the only border open at that time and we used it to visit Musandam. Originally, we planned to go to Khasab, but since the Al Dhara border was already closed at that time, we ended up hiking in Wadi Bih, camped, and came back hours before lockdown started. We did have Oman visit visa though, and it might be required if you are not using tour operators or hotel services. 

15 Best Things to Do in Musandam , Oman

Here you will find the best places to visit and things to do in Musandam.

1. Sail through Arabian Fjords in a traditional dhow cruise in Musandam

Sailing Arabian Fjords in a traditional dhow boat is an absolute must-do activity in Musandam allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of the peninsula. In fact, most of the visitors are specifically coming for the boat tour in Musandam as it is the best way to see beautiful khors – inlets that characterize the Arabian Fjords landscape. 

There are plenty of tour companies to join for a half-day, full-day, and even overnight cruise experience. The sailing-off point for all cruises is Khasab Harbor. 

The route and activities on a dhow tour are essentially almost the same- cruising around the fiords with 1 or 2 stops for swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters, spotting the dolphins, lunch, and refreshments along the way. 

You will be sailing in a traditional open-deck boat shaded with a roof cover.  Some of the boats are multi-level which is great for slightly elevated views. Decorated with traditional textiles and pillows for lounging, those old dhows are also very photogenic. Many of them are still used for finishing throughout Oman. 

I would recommend joining a full-day tour for a more relaxed experience. Moreover, if you are doing a full-day cruise, you can also request to be taken for a short hike “between two seas” for panoramic views of the fjords! This has to be prearranged as you will be picked up from the dhow and transported by the speedboat for a short hike. I haven’t done this hike yet, but somebody posted amazing pictures on Instagram. I asked the person if they had to pay extra, but they confirmed that drop-off for a short hike was included in their dhow cruise rate.

Booking dhow cruise in advance is recommended for the winter months and on the weekends. You have two options to do the cruise: 1. Arrive in your own car to Khasab and take join the tour from there. 2. Join an organized tour from Dubai with transportation included. 

If you are wondering which dhow tour to take, here are suggestions for well-rated tours available to book online: 

• Full-day dhow cruise from Khasab . This tour has a badge of excellence and includes all the must-sees on the cruise with lunch. Click here to check full details, prices, and availability.
• Full-day dhow cruise tour in Musandam Khasab with pick up from Dubai: This well-rated Musandam tour includes Dubai hotel pick up with lunch. Click here to check full details, prices, and availability.
• Half-Day Dhow cruise from Khasab: This 3-hour dhow cruise from Khasab includes soft drinks, tea, and water, as well as snorkeling gear. It would suit those of you who are in Musandam just for a day and want to have more time to combine more activities in the Peninsula. Click here for full details, prices, and availability.
• Overnight dhow cruise with camping experience: this is a unique way to experience the Musandam Peninsula. This tour includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast, as well as all campsite equipment. Click here for more details, prices, and availability.

Browse all Musandam dhow cruise tour options on Viator .

2. Hit the beach: where to find Musandam’s best beaches. 

Musandam peninsula is dotted with some insanely beautiful beaches. Thus swimming at least at one of those wonderful beaches is one of the best things to do in Musandam.

While driving along the Musandam coast you will see wide sandy beaches suddenly appearing just next to the road. You can stop, park your car and go take a dip in the sea.

If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you are in luck as it allows you to access Musandam’s wild beaches that are just a few kilometer’s drive down to the coast from the main road via an offroad path. 

The best Musandam beaches

Jeri beach (or al-jirri beach) .

Jeri Beach was my favorite beach in Musandam. It is located a 25-minute drive from Khasab-UAE direction. The coastline of Jeri Beach reminded me of the wild coasts of Alentejo in Portugal. 

The beach is around 1 km long, clean and empty. Most people just drive past with a short stop for a picture at most. We found this gem just steps away from the main road and had the beach completely to ourselves. Although Jeri Beach is located in front of the small village and fishing pier of the same name there are no amenities or shops close by. 

