dubai trips to oman

Dubai to Oman – The Epic Musandam Cruise Day Trip

Almost everyone who visits Dubai visits one or more of the neighboring Emirates, but few take the trip from Dubai to Oman. There are several routes to pick from, a popular one being Dubai to Dibba because you can take advantage of the Gulf of Oman and experience some dramatic scenery. If you are visiting Dubai, consider the Dubai to Dibba route.

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Getting from Dubai to Oman via Dibba

Let’s start with this is not a trip I recommend solo. Don’t rent a car and head out. In my opinion, renting a car would be a massive mistake . Oman has one of the world’s highest death rates from traffic accidents. And, unless you’ve already got a visa for Oman, you will run into problems.  The logistics alone are a huge reason you need to book a tour of some form to take advantage of this trip.

Map of Dubai and Oman

We booked this trip through our hotel concierge, although there are now many day trip options you can pick from . If you try to book this through your hotel, eyebrows will be raised. I felt that sending tourists out of the Emirates and over to Oman to spend money is not exactly a goal for the Dubai tourism industry. I had to insist they book this for us, which is not advertised locally.

If you research this route, you will get mixed opinions and views. Disregard this and go for it. If you’ve made it to Dubai, this day trip is something you will appreciate.  If you’re a thrill-seeker or like to go off the beaten path, this is all you. Or, if you are a collect a country stamp type of person, this is for you.

So, let’s get into the details:

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab country that borders The United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. The northern section of the Peninsula Coast separates the mainland and juts into the Strait of Hormuz. This region is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. Oman is a Muslim country, and the Musandam region is often cited as beautiful as the Norwegian Fjords .

Getting To Oman From Dubai

I assume you read my earlier advice and took it to heart. And that you are going to book a trip through a tour operator. If you don’t, good luck, and let us know how it goes!

The tours start early, and it’s a long day out. You’ll be picked up at around 7:00 am and then make the usual rounds to pick up others joining you once the bus or van is full – off across the desert to the border.

FYI – The tour will also return you to your hotel.

Tours From Dubai to Oman

Crossing the border from dubai to oman.

This might seem odd or funny, but this was one of the highlights for me. It’s a tad shady. First, you’ll stop before the border to inspect your papers. The tour operator on site will scan your passport, check all the details, and give you the equivalent of a day pass, not an actual visa . Ironically, you provide all your information in advance, but it’s rechecked. Not a bad thing. This ensures your ability to cross the border. From there, your bus will proceed into the line at the border.

It’s as you would imagine – sketchy. Oman police are dripping in rifles and an excess of other military weapons, ready for trouble should it occur. Once your buses arrive at the Oman border, an agent boards the bus to check that everyone’s papers are in order. It’s intimidating but exciting! They did not review every passenger’s documents, it was random, but they checked at least half of the passenger’s paperwork. And we had someone on board that was grilled in broken English about his previous travels. The Oman border control found his travels either exciting or suspicious.

We passed through with no issues and went to Dibba port, where the fun began.

Note: You cannot take any photographs while crossing the boarder

Riding the Dhow in Oman

One of the most compelling reasons to take this tour is to ride the Dhow. A dhow is a traditional Arabic boat. The Dhow is the generic name of several traditional ships with one or more masts common to the region.

Don’t get me wrong; you can ride a dhow in Dubai, but let’s be honest – everyone who’s been to Dubai has done this. The boats are the same; however, the landscape is dramatically different. Oman has the most rugged and beautiful coastlines in the world. I’ll add they are also remote and then some.

As soon as the Dhow takes off, you start to see why people compare this landscape to Norway. One difference is the climate, Norway’s cooler, and while the water is piercing clear in Oman, it’s a Caribbean blue.

Imagine yourself relaxing on a fabulous traditional Arabic boat in the middle of nowhere, seeing the mountains of Musandam. Better imagine what this looks like when the sun sets. I caught many pictures with the Dhow in the sun’s background, and cheesy as it might sound, the views are priceless.

You’ll cruise for an hour or so, and then you will pull into a cove where you will get to explore the beach, the water, and all the other traditions you would expect from a water-based trip.

Activities on the Dhow

Here is what to expect in terms of choices of things to do:

• Snorkel the beautiful blue water
• Speed boat blasting
• Banana boat riding
• Take the speed board to the limestone (white rock) and tour inside the caves.
• Sunbathe on the beach, or explore the beach
• Jump or swing off the Dhow and splash into the water
• Handline fishing

We opted to explore the beach and admire the vistas; we did the caves, and Brian tried hand-line fishing.

You get to spend about two hours at the chosen cove, and then it’s time to return to the Dhow. Back on board, you’ll be treated to a traditional lunch that’s buffet style. The food was adequate but not spectacular. Don’t expect to be wowed; it’s not a feast. Add to this that there are people with many worldwide – all with different cultural norms. Creating a line and lining up (or bum-rushing) the line will be a factor. Some people tried to jump in the queue. They were barging in as if there was not enough food for all. This concept’s not new; I’ve experienced it worldwide.  I remind all to get in line, and I’m firm enough to set the tone.

Food in hand, it’s time to lay back on the dhows cushions and take in the sunset. A quiet and calm trip; it’s not a booze cruise you would take in the Caribbean . The low key with almost all people opting for the layout.

What You Need When Visiting Oman

What you need to know about a trip from dubai to oman, visas and day permits.

• Unless you do a day tour, you need a visa to visit Oman .
• If you take a tour, you do not need a visa, and you will get a day pass subject to your return on the same day.
• Before touring, you will have to provide copies of your passport, and you need six months left on the passport to enter.
• A copy of your passport must be sent 48 hours before the trip to arrange entry.

This is important. You can’t arrange this trip the day before you need to book this at least two days (sometimes three) in advance.

General Tips For Travel From Dubai To Oman

• Day trips from Dubai start at around $75 and go up to $500. The cost depends on the tour you pick. Essentially, the price is dominated by choosing a shared vs. private tour.
• Tours provide everything you need except sunscreen, including snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, etc.
• You can wear a bathing suit on the beach, other than this, be moderate.
• You do not need currency or cash. Everything you need is provided on the boat.
• This is a long day, at least ten hours. In our case, it was for twelve hours.
• Non-alcoholic drinks are included, and you can buy alcohol on most tours.
• Depending on where you dock, there is a chance the locals will be unimpressed by your arrival. We experienced this, and it was comical. A love-hate relationship was exposed before our eyes, and the locals tried to chase off the tour company.
• Taking pictures of Arab Women is considered offensive, and before you take a local photograph, you must ask for permission.

Note: Some of the beaches have been littered by tourists. It’s sad to see and it’s the main gripe that people cite following this tour. It’s shocking to be somewhere so remote, barely inhabited and stunning yet dressed in trash. Unfortunately, this is a concept I’ve seen in several countries . If you take this tour, please do not leave any trash behind.

