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

A rubber stamp with the text 'ADVIS' next to a shipping label indicating 'VISA'.

Oman Visa Guide

7 min read

To visit Oman, you’ll need a visa. The country aims to make entry as smooth as possible for travelers, but it’s still essential to understand the key regulations and requirements. This article provides a comprehensive guide—from the visa application process and entry requirements to costs, validity periods, common mistakes to avoid, and how to handle visa rejections. Here’s everything you need to know for a hassle-free trip to Oman. ...

A historic fortress with high walls and towers under a clear sky, featuring a flag at the top.

Jabrin Castle

2 min read

The Jabrin Castle is a residential fortress that was built in 1670 by Sultan bin Saif al-Ya'arubi. What visitors find on-site is more than just another fort or a small pre-Islamic fortress, like many can be found in Oman. The residential fortress of Jabrin can rightly be referred to as a castle. The old mud palace offers a whole range of interesting and unexpected sights and anecdotes about its builder and the people who once lived here. Already special in its construction Barely another fortress in Oman can showcase such precision and grace in the design of its decorations. The arabesques o...

Expansive desert landscape with sand dunes and distant mountain ranges under a clear sky.

Oman's nature

7 min read

Oman offers an astonishing variety of natural wonders, each more unique than the last. From the vast dunes of the desert to the lush terraces of the mountain regions, from the rugged coastline with its picturesque bays to the serene oases inland—the Sultanate presents an unparalleled range of landscapes. Each of these locations has its own distinct atmosphere, inviting travelers to experience the beauty of nature in a variety of ways. The contrasts between these landscapes make Oman an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether you seek the solitude of the desert, want...