Khasab (خَصَب)

Khasab, or al-Ḫaṣab, is the capital of Oman's Musandam Peninsula and an exclave of that country. It is a small, but bustling port city, where the main business seems to be that of smuggling goods to and from Iran, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz. The coast around Khasab consists of extensive fjord-like craggy inlets and the interior is a desolate mountainscape.

Khasab Fort sits close to the city's port, right next to Khasab Castle. It was originally constructed by the Portuguese in the 17th century, but later destroyed. The current fort was built by the Omanis on the ruins of the old fort. The sea port is dominated by dhows that take tourists on tours through the coastal fjords and to Telegraph Island. Boat trips to watch dolphins are also available.

Accommodation and restaurants can be found in town. Khasab is 375 km northwest of Masqat.