Driving from Dubai to Dibba is approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

You do not need a visa if you take a day trip. You will need a visa if you do anything other than a same-day return trip.

You can apply for a  visa here.

Yes, some people do speak English, but it’s not universal.

Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended.

A 10-day tourist visa costs five to ten riyals, which is approximately $1.50 – $3.00

Yes, if you book a day trip through a travel agency.

Closing Thoughts

The typical traditional Dubai tourist rarely leaves The Emirates during their stay. This is understandable. The Middle East has a reputation for volatility, which steers many from considering branching out. I will tell you that you will be fine if you use a reputable tour company and have paperwork in order. The tour company will take great care of you and ensure you cross and return without problems.

Most important, you will have experienced something that few do. Lastly, if you get fortunate, you’ll experience the debacle between those living in the mountains, sounding the beaches, and the tour operators.

Looking for more posts on The Middle East ? Start here:

• 10 Fun Water Activities in Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi & Yas Island Theme Parks 
• Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Museum
• Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi – Which Is Best For You?
• Dubai Facts – Love it or Hate It?
• How to Explore Dubai – The Complete Guide
• Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi – The Best Things To See & Do
• The Best Hotels in Dubai – Where To Stay!

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Nikki Webster is a travel writer who covers how to travel while grinding a day job without breaking the bank. Nikki is always in search of off-the-beaten-track experiences and unique stays. She is particularly fond of Florida and writes extensively about the state. She flies around 60,000 miles annually and has visited 74 countries, 50 states, and six continents. You can read all about her travels at www.britonthemove.com or follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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Aside from the cove, what else can we see/esperience in this day trip

Hi Lyn. For this specific trip it’s just the cove :) Nikki

Thnx for posting! Would this trip be recommendable for a family with two little (4 and 3) children?

There were no kids on my trip, so I can’t say for sure, but I don’t see any reason (other than the border crossing) why kids could not take the trip. Nikki

Such a nice post. This is really a trip I would make. Oman is a country, I’m dying to visit. And I’m always fascinated by border crossings. Besides that I have never been to Dubai, I only know the airport because of the many transfers. The dhow ride sounds like lots of fun…:-)Thanks for sharing your story.

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Find cheap flights from Dubai to Oman from AED 386

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from dubai to oman departing on 27/4. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to oman.

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Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Oman with an airline and back to Dubai with another airline.

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Top tips for finding cheap flights to Oman

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Dubai to the following destinations at these prices or less: Muscat AED 497 one-way - AED 1,360 round-trip
• Morning departure is around 4% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.

Top 5 airlines serving from Dubai to Oman

Everything was great in the business class. Seats 1A and 1C wouldn't recline properly. If i stood up then it did recline, even when the crew checked it he made me stand up recline it all the way and then he said "ok now you can sit" i just laughed it off.

We missed our connection due to technical issues with the plane. We were stuck in Oman Airport for 5 hours, had to overnight there, got rerouted to London, were denied boarding on the plane, were then seated separately (as a family of 5), did not receive any notification of our luggage being in London, were denied boarding for the AA flight to Chicago, and then all seated separately again. Finally our luggage was lost. Worst experience ever. Will never fly on this airline again

The crew could have offered us seats together as the flight was half empty. But overall, the service quality was good as well as the food and entertainment options. Would love to fly Oman Air again.

Smooth until we get in the plane it was so small and uncomfortable the whole flight, apparently they have Changed the plane and I don’t know what was the problem this flight is from mct to phuket - on my way back everything was perfect

Although a short regional flight, Oman Air continues to provide excellent service, and personal attention. I always find the Oman Air leg of an international flight less stressful and more personable.

The whole trip was well organised, and pleasantly executed. As with most Qatar Airways flights the staff were particularly attentive and supportive. The Q Suite was the "icing on the cake".

Staff were attentive and professional, and managed to be personable and accomodating at the same time. Oman Air has become my airline of choice.

Reduced cost for children to lounge Children’s area in airport Non spicy snacks Option of children’s meals Good films More children’s games and 2 player games Ran out of vegetarian meals

Omar airways mishandled my baggage, it took me 2 weeks to get my baggage back. It's been delivered to someone else.

The flight was slightly delayed because of change of plane but informed beforehand. Flight was very good and comfortable

Superb like always. On time and quite comfortable. Only thing is that the arrival movement was by bus.

We were boarded by bus. That was a bit of pain.

The staff was very nice and polite but it was very very hot and no ways to have some fresh air. It would be nice to have more time to sleep since it was a night flight

Etihad broke my suitcase Also over charged me for luggage

1.Aircraft Comfort: The aircraft type was quite small with non-reclining, cramped seats that significantly lacked comfort. 2.In-flight Entertainment: There was no provision of in-flight entertainment screens or Wi-Fi for the majority of the flight. 3.Boarding Process at New Abu Dhabi Airport: Despite the move to a new airport, which promised enhanced experiences, the use of buses instead of jet bridges did not meet expectations, causing inconvenience. 4.Gate Change Communication: A last-minute gate change was poorly communicated, resulting in a long and difficult walk.

Very unfriendly team. It was very difficult to get a cup of coffee. Legroom was extremely small. Old, dilapidated plane.

Ripped off and broken seats in Business class. Seats stink and need to request the staff for additional bedsheets. Crew if very friendly though

Food was very good. Again tray could use a non-skid mat. I had a regular seat - comfortable - able to sleep undisturbed. Boarding was uneventful.

Crew was good, boarding mediocre, food choices were limited, seating was not comfortable

Sits are very uncomfortable Don’t feel like to travel in Etihad. It was 1st time we traveled in Etihad now we decided we don’t want to travel in Etihad.

Food and beverage service have rooms for improvement .there were no entertainment facilities available

The flight was small and was not cool very bad

The seat condition was very poor . The seats handles was broken the wire inside the seat handle was out .It was very ugly scene and very uncomfortable to be in this situation. Please keep ur flight seat in good condition to respect your passengers . Regards

Salam air flights are very full . So there is no way to fallow Covid 19 protocol . All seats are occupied . They should consider less passenger in each flight .

If I have a choice I would not use this airline. They moved by booking to Smart Wings, an airline they code share with. Changing terminals in buses and dealing with some of the staff associated with it is not the best experience. Having stated that I must share that the crew of Smart Wings airlines was polite.

Consider serving food to all passengers regardless of food reservation status during booking.

This was a smartwings operated flight. Flydubai is no longer value for money. Their prices are as high as emirates whereas delays, services and overall quality is as low as any other low cost carrier.