Beach Park Hil Oman

For a more family-friendly beach with playgrounds, washroom amenities and even a coffee shop drive to Beach Park Hil following UAE direction for another 3.5 km. It is a beautiful beach with a dedicated parking lot, less wild than Jeri though. 

Bassa Beach

Located in Khasab, just a 10-minute drive from the town center, Bassa is the most frequented beach in the area. However, it only gets significantly busier on the weekends. During weekdays it is just as quiet as any other beach on the Musandam Peninsula. 

Bassa is suitable for families with kids and friends, parking campervan as there is a lot of space, and doing barbeques at sunset. The sea in this spot is calm and good for swimming. When I visited, Bassa Beach was undergoing some construction work, probably they are building a park with more amenities. This slightly obstructed the mountain view, but hopefully, the works are either already done or will finish soon.

Al Jadi Beach

6 km south of Jerri beach, Al Jadi is a small settlement and home to a more popular than Jerri but also beautiful beach close to the soaring cliff. Offering convenient parking space, it is beloved by families and friends as a spot for relaxation and barbeque during the winter season.

Secret or Rocky Beach

Accessible by 4WD only (or a few kilometers hiking), Secret (Rocky Beach) is an amazing spot to camp and swim. Chances are you will be the only visitor there, especially on the weekday. As it is a wild beach, there are no amenities around, thus bring your own water and snacks. 

3. Visit Khor Najd a postcard child of Musandam

Khor Najd Lagoon is a postcard child of Musandam. A switchback road winds down towards the secluded beach overlooking the striking landscape of layered cliffs jutting out of the water.  A work of nature at its finest, beautiful Khor Najd is located a 25-minute drive inland, south of Khasab.

The famous viewpoint of the lagoon is accessible by 2WD. Following the sign indicating a left turn to the Khor Najd, you will have to drive through a rocky twisty, and breath-catching gravel road the last few kilometers. This road can be accessed by any car as long as there was no rain.

Meanwhile descending to the shores of Khor Najd can only be attempted by 4×4. 

Khor Najd is a very popular spot for families doing picnics and camping overnight. It gets quite crowded during national holidays (Oman and UAE) and on winter weekends when the weather is cool. 

4 . Explore Musandam mountains- Jebel Harim and surroundings

Musandam mountains offer another array of wonderful outdoor activities. The only downside, if you want to reach certain places, a 4WD is a must. If you don’t have one, you can still join an organized tour that will take you to the main spots in the mountains.

South of Khasab town, the road continues towards Dibba. This is an offroad snaking through Wadi Bih. As previously mentioned, it cannot be crossed all the way to the Dibba side because of the military checkpoint which only permits Omani nationals.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of areas to visit before the checkpoint. 

As Sayh Plateau

As Sayh Plateau is a small fertile valley surrounded by barren mountains on the way to Jebel Harim. The plateau is situated at 1000 meters above sea level and turns into a lush green oasis after the rare rainfalls. It has a few farms with goats roaming around and feasting on the green grass under the date palms.

Jebel Harim

Jebel Harim is the highest mountain soaring at 2087 meters above sea level and a must-visit place in Musandam. After As Sayh plateau the road steeply continues up for another 11km until you reach a military checkpoint at 1600 meters. You cannot continue all the way to the peak, however, the views are already spectacular enough.

Ar Rawdah Bowl

Reaching the military point you can either turn around and go back to Khasab or continue your journey deeper into the mountains. The route continues south past the military checkpoint for another 25 kilometers until you reach Ar Rawdah Bowl.

Account for at least 45 minutes to reach it via the offroad. 

Ar Rawdah Bowl is known as the area with the largest concentration of acacia trees in Oman. Around 10 families live in the remote Rawdah village. 

To visit Jebel Harim and Khor Najd via organized tour, check those tours available to be booked online:

• Half-day mountain safari to Jebel Harim: this private tour will take you to the highest peak in Musandam as well as a stop at Khor Nadj viewpoint on the way. Click here for full details and bookings.
• Khasab half-day private mountain tour: This is a similar tour for a group of up to 4 people which covers the main points of interest in the Jebel Harim mountains and Khor Najd viewpoint. Click here for full details and bookings.
• Khasab mountain tour with dhow cruise and snorkeling: this private tour of up to 4 people combines a 3-hour dhow cruise trip with snorkeling and a visit to Jebel Harim mountain as well as Khor Najd viewpoint. Click here for full details and bookings.

