A person working on a structure near a harbor with boats and buildings in the background.

Khasab

Khasab

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

In the port city of Khasab, the largest town in the small Omani enclave,Mussandam, more than half of the people who call this region home live. The official numbers fluctuate between 17'500 and 23'000 inhabitants. In any case, Khasab is a small and manageable town that has quite a lot to offer. Those who want to see all the sights and soak up the charm of the city will need two to three days.

Khasab – the remote producer

“The remote producer” is the approximate translation of the name Khasab into English. The name makes sense, as a significant portion of Oman’s date harvest is gathered in Khasab. The fact that the quality of dates from the Khasab oasis is not inferior to the quantity is evidenced by the fact that dates from Khasab are considered particularly good. However, the capital of the region is appreciated not only for its dates by both Omanis and residents of the United Arab Emirates. Although the port of Khasab is small compared to the large port facilities in the capital or further south in Duqm, it is located directly on the important and trade-rich road of Hormuz. Additionally, in recent years it has become a popular stopover for cruise ships wishing to show their guests this part of Oman. For the residents of the United Arab Emirates who like to spend a weekend holiday here, Khasab is something like a small escape from the huge and glittering everyday life.

The sights of the city

Khasab also has much more to offer than just beautiful surroundings. The fort in the north of the oasis, which was first mentioned in the historical annals in 1622 and was then occupied by Portuguese soldiers, is definitely worth a visit. The port is also a small adventure. Here you will find few fishermen, but rather speedboats that come over from the nearby Iranian coast early in the morning and whose owners want to trade here. At the souk in Khasab, you can find many items that are rare and expensive back home. It is also worth visiting the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. The elegant but rather simple building is located in the center of the city and portrays how Oman likes to perceive itself – with simple and modern elegance. Then it's time to dive into the old souk, the market of the city. Although there are not many stalls left selling noteworthy souvenirs and “real” works by locals, the few remaining gems are worth searching for.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

View of the white marble façade of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Oman with arched entrances and intricate architectural details.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque of Muscat

6 min read

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, the capital of Oman, stands as a remarkable symbol of the country's cultural identity and spiritual heritage. Nestled in the heart of Al-Ghubra in the Bawshar district, the mosque is a centerpiece of the vibrant Muscat Capital Area. Positioned along the main road between Muscat and Seeb, its central location makes it easily accessible to both locals and travelers from around the world....

Scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef with a spotted whale shark and colorful fish.

Diving in Oman

8 min read

Over the past few decades, Oman has transformed from a country with a deep historical connection to pearl diving into one of the world’s most fascinating diving destinations. With a diving tradition that dates back to the 6th millennium BC, the country was shaped by the brave pearl divers, known as “ghai ghawwas,” who dove as deep as 20 meters, equipped with nothing more than basic tools like nose clips and leather caps to retrieve the ocean’s precious treasures. Today, while Oman no longer draws divers with pearls, it offers unspoiled dive sites that captivate both experienced divers and adve...

A white vehicle driving on a sandy, desert landscape with dunes in the distance, viewed from inside another vehicle.

Self-Drive Travel Oman

1 min read

Due to the well-developed road network – especially in northern Oman – it is recommended for tourists to explore the country independently with a rental car. To ensure a smooth flow of your trip, you should plan in advance which parts of the country you want to explore. Especially if you plan to spend one or more nights in the desert, you should ensure that the rental car has all-wheel drive and sufficient ground clearance. However, it is not advisable to explore the desert without the guidance of a local expert, even with the best off-road vehicle, as driving in the loose sand of the desert r...