As the northernmost governorate of Oman, Musandam has cultivated its own personality and traits while remaining connected to the mainland through its rich culture and traditions. With its impressive and enchanting landscape boasting stunning straits and crystal-clear waters, Musandam has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, making it home to educational archaeological sites and ancient villages.
While the governorate boasts breathtaking landscapes and exciting outdoor activities, it remains less frequented by tourists compared to other destinations in the country. The primary reasons for its lower popularity include its remote location, limited accessibility, and relatively underdeveloped infrastructure.
Dubbed the Norway of the Middle East for its beautiful fjords, Musandam is cherished as one of Oman's marine gems, teeming with marine creatures and coral reefs. The Diving Center in the Wilayat of Khasab stands as the premier hub for thrilling diving adventures, proudly operated by a fully Omani-owned company since 2015 under the visionary leadership of Bader Al Shehi. Bader's passion for the underwater treasures of the governorate led him to establish the renowned diving centre in 2015 after obtaining a prestigious diving instructor’s license from PADI International the year before.
This pioneering centre orchestrates daily excursions to the region's prime diving locales, inviting adventure-seekers to immerse themselves in a medley of aquatic pursuits, from scuba diving to snorkelling and fishing. Despite the splendour of Oman's coastal beauty, Bader acknowledges the challenges inherent in spearheading such a venture, from promotional intricacies to securing necessary financial backing and establishing a formidable presence in global tourism circuits.
Musandam is also renowned for hosting the world's longest zip line over water, stretching 1800 meters, allowing tourists to soar through jagged mountains, deep valleys, and over Khasab's blue waters. Muayad Al Rahbi, among the first to try the zipline, described it as a "wonderful experience," praising its unique journey from the mountains to the sea, ending safely in Atana Khasab.
The region boasts a magnificent natural reserve spanning 1149.40 square kilometres, renowned for its pristine beauty, encompassing nine idyllic offshore islands, coasts, shallow waters, creeks, and bays. These islands remain untouched by human influence, serving as vital sanctuaries for various seabirds and wildlife, featuring limestone formations, ancient coral reefs, cliffs, sandy shores, and vibrant coral reefs.
Discovering Musandam unveils a fascinating linguistic gem: the Kumzari dialect. Spoken by the inhabitants of Kumzar, an ancient village nestled in Musandam, this unique language is a blend of 45 different tongues, including Arabic, Farsi, French, and English. Today, only 4000 individuals in Kumzar uphold this dialect, emphasizing their dedication to preserving their ancestral fishing tradition despite diversifying professions.
For adventurers, Musandam's mountains offer winding trails and panoramic vistas, promising an exhilarating hiking experience amidst nature's grandeur. But Musandam isn't just about the outdoors; it's a journey into Omani culture, offering solace on remote beaches and thrills amidst rugged terrain, leaving indelible marks on the heart.
Photos by Muayad Al Rahbi
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