The only highlight on this flight was the taste of the food, which was surprisingly good. Everything else was below average, and the cabin crew service especially stood out for being slow and inattentive. We were surrounded by toddlers/babies and it made our 4 hour flight feel like 10 hours. Granted, that's not the airline's fault, but it added to the overall subpar experience.

Second-row economy doesn't have leg space if you are 6 feet

מלון חבל על הזמן השאר יום יומיים סבבה אבל בחוץ חום כלבים

Very helpful and welcoming crew, good food in fair quantities, enough space for the legs. Surprisingly good quality for a "lowcoster".

Boarding was almost an hour late but there was no communication. Cabin crew did nothing to ensure people kept masks on and even with seat belt sign on people were wondering around the plane.

Take too much time to get cpnnection flight. Did not get enough time toget refresh even for going rest room it is not enough time. For wheelchaor person like me face too much trouble. Idont wish to go next time in emirat and fly dubai. Not sugest any senior citizon to fly with this.

Flight was cancelled. Kayak agents were not helpful at all to rebook flights. Worst experience in customer service. Kayak did not even informed me about the flight cancellation. I only came to know after reaching the airport. Horrible experience

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Muscat Oman City Tour From Dubai

Muscat Oman city tour from Dubai starts at 7:00 am. We can collect you from any location in the UAE for this Oman Day Trip.

Experience a one-of-a-kind journey from Dubai to Oman that goes beyond sightseeing. From the dazzling city of Dubai to the serene landscapes of Oman, let the emotions flow and feel the connection to a land steeped in culture and history. Join us for a tour that touches your heart, where landscapes and stories create everlasting memories. It’s not just a trip; it’s a shared emotional journey to the heart of Oman.

It’s worth mentioning that this day tour of Oman covers all the country’s landscapes, including the sea, mountains, desert, and wadis.

Please note that Suncity Tours offers free tourist visas for Oman to tourists who are visiting from: 

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland (Netherlands), Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Malta, Malaysia, Monaco, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States Of America, and Vatican City.

This day trip to Oman offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the country’s rich history, culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Visiting beautiful Omani villages, towns, and cities can immerse yourself in real Arabia.

Towns, cities, and villages you pass on the Muscat City Tour

Shinas – A coastal town with traditional buildings.

Sohar City –  An ancient capital of Oman and the Birthplace of Sindbad, the sailor.

Saham – A beautiful fishing and farming town in Oman.

Al-Kaburah – Castles and striking mountain scenery.

Al-Suwayq town- means the Souk (Market Place), named Al suwayq, as it is central to the people living in the mountains. It has historical buildings and is home to many castles, forts, and fortresses.

Al-Musanaah – Coastal town with Al Masnnah fort and Luxury beach resorts .

Barka City –  An extraordinary city with historical sites, fishing villages, and red sand desert Dunes.

Al-Seeb – A coastal city with incredible islands offering snorkeling opportunities and dolphin spotting.

Itinerary Oman Muscat Day Tour From Dubai  

• Sohar Royal Grand Mosque – beautifully tiled in a turquoise and gold palette.
• Qurum Beach & Nature Reserve – Excellent swimming opportunity in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman.
• Muttrah Corniche – Views of Port, Omani Dhow Harbor, Watchtowers, Al Lawati Mosque, fish market & Sultan’s Superyacht.
• Muttrah Souk – One of the ancient Arabian Traditional Souks in the Middle East – selling Kuma (unique Omani traditional Hats) & Dishdasha, artifacts, and antics. Frankincense, gold & silver jewelry, Omani halwa, Khanjar (Omani Dagger)
• Muttrah Fort – Stunning views of Muttrah Corniche and the harbor.
• Bait Al Zubair (Bayt Al Zubayr) Museum – Private museum that displays Omani Weaponry, Omani village models, handicrafts, frankincense trees, and artifacts.
• Sultan’s Place or Qasr Al Alam (Flag Palace) – One of the most important residences of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – raised Omani flag at the entrance indicates the Sultan’s presence in the Palace.
• Al Mirani Fort – Built by the Portuguese in the 16th   century.
• Al Jalali Fort – “Ash Sharqiya Fort” was Built in the 16th   century by the Portuguese Empire.
• Riyam Memorial or Riyam Censer – The frankincense burner Monument celebrating the 20th National Day of Oman in 1990. This monumental incense burner was built on top of a prominent hill at Riyam Park.
• Old Light House Muttrah – Stunning views of the harbor.
• Muttrah Bay.
• Muscat Bay.
• Royal Opera House Muscat – Oman’s premier musical arts and culture venue.
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – One of the Biggest Mosques in the world, accommodating over 20000 worshippers, sandstones, hand-woven Persian carpets, and crystals.
• A visit to Old Muscat will take you back in time.
• Muscat Heights – A fantastic place to admire Muscat City.
• Muscat Gate Museum – Oman history and Stunning views of Fort & Corniche.
• Haramel & Sidab Fishing Village – A sleepy Omani fishing village. It is an ideal point for fresh fish sales and local gossip.

Day Trip to Oman Includes

• Begin your adventure with a lavish pick-up in a luxury edition car, or enjoy a one-way flight from any location of your choice within the UAE, setting the tone for a truly extraordinary experience.
• Leave the hassle of visa arrangements to us, ensuring a seamless journey as you venture into the captivating city of Muscat, Oman.
• Enjoy Muscat’s rich culture and history with a guided day tour, exploring its hidden gems and iconic landmarks, with entrance fees included wherever applicable.
• Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey with refreshments and sumptuous traditional Omani meals at a local restaurant.
• Capture once-in-a-lifetime memories as you soak in the beauty of Muscat, from its bustling souks to its serene landscapes, creating unforgettable moments to cherish forever.
• Conclude your adventure with a safe and convenient drop-off, ensuring your journey ends on a high note, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

Tips / Gratuities Personal Expenses

Pricing Details

🌟 Rate: USD 1499 for a Private Group (Max 4 Pax) 🍽️ Culinary Delight: Indulge in Traditional Omani Lunch 🛂 Hassle-Free Entry: Enjoy a Complimentary Visa to Oman ⏳ Tour Duration : Venture on a 13-15 hour Expedition 🕖 Timely Departure: Commence your Journey at 7:00 am Onwards 📅 Conducted: Daily

Our Oman itinerary is unparalleled. No one can match the level of experience we offer. Allow us to take you on a journey that will leave you Ecstatic with adventures and unforgettable sights you won’t find anywhere else.

If our scheduled departure times to Oman don’t work for you or you’re interested in exploring places around Muscat, like Bimmah Sinkhole, Sur, Nizwa, and Wadi Shab, don’t worry! We can customize the itinerary to fit your requirements and create a personalized Oman holiday tour package just for you.

Are you looking for the best Oman holiday packages from Dubai? Contact us at [email protected] or call +971589205786 / +97143570966 to book now!