Browse more Musandam mountain tours on Viator.

5. Seek shade in Sal Ala Acacia forest in Musandam

Just 7 kilometers drive from Najd Khor going south till almost the end of the paved main road, you will find Acacia Forest. This is a unique place in Musandam which is mysteriously sprouting in the middle of the dry rocky terrain. 

The place ruled by goats has lots of shade and is a perfect place to have a picnic. It is worth a detour if you are spending more than a day in Musandam. The area offers some hiking opportunities as well. 

6. Stop for the views along Khasab coastal road in Musandam

At some points sheer cliffs are dropping straight into the water, making the coastal views nothing less than spectacular. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at dedicated viewing points to admire the beauty of the coast. 

• Al Harf Park overlooking a dramatic cliff is situated on the side of a very twisty road turning from the coast inland on the way from Khasab to UAE. A couple of tables with umbrellas and swings are set up there. Parking space is limited to a couple of cars only. Also, be careful as the road is bending and there is no clear visual sight of oncoming cars. 
• Hana viewpoint. Driving out of Khasab town stop at a dedicated viewpoint on the right side of the coastal road. It overlooks the strait of Hormuz and many khors in the distance which gives a beautiful photo opportunity. 
• Cliff View Point on Khasab Coastal Road just a few kilometers before Jeri Beach has a convenient parking lot. It is a beautiful stop to take a short break from driving and just enjoy the breaking waves and high cliffs just above you. 

7. Explore the authentic Tawi village and find ancient petroglyphs in Musandam

Visiting Tawi village was one of my favorite things to do in Musandam. Tawi village is a small traditional settlement inside Wadi Qida accessible off the main Khasab Coastal road, driving west of Bassa Beach. You can drive inside the Wadi with 2wd via a paved road for up to 3km until you reach the dead end of high cliffs. 

Carved out on large boulders which are located on the left side of the road, within 2.5 kilometers drive into the wadi, Petroglyphs are not that straightforward to find. They aren’t visible until you come close to the rocks. We would have missed them if not for a local person who kindly pointed them out to us even without asking.

Petroglyphs are thousands of years old and depict various daily life subjects-animals, people sitting on horsebacks, and similar. They are pretty basic but still, it is cool to see them, especially knowing that it is an ancient art surviving thousands of years. I marked the exact location of petroglyphs on the maps. 

More petroglyphs can be found in Jebel Harim mountain, which is accessible only by 4×4.

However, what I loved the most about this place is the Tawi village itself. Set between steep cliffs, the village is frozen in time with old local people slowly getting about their quiet life while youngsters run around playing football on the self-invented sandy pitch. It makes me wonder if the village will survive the test of time and if this old-school lifestyle will be passed to a new generation or completely disappear.

8. Khasab Castle/Fort

Established by the Portuguese in the 17th century Khasab Castle is the main historical attraction in town. If you are keen to know more about Musandam’s history and culture, visiting Khasab Castle will give you a good overview. The museum inside the fortress holds various historical items specific to the region, rooms set in a traditional manner, and courtyards with traditional boats. The highlight of the ancient fort architecture is the circular tower which you can climb as well. 

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 4 pm, Friday 8 am-11 am. Entrance fee: 2 USD.

9. Watch or even join the locals playing Qubbah

One of the most authentic and fun experiences we had in Musandam. Is watching locals play qubbah . It is a local baseball-like game. The game is played in two teams using the seed of some fruit (probably mango) as a ball and a frond of the palm tree as a bat. The difference is that there is no pitcher. The seed is lifted off the ground by hitting it with the palm frond and then stroked as far forward as possible. 

The game is mainly played by elderly men, who joke that it is a retired footballer’s game, as it doesn’t involve running. 