Please look at our exceptional Oman 2-day and 1-night package tour from Dubai  or a one-of-a-kind Oman 3-night and 2-day tour from Dubai or any Emirate in UAE.

If you’re searching for more exclusive tours in Dubai, and an adventure of a lifetime, you should consider booking a Desert safari tour in Dubai . The vast desert landscape is stunning, and you can even ride a camel and go dune bashing. It’s an incredible experience that you won’t forget. Check out our selection to make the most of your trip.

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12 Day Explore Oman & Dubai

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• In the white walled city of Muscat visit the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
• Stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with cool blue green waters
• A remarkable drive through stark seas of sand dunes in the desert wilderness of Wahiba Sands
• View Jabreen Castle in Oman, specially designed to imitate grand European palaces of the 1600s
• In Al Ain, tour one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements
• Embark on a city tour of Abu Dhabi that includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi
• In ultra-sophisticated Abu Dhabi, visit the Falcon Hospital, a pioneer in the rescue of these birds
• Enjoy buffet lunch and breathtaking views on a double-decker dhow boat cruise on the Gulf
• Discover Dubai, the quintessential land of striking opulence that stands beside mosques
• Visit the View at the Palm, offering stunning 360 degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Persian Gulf and beyond

What's this trip about?

Travel themes, destinations, attractions, trip includes.

• Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
• Flights New York-Muscat, Dubai-New YorkOther departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• 10 nights First Class accommodations
• 2 nights Muscat 1 night Wahiba Sands Desert Camp 1 night Al Hamra 1 night Al Ain 2 nights Abu Dhabi 3 nights Dubai Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Dubai tourism fee
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
• 23 meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features

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• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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WHERE WE FLY

Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Oman (OM)

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MUSANDAM – A FUN DAY TRIP FROM DUBAI TO OMAN

Musandam – dubai day trip to oman.

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It took me four visits to Dubai before I finally reserved a full day to see Oman. Okay, I just got a tiny glimpse of the northern part of Oman, but it honestly is one of the top day trips from Dubai. That is why I added it to my “50 top things to do in Dubai” list .

In this post, you will find out what to expect if you book a trip to Oman and Musandam for a day.

The Musandam Peninsula is located in the northern part of Oman, about 200 kilometers from Dubai. On your way, you will also cross Ras Al-Khaimah, which is also a perfect base for taking a day trip to Oman.

DAY TRIP FROM DUBAI TO OMAN / MUSANDAM

There are different Musandam tour packages from Dubai, and it really depends on what you are interested to see and how much you like to spend. I will add a few different tours later for you.

Why Visit the Musandam Peninsula?

The Musandam Peninsula is a beautiful place in Oman – very authentic and full of history, especially when compared to the hustle, bustle, and general glitziness of Dubai.

Getting there takes a while, but you will be rewarded with boat trips, lovely scenery, and incredible views of the stark limestone mountains.

However, although Musandam is getting more popular these days and attracts many tourists from Ras Al-Khaimah and Dubai, it still retains its originality and natural feeling despite having a touristy touch to it. 

To start your Musandam tour from Dubai, you can either a) travel by car to Khasab, which is about a three-hour drive from Dubai, or b) do a guided tour  (like I did), and then you will be picked up from the hotel.

A guided tour to Oman from Dubai is probably the easiest way. You could also fly from Dubai to Khasab if you prefer, but I actually recommend getting there by bus.

You can stay there, overnight as well: I personally think a day trip is enough, but if you can decide to stay longer you can book your accommodation in Oman.

What to Know

We were picked up from our hotel by the tour company, and after picking up some other people, we drove for about three hours to get to the border of Oman .

From there, it took about an hour to get through border security to where our dhow waited for us in Khasab, a village just beyond the border.

Packing List Musandam

If you have a visa for the UAE, you shouldn’t need an extra visa for Oman, but you definitely have to bring your original passport with you and take a copy of your passport.

It wasn’t needed for us, but it was recommended by our tour guide.

To make the most of your Oman trip from Dubai, it’s also important to take everything you’ll need with you: swimming gear, sun lotion, etc., and of course your camera.

Dhow Cruise from Khasab

We did a Musandam dhow cruise from Khasab. The dhows are the original Arabic boats which are decorated with adorable Arabic cushions and rugs.

Click here to find the tour we did.

You can choose to sit on the top of the dhow or the ground level, and then you start your trip!

Food and drink are often included , it does depend on the tour operator, but most tour operators have similar offers.

Ours included fresh fruit, water, juices, tea, and coffee all day long. Then for lunch, there was a small buffet, and soft drinks were served. It was nothing exciting and all quite simple, but it was definitely enough for the day.

If you are looking for something completely tranquil, then tours like this might not be the perfect choice for you as there is often music on the boat, which I personally enjoyed. When I went, it was a mixture of international, Indian, and US music.

We sailed for about thirty minutes traveling past the mountains and what they call the fjords (although they aren’t officially fjords). Once at the beach, we had the option to hop into the water or to take a small boat to get us right up to the beach.

I really enjoyed my full-day trip to Oman but to be honest, I was a little bit disappointed by the water. If you visit Oman to see the pristine clear water you see in the pictures sometimes, you will be disappointed.

The water was not very clear, it was oily, and the area smelled like oil, so bear this in mind before you go.

Activities in Musandam

The beach, although nice, was a little bit dirty. Sadly, there was trash lying around where people had just thrown rubbish on the beach. Of course it is the fault of the tourists, but it would have been better if there had been a big rubbish bin.

Guys, seriously- take your trash back to the boat if you do not see a rubbish bin. No rubbish bin is no excuse for being a stupid tourist. 

We had about an hour at the beach/boat, and there were options to do banana boat riding (which was included in the price) or a speedboat trip which was really enjoyable, although it was a short ride of fewer than five minutes.

No trip would be perfect without food – and so these tours also include a buffet and more music, and it was an enjoyable atmosphere with around thirty other people on the boat. The buffet simple, some rice, noodles, salads, and a few more things (including meat) but okay for that day.

Musandam Scenery

In total, we spent about five hours there, and then we sailed back, again through the “fjords” – it was kind of really beautiful with the fog and the mountains, and then we headed back to the border.

Just before that, some people had the chance to go fishing from the boat.

Finally, we headed back to the bus and through the border, which took another hour, and after that, we were heading back to Dubai.

Is it worth visiting Musandam from Dubai? 

In total, the day trip took us about 14 hours, around six and a half of it on the bus, which was a lot longer than I expected.

So, if you know that and you don’t expect the crystal clear perfect water, then a Dubai to Oman day trip is perfect.

The prices are reasonable when you consider that there is food and drink included, and you will not find anything like this in Dubai for that price.

• Day Trip to Musandam from Dubai – Tour 1
• Musandam – Dubai Tour 2
• Musandam Trip Via Viator 

Have you added Oman to the list? Let us know!

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Dubai to Oman Road Trip

If you are living in the UAE a Dubai to Oman Road Trip should be on your bucket list. Dubai to Muscat is around 550km by road and takes about 5-6 hours including the border crossing. Read on to plan your 6-day Dubai to Oman road trip itinerary.

If you are looking to spend less time, maybe a 4-day itinerary on your Dubai to Oman road trip then you could cut a day in Muscat and the final stop in Jebel Akhdar. Jebel Akhdar is well worth a visit but could be done on a trip by itself where you can spend a few days.

If you are looking for some inspiration on which wadis to visit then check out our post on the 3 Best Wadis in Oman for all the information.

What visa do I need to go to Oman?

If you are a resident in the UAE you can now get an e-visa to Oman before leaving home. This will save time during the border crossing. All GCC residents qualify for an Oman GCC Residence e-Visa, you just need to apply in advance. Allow 3 days for the visa to come through to be on the safe side. You can apply on the Oman E-Visa website, just register first then apply for the visa.

I haven’t travelled to Oman since the e-visa has been put in place so I can’t advise first hand how straight forward it is. However, from reading information online and speaking to others who have done it, the process is pretty simple.

Apply for an online Oman e-visa here.

Day 1 – Dubai to Muscat (3 nights)

The first stop on a Dubai to Oman road trip would naturally be Muscat . Muscat can be reached in around 5 hours crossing at the Hatta border. Apply for an e-visa before travelling. Once across the border, expect 3-4 hours of long, straight roads with minimal petrol stations – fill up Hatta side!

Day 2 and 3 – What to do in Muscat

Muscat is the capital of Oman and offers an array of activities. Plenty to keep you busy for 3 nights, especially as the first night will be mainly taken up by the Dubai to Oman road trip.

Make sure to include a day on a boat trip dolphin spotting or over to Dimaniyat islands where you can go snorkelling with turtles. We had an amazing morning on Dimaniyat island, you can read our full review here. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is beautiful. Spend an evening in Mutrah at the Souq, Corniche and Fort. If you are a golfer then play at Al Mouj golf course , number 2 golf course in the Middle East.

Check out Get Your Guide for some great Muscat tours where you can see all the landmarks in one day.

Where to Stay in Muscat

Muscat has a plethora of hotels from simple hotels, mid-range, luxury up to super luxury. Here are some of our best picks:

Top Luxury Muscat Hotels

If you are looking for a true luxurious escape whilst in Muscat, check out the relatively new Jumeirah Muscat Bay . A stunning hotel from the Jumeirah group. There is also the renowned Chedi Muscat and The Ritz Al Bustan Palace for incredible 5* properties.

Luxury Muscat Hotel

We stayed at the gorgeous, luxurious 5 star beach resort at InterContinental Muscat for our most recent trip to Muscat. They have beautiful, sea-view family rooms, amazing facilities and lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. This is a licensed hotel as well so it was lovely to enjoy a cocktail at sunset.

Read our review of the InterContinental Hotel Muscat here.

Mid Range Hotel

We also spent two nights at the stunning 5* Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat. This hotel is perfect for large families with villas, apartments and interconnecting rooms. Rooftop pool, mall access and city centre location with affordable prices are things we loved about this hotel.

Read our review of the Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat here.

Budget Hotel

We have also stayed at the Ramada Encore Muscat Hotel which is a budget hotel without compromising on quality. Good sized family rooms with great Italian restaurant and rooftop pool in a city centre location with budget prices.

Check out our detailed post on how to spend a weekend in Muscat.

You could probably spend just 2 nights in Muscat if you have limited time. However, after the drive and long drives to follow we wanted to relax and slowly explore the city, enjoying the slower pace to Dubai.

Day 3 – Muscat to Ras Al Jinz (1 night)

Muscat to Ras Al Jinz will take 3 hours, direct, on your Dubai to Oman road trip. However, you will want to stop at some incredible wadis on the way.

Stop 1 – Bimmah Sinkhole

Have an early breakfast and get on the road quickly heading to your first stop at Bimmah Sinkhole. This is a popular stop so the earlier the better. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Muscat.

Parking is outside what looks like a small children’s play area, don’t be put off! Walk through the park and you will come to the swimming hole. If you have swimming shoes, bring them. Watch out for the little fish nibbling your feet. Make this a short stop as Wadi Shab, the next stop is a longer stop with a hike.

Check out our post on everything you need to know about Bimmah Sinkhole

Stop 2 – Wadi Shab

Next stop on your Dubai to Oman road trip will be Wadi Shab , only another 25 minutes from Bimmah Sinkhole. As always, our advice is arrive early – parking is limited.

Make sure you have change when arriving in Wadi Shab as you will have to pay the boat man 1 Omani Rial to cross from the car park to the wadi (a 2minute journey).

Once across the wadi there is a 45min-1hour walk to reach the main Wadi Shab. It is pretty straightforward along a path with some climbing over large boulders.

The scenery we saw on our walk was amazing, beautiful blue/green water, tall cliffs and green spaces.

Read our post here for all the information about visiting Wadi Shab.

Turtles or no turtles?

From Wadi Shab it is another 2 hour drive to Ras Al Jinz. If you have previously experienced seeing turtles during other travelling experiences you could omit Ras Al Jinz from the trip. There is a Guest House in Wadi Shab which is well rated on booking.com. Alternatively, you could continue down to Sur which is 1.5 hours. The Sur Grand Hotel has a good booking.com rating. Staying here would break up the journey to Wadi Bani Khalid the next day.

Stop 3 – Ras Al Jinz (1 night)

The southern most point on our Dubai to Oman road trip.

Ras Al Jinz is famous for green turtle spotting who return year after year. Be aware that the prime time for turtles laying their eggs and hatching on the beach is July – October (the hottest months). If you visit outside of peak season you may not even see any turtles so plan this into your trip accordingly.

We went in April and were advised to go to the night viewing, we wanted to go to the sunrise session but were told not to because of the time of year. It was packed with bus loads of tourists and we were all waiting til around 10pm until a turtle was spotted. It’s about a 15minute walk in complete darkness across soft sand so would not be advisable for elderly or immobile people. You are asked to be silent and people were shushing our boys when they were whispering and asking questions. It might not be the best experience for kids under 5.

Seeing the turtle was a pretty memorable experience, the turtle was huge. However, we have been spoilt by seeing turtles hatch naturally in Sri Lanka and Thailand. So this felt like a bit of a tourist factory. Although, I have since heard that the sunrise viewing is magical. I think this would be a better option for young kids.

If you have experienced turtles hatching before then I would consider leaving out this part of the Dubai to Oman road trip.