After taking hundreds of pictures of Omani men playing qubbah in their dishdashis, I decided to try it out as well. With beginners’ luck, I managed to hit the seed off the ground and strike a couple of meters forward. It is way more difficult than it looks and requires some practice and skill. 

If you want to catch the game, I have pointed on the map a spot where you can find locals playing qubbah . The spot is next to a white mosque on the big road running parallel to Airport Road.

10. Hike in Musandam

Having mountains all around, hiking enthusiasts are offered some wonderful trekking opportunities around the Musandam Peninsula. Note that most of the trails in the area are not marked. I usually use Wikiloc in the UAE and Oman to find some great trails recorded by other hikers.

Near Khasab, you can try Khasab Heights (also called Khasab-Bassa, or Khasab-Qadah heights) route starting near Atana-Khasab Hotel where you can conveniently park your car. The moderately difficult route is signposted and offers wonderful views of the Musandam Peninsula. Allow 3 hours to complete the 6-kilometer route. Also, make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, and carry at least 2 LT of water.

Follow this trail on Wikiloc here recorded by one of the hikers.

RELATED READS: If you are looking for some great hikes in the UAE , check my post about those wonderful trails here .

11. Visit ancient Masjid at Masjid Beach

Masjid is a centuries-old mosque and a tomb built of white clay in a traditional manner. It is a very mysterious site set on a wild beautiful beach. Only accessible by 4×4, or by hiking for a few kilometers offroad, Masjid is definitely off the Musandam visitors’ radar. Although the place is known by locals and can get some small crowds during public holidays and good winter weekends.

12. Diving in Musandam

For underwater enthusiasts and professionals, there is no better place close to UAE to go diving than Musandam. If you want to learn scuba diving, you can take classes in Khasab and Dibba. If diving is planned as part of your Musandam adventure, then you can join a few diving sessions with an operator in Khasab. However, if you are planning a diving-only trip to Musandam, then Dibba might be a better choice. Some operators also offer overnight diving experiences. 

Note that diving season in Arabian Gulf waters is considered September to January for shark-free waters and the best visibility. February and March due to the very volatile sea and limited visibility should be avoided, just as April to September for the shark season. 

13. Have a special seafood dining experience in Musandam

There is nothing better than a heartful dinner after a long day of activities. For the most local dining experience head to a local fish market in Khasab, get a fresh catch of the day of your choice, and have it grilled for you in one of the nearby restaurants. Note that this is not fine dining, and places are very basic but trust me food is great.

Check my map for the exact locations of the fish market and Amjad restaurant where you can get it grilled immediately after purchasing.

14. Visit the remote village of Kumzar

Kumzar is the northernmost isolated village in Musandam. The only way to access it is by taking a speed boat ride which lasts up to 1 hour. The inhabitants of the village are of Iranian origin with a distinct culture and language native only to the Arabian Peninsula.

The picturesque village of Kumzar nestled between the cliffs dates back more than 500 years when it first was noticed on Portuguese maps.

A few tour operators offer half-day trips to the village. The tour is not the cheapest and costs 1000 AED for a group of 2-4 people. Also, it has to be arranged a few days in advance. 

I have not been to Kumzar yet, but as soon as I have more enthusiasts wanting to join me, will definitely go visit this mysterious remote village of Musandam.

15. Stop at Bukha fort

On the way to Khasab or when returning to the UAE from Musandam, stop at a beautiful Bukha Fort located in Bukha fishing village. This 16th-century fortified castle was built by the Portuguese and played an important role as a defense building in Musandam’s history.

Bonus Activity in Musandam: go paragliding and parasailing to Zighy Bay

For adrenaline seekers who love adventure high in the sky, Zighy Bay in Dibba, Musandam is the place to go for paragliding. The jump-off point is 300 meters above sea level from the Zighy Bay mountain. The flight will definitely take your breath away. The views of the bay surrounded by rigged mountain peaks are simply gorgeous.

The paragliding experience is organized by Six Senses Hotel in Zighy Bay with a pilot who will take care of the flight so you can just enjoy the views. As mentioned before, if you are coming to Musadnam from the Dibba side and joining a tour, experience, or stay in a resort, an entry permit will be sorted for you by the hotel or tour operator.