Where to Stay in Ras Al Jinz

Ras Al Jinz Reserve Hotel rooms are quite pricey so we stayed in the basic Turtle Guest House within walking distance. We picked up a dominos pizza on the drive through Sur and kept it cheap and simple!

Day 4 – Ras al Jinz to Nizwa (1 night)

The road from Ras al Jinz to Nizwa is another long one at around 4 hours. We broke the journey up with a bit of a detour to Wadi Bani Khalid which took 2 hours.

Stop 1 – Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid was our favourite out of the wadis we visited on this trip. A very accessible, family-friendly wadi. Short walks, a little bit of scrambling over rocks and gorgeous, clear, blue water to swim in.

After Wadi Bani Khalid it is another 2 hours to get to Nizwa. Many people choose to go back to Muscat at this point but we think Nizwa should be included on your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Click here to read our detailed post for everything you need to know about Wadi Bani Khalid.

Day 4 – Nizwa

Nizwa was previously the capital of Oman, it is a town that still retains traditions and culture. It is a walled town containing souks, heritage hotels, small coffee shops and most famously, the fort. A perfect place to experience Omani hospitality and absorb yourself in their way of life.

Where to Stay in Nizwa

We stayed at the stunning Antique Inn , within the town walls. A true traditional Oman hotel with the bonus of a swimming pool to relax for a few hours before another drive the next day.

You can read more about our time in Nizwa in our post here.

Day 5 – Nizwa to Jebel Akhdar (1 night)

The shortest drive of the trip at only around 1 hour so make sure to spend some time chilling out in Nizwa before setting off. As you enter Jebel Akhdar there is a police check of insurance and driving licence. You will also need to be driving a 4×4 to pass the police check and enter the mountain.

Jebel Akhdar is a series of mountain peaks offering temperatures considerably cooler that Dubai. Making it an often sort after escape location during summer months. The scenery is wonderful, small villages, traditional ways of life and fresh air make it worth the drive during your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Where to Stay in Jebel Akhdar

If you are looking for a true traditional Oman hotel then consider staying at The Suwgra . Formerly known as Cliffside Hotel, it is an ancient village that has been transformed into a hotel. It has been built into the cliff and you will need to do a short 20minute hike down the wadi and back up the other side. Don’t worry your luggage will be taken over by zipline – check this out .

Read through our post with all the information on a traditional Oman hotel in Jebel Akhdar for further information. You can also check out our Instagram Reel with some highlights.

If this kind of adventure is not your thing there are some stunning hotels on Jebel Akhdar like The Anantara and Alila Jebel Akhdar which are worth splurging on.

Day 6 – Jebel Akhdar to Dubai

Expect this last drive to take around 6 hours including the border crossing through Al Ain. A long, straight road. Get the ipads charged, podcasts downloaded and fill up on snacks. We considered stopping for a night in Al Ain on the way back however decided we would just want to get home.

There are many lovely options in Al Ain like the Rotana or Radisson Blu . Al Ain is great part of the UAE to explore, you can drive up Jebel Hafeet and even stay at the Mercure Grand and include a trip to Al Ain Zoo.

Oman is wonderful country that we love and will continue to explore. Enter your email address to get our posts as we publish them to keep up to date with our adventures. You can also check out our Instagram @dubaiandbeyond_ for lots more pictures and videos on our Guides, Reels, Posts and Highlights.

If you enjoyed reading this post Dubai to Oman road trip then check out 7 Stunning Places in Oman or a weekend in Musandam . If you enjoy camping have a read of Hiking and Camping in Dibba, Oman . More outdoor adventures can be found on 10 day trips from Dubai . Everything you need to know about Dubai and the UAE is full of ideas or our Destinations Page has lots more worldwide family travel ideas.

Disclaimer:  This post  Dubai to Oman Road Trip,  has affiliate links  and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you .

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Dubai to Oman by Road: Driving Across the Border (2024)

Planning a trip from Dubai to Oman by road ? Based on my many trips from UAE to Oman by road I put together this extensive guide that will help you prepare for a road trip from Dubai to Oman by car.

Whether you are renting a car in Dubai or driving your own vehicle , getting from Dubai to Muscat by road (or elsewhere in Oman ) is pretty straightforward.

Nonetheless, there is some important information that you need which I share in this post: UAE-Oman border crossings and procedures , required documents to drive through UAE Oman border by rental car and private car , including car insurance (orange card), driving times and distance from Dubai to Oman (and from other emirates in the UAE) and last but not least, how to get Oman visit visa both as a tourist in Dubai (UAE) and as a UAE resident .

This guide covers absolutely everything you need to know before you go traveling from Dubai to Oman by car . Also read this post, if you are going from Abu Dhabi to Oman, or from another Emirate.

Disclosure :  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase by clicking a link. This helps to keep my blog growing and filling up with detailed honest travel advice for you. 

Dubai to Oman by road requirements: everything you need to know in 2023

Uae to oman by car: a quick checklist.

• A car- if you are looking to rent one, then I recommend checking Discovercars and Rentalcars car search aggregators for the best car rental rates in the UAE .
• Car registration card ( Mulkiya ), car insurance in Oman-orange card, driver’s license. 
• An International Driving Permit might be required when renting a car in UAE as a tourist.
• NOC certificate for a rental car or if you are driving a borrowed or leased car. 
• For vehicles registered in Dubai -Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes (UAE-expats only).
• Oman tourist visa (obtained online or at the border, subject to nationality).
• You need a passport to enter Oman from UAE by road.
• For UAE visitors going to Oman: your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the visa issue date. 
• For UAE expats going from Dubai to Oman : UAE residency should be valid for at least 3 months and passport for at least 6 months after the visa issue date.
• Advisable  Travel Insurance .  I always take out one on my trips to Oman to have peace of mind.

Is a road trip from Dubai to Oman by car worth it?

Traveling to  Oman by road from  Dubai  (or Abu Dhabi, or any other Emirate)  is the best way to visit the Sultanate. Roads in UAE and Oman are in excellent condition and driving from Dubai to Muscat or elsewhere in Oman is a breeze.

Whether you are a UAE resident or visiting Dubai as a tourist, you can easily go on a road trip not only to  Muscat , but also visit nearby  Musandam , head on a long drive to Salalah , or just about anywhere else in  Oman  from any Emirate in the UAE either for a weekend or longer. 

Although the distance from Dubai to Muscat by road (the most popular Dubai-Oman route) is almost 500 kilometers and takes 5 hours to drive, do not get discouraged. The drive is long but pleasant: along the way, you will be blessed with the otherworldly landscapes of the Hajar mountains, the beautiful Gulf of Oman coastline, and rolling desert dunes. Moreover , petrol in UAE and Oman is cheap making it yet another great reason to go on a road trip to Oman from the UAE.