Recommended places to eat in Khasab, Musandam

Some of the best options to eat or have good coffee/tea in Musandam. Note that none of them are fancy restaurants, but more like simple eateries loved by locals.

Amjad Restaurant- this is the restaurant we got our fish grilled. If you are too tired to go shopping, you can still order other fish dishes in the restaurant. The only difference with bringing your own fish is that it is going to be guaranteed fresh.

Yemen Village Restaurant – is a well-rated place to have Yemeni food, and also grilled fish.

Khasab Castle (Wadi Qada) Iranian Restaurant – this place serves meat mostly. We came here for the special tea served in a really cool pot. We consumed countless cups of this freshly brewed Iranian tea served on a traditional type of dining podium.

Fanr Musandam Turkish Restaurant – located just outside the harbor where dhow cruises depart from, this place serves great takeaway kebabs.

Dote Café – for coffee lovers like myself, I recommend driving a bit south of the Khasab center for this modern coffee shop that offers specialty coffee (cold chocolate moca was my favorite). Surprisingly we met a guy from Poland working there.

And that’s a wrap for this Musandam from Dubai road trip guide. Hope you found useful information which helps you plan your journey as well as try some of the best things to do in Musandam. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to leave your comment at the end of this post.

I hope you are enjoying my free travel guides & tips. If yes, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee so I can continue creating more useful content from my favorite coffee shop in town. Thanks!

Oman Travel Essentials

• RENT A CAR : The best way to explore Oman is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
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• VISA: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
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• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS: book the best-rated guided tours and day trips in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport. Omantel provides the best coverage.
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More Oman travel resources

• Plan your Oman visit with my  1-week Oman road trip itinerary .
• Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Oman .
• Driving to Salalah? Make sure to also read my  Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .
• Plan your Salalah route with my  Ultimate Salalah Itinerary: the best things to do in Dhofar region, Oman.
• Traveling from UAE to Oman by road or vice versa? Check useful information about  UAE-Oman land border crossing using this guide .
• Plan your visit to  Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Musandam Road Trip – How To Visit Oman While In Dubai

Consider a road trip from Dubai to Musandam and explore one of the best peninsulas on earth. Musandam is a rough, hilly peninsula and a part of Oman. Despite its location in the UAE, this intriguing peninsula is still regarded as an Omani region because of its geographical exclave. A geographical exclave is a region separated from the mainland and surrounded by one or more foreign states. In this case, Musandam is surrounded by UAE states. Book a Musandam tour package while in Dubai for this amazing road trip.

Where Is Musandam?

How to reach musandam, the musandam peninsula, oman, a guide to border crossing into musandam, other information, share this:.

The tiny Omani enclave of Musandam sits on the northernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula and protrudes dramatically into the Strait of Hormuz. Between mainland Oman and Musandam Governorate (a small enclave of Madha sits within Fujairah) is the UAE.

The UAE, especially Dubai, has amazing road connections that make traveling across the country hassle-free. A Musandam Road trip is nothing short of enjoyable, considering the good roads. The drive to Musandam from Dubai is roughly 2 hours, and the route has stunning views. The dreamy highways and the slightly rugged path surrounded by mountains contribute to an enriching experience. Book an arranged tour that will cater to your needs, from pick up to drop off, and take you to sightseeing spots if you are not looking for a road trip.

A majority of travellers start their journey from Dubai to Dubai is our reference point. If you are starting your journey from Abu Dhabi Airport, it will take you an extra 1 to 1.5 hours to get to Musandam from downtown Abu Dhabi.

Dubai to Khasab, Oman, is about hours, but because it’s an international border crossing, it may take 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. The journey may take even longer on popular holiday weekends.

Dubai to Dibba is shorter (145 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you drive directly from Dubai, it will take about two hours to reach the border, depending on traffic. If you make stops for sightseeing, the trip could take you three to four hours, depending on how much time you take on your stops.

The time taken to cross the border depends on whether the immigration staff has closed for lunch or tea. You should cross from the UAE to Oman in minutes if you have your passports and some Omani currency and the staff is available at the time. Speed up the clearing process by getting an Omani e-visa in advance.