If you are already in the Sultanate of Oman, and wondering if you should rent a car in Oman and drive, then you will find my guide to Renting a car and driving in Oman useful.

Dubai to Oman by Road: driving your own car from UAE to Oman

Can i take my car from dubai to oman.

Yes, as a UAE resident, you can drive your own car from Dubai to Oman.

What documents do I need to drive my car from UAE to Oman?

To drive your car from UAE to Oman you need the following car documents:

• Driver’s license
• Car registration card ( mulkiya )
• Orange card – car insurance policy for driving in Oman
• For vehicles registered in Dubai -Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes.

How to get an orange card for Oman?

When driving your car from UAE to Oman, make sure to obtain a so-called  orange card  from your insurance company. This card serves as a car insurance policy that covers your car while driving in Oman. It is always required when traveling in the GAIF (General Arab Insurance Federation) countries (which includes Oman).

If you purchased a car insurance policy that already covers Oman territory (many bigger insurance providers include Oman), you will get an orange card free of charge. Otherwise, you can request your car insurance provider to include coverage for the Sultanate of Oman and issue an orange card for an additional fee.

Important! Make sure to contact your car insurance company and request to issue an orange car a few days before your trip.

Good to know: Whenever I request an orange card for my Dubai to Muscat trips, I usually receive it the next day via email from my insurance company. However, in some cases, you might have to collect it in person and it takes a couple of days for the insurance company to issue an orange card.  Therefore, the best is to call your insurance company and ask for all the details about the orange card processing times and costs (if any).

Getting Oman car insurance policy at the UAE-Oman border

If you are already heading from UAE to Oman by road and forgot to obtain the orange card, do not worry. You can get a car insurance policy covering driving in Oman at the border. According to the latest information I have, it costs 105 AED for 5 days which is the minimum number of days you can purchase insurance at the border.

IMPORTANT: Orange card purchased at the UAE-Oman border only covers damages caused by the Insured to a Third Party in a foreign GAIF member country (including Oman in this case). That means damages done to your car will not be covered.

Can I use a UAE license to drive in Oman?

If you are a UAE resident, you can use your UAE driving license to  drive in Oman .

Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes.

If you are driving a Dubai-registered vehicle from Dubai to Oman, according to RTA (Roads & Transport Authority), you should obtain a Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes.

Documents required for the certificate:

• Original Emirates ID.
• NOC from the Automobile & Touring Club of The UAE if you are a UAE-expat (this does not apply for GCC citizens).

The service costs 170 AED in total.

From my personal experience, I was never asked for such a document when driving from Dubai to Oman my Dubai-registered car. I found out about this requirement only recently but apparently, it was in place for years.

Moreover, I have been to Oman dozens of times. I went to Musandam , Muscat , and Salalah using different borders, and I was never asked for this certificate. People I know who also travelled to Oman from Dubai with their vehicles were never asked for one either.

I got to know about this particular certificate accidentally when I was looking for an NOC form for a borrowed car (more about it in the section below) on RTA website.

Nonetheless, if you are driving a Dubai-registered car, you can apply for this Tourism Purpose certificate through RTA, more application process here (as I understand you cannot do it online, you must go to one of the RTA centers).

Dubai to Oman by Road: can I drive a borrowed or leased car from UAE to Oman?

If you want to drive to Oman in a vehicle that is not in your name, below are the two most common scenarios and what to do to successfully cross the border.

Can I drive my friend’s, spouse’s, or company’s car from UAE to Oman?

Yes, you can drive someone else’s car as long as you have the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner (written permission to drive their car across the UAE-Oman border) along with car registration documents, and, of course, insurance covering the territory of Oman (orange card).

I would also recommend obtaining a Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes discussed above if you are borrowing a Dubai-registred car.

NOC for the car to Oman format

If you are borrowing a car from a friend, spouse, or your work car, you can ask them to write down a free-style format NOC letter. It has to state the owner’s name, EID, residency visa number, and passport number and that they have no objection to you (make sure to include your name) taking/using the car from UAE to Oman. You should also attach a photocopy of the car owner’s ID along with the letter.

IMPORTANT: I received a letter from a reader who said they had problems at the Hatta-Al Wajajah border with taking a borrowed car because a free-form NOC issued by the car owner was not accepted. This is the first time someone complained about not being able to pass the border with a borrowed car because of an invalid NOC letter. I contacted RTA (The Road and Transform Authority in UAE) to check if they can provide a formal NOC form that the car owner has to fill in. The RTA representative confirmed that there is no need to come to their premises and that the owner can actually issue a free-form NOC letter. I suspect (this is only my assumption), that the problem was not an NOC of the vehicle owner. It could have been the Certificate to Use the Vehicle Outside the UAE for Tourism Purposes was also required for a borrowed vehicle that is Dubai-registered.

What if my car is still on the mortgage, can I drive it to Oman?

I drove my leased car from Dubai to Oman through the Hatta-Al Wajajah border without any issues. Nobody asked me any questions related to the lease. Neither did I contact the bank to ask if I needed any special permission to drive across the border between UAE and Oman.

In general, according to my research, people were allowed to cross the Hatta-Al Wajajah UAE-Oman border with their cars which are on a mortgage.

However, I would recommend contacting your bank and requesting a No Objection Certificate from them to have complete peace of mind.

Good to know: many people reported (and I second them from my experience) that the easiest UAE-Oman border to cross with borrowed car is Hatta-Al Wajajah. Folks at this border are laid back and they never even ask for the NOC even when you are driving somebody else’s car. Meanwhile, other Oman-UAE borders are stricter and they most likely request NOC.

Dubai to Oman by Road: Can I take a rental car from Dubai to Oman?

Yes, you can take a rental car from UAE to Oman. Nonetheless, before renting a car in Dubai (or elsewhere in UAE), make sure to check that the specific agency allows you to take the car across the UAE-Oman border. For example, with  Discovercars  or  Rentalcars , before making a reservation, you can always check if taking a car to Oman is permitted by the rental company.

On Discovercars website you can click on Rental Conditions->Cross Border policy to see if driving a car through the border is allowed.

UAE Car rental companies that allow taking rental cars to Oman

To help you save some time, I found out that the following car rental agencies permit border crossing from Dubai to Oman: Aurostrad, Dollar, Avis, SIXT. All can be booked through Discovercars and Rentalcars (it is cheaper to book through car search aggregators than directly through the company).

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

Dubai to oman by road: required documents to drive a rental car from uae to oman.

To drive a rental car from UAE to Oman you need the following car documents:

• Driver’s license (the driver must be the same person who rented the car)
• NOC certificate provided by the insurance company
• Car insurance policy for driving in Oman provided by car rental company

NOC: written permission to take UAE rental car to Oman

If you plan to go to Oman from UAE in a rental car, one of the most important documents you have to obtain is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that you will request from your rental company.