Once you have your entered Oman, Musandam can very well be the gateway to an epic Oman Road Trip Adventure, as mentioned in this 6 Day Oman Itinerary.

If you are going to Khasab, the west coast crossing into Musandam is through the Al Darah border post at the northern tip of Ras Al Khaimah emirate. This is exactly where the mountains start touching the ocean.

The crossing posts for UAE and Oman are adjacent to each other, making it a popular spot for tourists in Dubai and the UAE for ‘border runs’ as you only need to stop once and walk between the entry and exit offices. Border runs enable you to extend your 30-day tourist visa. Border cross will involve two stops in each direction; however, if you are not a GCC resident.

Places To Visit In Musandam

The Musandam Peninsula is naturally beautiful, with quite a few attractions you can’t miss out on during your Musandam Road trip.

Khasab, a small old town and the capital of the Musandam Peninsula, is an Omani exclave and geographically part of the UAE. The Khasab Fort is one of the predominant attractions in this town. The town is a charming cultural place, and apart from the fort, the Khasab Castle is also a famous attraction. You can visit the Oman Fjords and Bimmah Sink-hole if you are not in a hurry or if you are planning to spend a night on the peninsula. The road trip to Musandam is generally captivating.

By Joel Azcuna  – CC BY-SA 2.0

Dibba town crosses between the UAE and Oman. A part of the city is in Fujairah, partly in Sharjah (Dibba Al-Hisn), and a part of it in Oman.

This is not a full border crossing but only a small police station checkpoint. You need pre-arranged permission to access the border crossing at this point, either through your accommodation or tour provider.

Your visa will be taken care of 7 days before your visit if you book with the luxurious Six Senses Zighy Bay on the Dibba side of Musandam but over the border. The same treatment will be offered if you are staying at the Dibba Beach Hotel.

Some day trips to Dibba may depart from the UAE side and never set foot on land, bypassing the formality of a day trip border crossing.

• You can quickly go to Khasab in a typical saloon car thanks to the sealed roads that run all the way and the considerable reinforcing work being done to prevent the Cliffside drive from collapsing.
• You need a 4WD if you want to explore the interior, especially from the Dibba side.
• Never leave your passports behind. Despite the fairly seamless border connections, you need to keep in mind that you are in a different country.
• The official currency in Musandam is Omani Rial (OMR), but locals may accept dirhams as they get a slight upside in the exchange rate using 10AED:1OMR.

About The Author – Robeena Brown is a travel blogger & destination expert living in the UAE and works for local tourism companies like Arabiers. 

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UAE to Oman by train in one hour - Hafeet Rail to slash travel time by 50 per cent

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UAE-Oman train project enters implantation phase – find out routes, speed and travel time.

Dubai: Want to travel from UAE to Oman in one hour by rail? Well, that will soon become a reality because the Hafeet Rail project, designed to slash travel times between the two nations, has officially entered the implementation phase.

Previously known as 'Oman and Etihad Rail Company', Hafeet Rail was unveiled on Tuesday, April 23, as the new brand identity of the joint venture company that will be running the railway. Here are some key facts you should know about the project.

What is the route for Hafeet Rail?

The railway track will extend for 303km from the port in Sohar city, Oman to the Al Wathba area in Abu Dhabi. It will be connected to the UAE National Rail Network and its stations across the country.

The Hafeet Rail extends from the existing Etihad Rail in the UAE .

Hafeet Rail - A scenic journey awaits

The route winds through diverse landscapes, moving from vast deserts to mountains and valleys, and running along Jebel Hafeet, the mountain that lends its name to the joint venture.

About Hafeet Rail

• Passenger Trains: Up to 200 km/h • Freight Trains: Up to 120 km/h

Passenger capacity - up to 400 passengers per train

Travel time reductions - Hafeet Rail will significantly cut travel times between major cities: • UAE to Oman via Abu Dhabi, Al Ain to Sohar – 1 hour and 40 minutes . The current travel time is three hours and 25 minutes. • Sohar to Al Ain - 47 minutes , compared to current travel times that can take one hour and 27 minutes.

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Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, are set to benefit from extended travel privileges as the European Union (EU) announced the issuance of five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.

The announcement was made by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation held in Luxembourg.

He said, “I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow to harmonise the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries.”

Borrell expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by harmonising visa rules.

The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens👇 pic.twitter.com/gV87IyhITx — EU in the GCC (@EUintheGCC) April 23, 2024

Schengen visa changes

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, allowing them to make multiple visits to Schengen Area countries within a calendar year.

However, travellers must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, limiting stays to a maximum of three months within any six-month period.

While specific details are yet to be officially released by EU authorities, it is anticipated that first-time applicants and eligible passport holders from the mentioned countries will benefit from the extended visa validity as well.

Notably, citizens of the UAE are currently the only GCC nationals who enjoy a visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, while discussions are ongoing between other GCC nations and the EU to further ease visa requirements.

Read: Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Earlier this year, talks saw EU countries consider the lifting of visa requirements for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar based on several key criteria, as revealed in a recent report:

• Irregular migration
• Public policy and security
• Economic benefits
• EU relations with the countries

The European Union Commission’s assessment concluded that both Kuwait and Qatar present a low risk in terms of irregular immigration.

Should the European visa requirements for these GCC countries be lifted, travellers would be eligible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Indian nationals benefit from new Schengen visa rule change

In addition to the visa changes for Gulf citizens, the EU has also adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals.

Eligible Indian travellers with an established travel history and prior Schengen visa usage will now be granted multiple-entry visas with extended validity, starting from two years and potentially extending to five years, subject to passport validity.

Previously, the standard rules of the Visa Code applied.

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Playing God With the Atmosphere

Interfering with Earth’s climate systems is becoming more possible—and less predictable—than ever.

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Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

After a deluge of record-breaking rainfall this week, citizens of the United Arab Emirates and Oman are still trying to return to regular life. The storms forced schools, offices, and businesses to close, transformed the tarmac of Dubai’s international airport into a rippling sea, and killed more than 20 people across both nations. The downpour seemed almost apocalyptic: On Tuesday, the UAE received the amount of rain that usually falls in an entire year.

Early reports of the weather event prompted some speculation that it was worsened by a controversial weather-modification technology. The practice, known as cloud seeding, involves spraying chemical compounds into the air in an effort to wring more rain out of the sky. The United Arab Emirates carries out hundreds of these operations every year in an effort to supplement its water resources in the arid landscape. Exactly how well cloud seeding actually works is an active debate among scientists, but the technique can’t produce rain clouds out of thin air—it can only enhance what’s already there.

The consensus, for now, seems to be that cloud seeding is unlikely to have contributed significantly to this week’s historic inundation. (The UAE’s meteorology agency said no seeding missions were conducted before the storm.) But the event raises anew some fundamental questions about interfering with nature. Cloud seeding is a type of geoengineering, a set of technologies aimed deliberately at influencing or altering Earth’s climate systems. The warmer our planet becomes, the more attractive geoengineering seems as a way to slow or endure the effects of climate change—and the less accurately we can predict its effects. Scientists can’t be sure that playing God with the atmosphere won’t cause human suffering, even if it is intended to alleviate it.

In the case of cloud seeding, humans have been playing God for decades. The technique dates back to the 1940s and has been deployed regularly around the world since to provide relief to regions parched by drought , clear skies ahead of Olympic Games , and give ski resorts an extra inch of snow . Scientists have been studying cloud seeding all along, but they’ve only recently managed to document how the technique might actually work, distinguishing between natural precipitation and precipitation that resulted from human intervention. Experts believe that seeding can squeeze out a small amount of additional precipitation, but it is “notoriously difficult” to determine how well it worked in any particular instance, Janette Lindesay, a climate scientist at Australian National University, told me.

Read: The chemist who thought he could harness hurricanes

The basics of cloud seeding are straightforward, Lindesay said: If you want rain, you release chemicals that encourage clouds to produce larger water droplets, which are more likely to reach the ground. If you want to suppress rain, you use chemicals that foster the creation of smaller droplets. But the simplicity belies the complicated science and high stakes of manipulating the atmosphere in the 21st century. The 2020s are becoming defined by a warmer atmosphere capable of holding more moisture, conditions that can lead to more extreme and unprecedented weather events, including intense rainfall. Add in geoengineering, and things can get risky. “We are in territory now where we can’t necessarily rely on past experience and past outcomes to inform us,” Lindesay said, of “what is likely to happen when we intervene.”

As geoengineering goes, cloud seeding is a rather limited technique, with small effects confined to small geographical areas. (That’s part of the case against seeding as a significant contributing factor to this week’s flooding in the Middle East; as Amit Katwala pointed out in Wired this week, parts of the UAE where seeding typically does not occur experienced torrential rain too.) But it can still be fraught. Scientists continue to debate whether cloud seeding in one region can have consequences for another. And at a time when droughts are becoming more common, rain is a precious commodity with geopolitical import. In recent years, Iran has accused the UAE and Israel, which has its own seeding experiments, of stealing rain away.

Reports that cloud seeding caused this week’s flooding were likely erroneous, but the reaction they inspired “represents a healthy kind of skepticism about what happens when we interfere with natural systems,” Laura Kuhl, a public-policy professor at Northeastern University who studies climate adaptation, told me. That’s particularly true, she said, when you consider forms of geoengineering premised on producing large-scale effects. Scientists have proposed injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere to reflect some sunlight back into space, preventing it from reaching Earth’s surface. The resulting aerosols could linger in the stratosphere for years, shifting at the whims of the wind. Similar concerns surround another geoengineering technique that involves spraying salt compounds into the air to brighten clouds, which would in turn bounce sunlight back into space. This month, scientists conducted a secretive test of this technology, the first of its kind in the United States. The field is “moving a lot faster than it used to,” Juan Moreno-Cruz, a climate-policy researcher at the University of Waterloo, told me.

Read: The very optimistic new argument for dimming the sky

After further research, some geoengineering techniques may well turn out to be useful ways to mitigate or adapt to climate change. But they can’t address its root causes: the burning of fossil fuels, and failure to reduce greenhouse emissions. Many climate experts see geoengineering as a last resort. As our changing atmosphere continues to dramatically drench some parts of the planet and leave others parched for too long, that last resort might start to seem like a more appealing option—even as the consequences of getting it wrong become ever more dire.

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Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

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By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong

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UAE and Oman sign deals worth $35bln on state visit

The UAE investment ministry announced the deals on Tuesday, a day after Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived for a two-day state visit and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

DUBAI - Emirati and Omani companies have signed deals worth 129 billion dirhams ($35.12 billion) in sectors including energy and transport during the Omani ruler's visit to the United Arab Emirates this week.

The UAE investment ministry announced the deals on Tuesday, a day after Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq arrived for a two-day state visit and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The agreements were dominated by a 117 billion dirham industrial and energy "megaproject" grouping wind, solar projects and green metals production.

Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (TAQA), Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA), OQ Alternative Energy and Oman Electrical Transmission Co were among the companies involved, the ministry statement said.

It did not disclose further details.

Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund ADQ also signed an agreement to set up a 660 million dirham technology-focused fund with the Oman Investment Authority, while the UAE and Oman signed a 11 billion dirham agreement to connect the countries by rail.

“The agreements represent a major milestone in our bilateral ties, as they pave the way for us to leverage our collective strength to realise our shared vision of advancement and prosperity," UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi said.

($1 = 3.6726 UAE dirham)

(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Writing by Jana Choukeir, Editing by Louise Heavens and Barbara Lewis)

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article.  Read our full disclaimer policy here .

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United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

The United Arab Emirates is struggled to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads. (AP video/Malak Harb)

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

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A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation amidst floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man carries a child through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on an onramp to Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People walk through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Abandoned vehicles stand in floodwater caused by heavy rain along Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A flooded street by heavy rain is seen, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Civil defense officials bring water on a raft to a family in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai civil defense officials drive through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation , with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel , allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.