Whether you booked a car through Discovercars or Rentalcars, or directly with a company, make sure to contact the agency directly at least 2-4 days ahead of your trip (depending on the company). The rental company will request your driver’s license and passport copy in order to process the required documents (NOC and also additional car insurance which I talk about in the next paragraph).

Good to know: UAE-based rental companies specify that not all their vehicles can be taken to Oman from UAE. Therefore, you might change your booked vehicle in case it does not fall under the permitted vehicles category.

Car insurance policy for Oman

To drive to Oman from the UAE you will also have to purchase an additional car insurance policy for Oman. This policy must be issued by your car hire in UAE company. Any other car insurance that you have purchased elsewhere will not be valid. Note, that you cannot obtain Oman car insurance at the border when you are driving a rental car.

The cost of a car insurance policy for Oman is combined with NOC issuance cost and varies across the companies.

As a reference, I found on the Avis website, that cost of the NOC certificate and additional insurance is combined:

• 1 to 3 days- 450 AED, and 100 AED for an additional day
• 7 days – 750 AED, and 100 AED for an additional day
• 1 month- 1500 AED, and 100 AED for an additional day

You will receive your NOC certificate and insurance upon collection of the rental car. Keep this with you to show at the border if requested.

Extra costs for taking your rental car from UAE to Oman

Also, note that all rentals in UAE and Oman have a mileage cap of around 200-250 km/day (calculated as a total for your rental period). Exceeding the allowance means you have to pay an extra of around 1 AED per kilometer. Oman is around 4 times bigger than the UAE, and it is very easy to finish the mileage allowance when driving from Dubai to Oman.

Sign up HERE to receive a FREE downloadable OMAN MINI GUIDE !

Is an international license valid in UAE and Oman? 

If you are a tourist visiting the UAE and are also planning to drive to Oman, you have to have a driving license issued in your country of residence, matching the residency stated on your passport.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in UAE and Oman as a tourist?

When driving in UAE and Oman as a tourist you may be required to have International Driving Permit (IDP). However, nationals of some countries are exempt from this requirement if their Passport and driving license is issued from the same country.

This applies to the following countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, Turkey, Denmark, Portugal, Austria, France, United Kingdom, Norway, Romania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Serbia, Lithuania, United States of America, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Nationals from all other countries and those whose passports and Driving licenses are not from the same country must hold an international driving license accompanied by their original driving license.

Related articles: Plan your trip to Dubai with my 7 Days in Dubai Itinerary

Driving from UAE & Dubai to Oman routes and UAE-Oman border crossings

UAE and Oman share several borders. The route you will take depends on where in Oman you are going to and which UAE emirate you are driving from/to.

Important:  there are specific borders that are open for everybody: tourists, GCC residents, and GCC citizens. While some of the UAE Oman borders are open to GCC citizens and Omani nationals only but not to UAE expats and tourists. 

Below is a list of the UAE-Oman border posts open for tourists, GCC residents, and GCC citizens:

• Hatta-Al Wajajah Border Crossing in Hatta;
• Mezyad-Hafeet border crossing in Al Ain;
• Khatam Al Shiklah in Al Ain;
• Al Dhara Border Post-Musandam (Westside coastal Khasab road);
• Dibba checkpoint – Musandam East coast (north of Fujeirah Emirate);
• Khatmat Malaha Border Post in Kalba (Eastern Sharjah, Gulf of Oman side).

Following is detailed information and recommendations on which UAE-Oman border to take based on your location in UAE and destination in Oman.

Hatta – Al Wajajah Border Crossing

Hatta Al-Wajajah border is one of the most popular crossings for travelers from Dubai to Muscat by road. It is also the closest to Dubai UAE-Oman border that is open to everyone including UAE expats and tourists. The time spent to cross this border is usually around 30 min to 1 hour depending on how busy it is. People tend to travel more during public holidays and weekends, thus allow extra time for crossing this popular UAE-Oman border.

Cross Hatta-Al Wajajah border if:

• You are driving from Dubai to  Muscat  or to the Eastern part of Oman. It is 140 KM from Dubai to the border and takes approximately 1 HR 40 MIN to drive from downtown Dubai to the Hatta Al Wajajah border. 
• Hatta-Al Wajajah is also the closest border to cross if you are driving from other emirates except for Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. That being said, when driving from Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain to the East of Oman Mainland, the closest border is Hatta-Al Wajajah.

You can also take this border if you want to drive from  Dubai to Salalah along the coast , but it will be a much longer route than through the border in Al Ain.

Important!   When driving from Dubai to Hatta Al Wajajah, take Sharjah-Kalba road E102 followed by the new Hatta road (there is no need to reach Shawka). DO NOT get confused if you are coming via E44 through Al Madam. This route will bring you to a border near Al Madam in Sharjah. Currently, it is closed (or only open for GCC citizens). 

Tip: once you are in Oman, and heading to Muscat from Hatta border, set your navigation to take you to the newly built highway which runs in the hinterlands of Oman. This is a much nicer and slightly faster route than the one that runs along the coast (you don’t actually see the coast).

Mezyad-Hafeet border crossing in Al Ain

Located in Al Ain, the Garden City of UAE, Mezyad-Hafeet border crossing is convenient if you are driving from the capital Abu Dhabi, or if you are headed to Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, or Salalah.

Cross the Mezyad-Hafeet border if:

• You are driving from Abu Dhabi to Mainland Oman. It is 190km and around 2 hrs drive from Abu Dhabi to the Mezyad-Hafeet border crossing in Al Ain. 
• You are driving from Dubai to Nizwa, Jebel Shams, and  Salalah  in Southern Oman. The Meyzad-Hafeet border is 160km and 2 hours drive from Dubai Downtown. 
• You are driving from other Emirates (Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain) to Nizwa, Jebel Shams, and  Salalah  in Southern Oman.

Tip: if you are doing a road trip to Oman that starts in Muscat but finishes in Nizwa, you can use Mezyad-Hafeet border to come back to UAE.

Check this  Dubai to Salalah road trip planner  if you are thinking of driving to Salalah.

Khatam Al Shiklah border in Al Ain

This is the other UAE-Oman border in Al Ain which is mainly used by trucks. However, regular cars can also use it as an alternative to Mezyad-Hafeet. It takes a similar amount of time to get to this border as to the Mezyad border. 

I have used this border before and it was very quiet with barely any cars.

Note:  the distance between Khatam Al Shiklah control posts on UAE and Oman sides is around 30km. Thus, don’t get confused, it’s a long drive in no man’s land. 

Al Dhara Border Post-Musandam (Westside coastal Khasab road)

Use this Al Dhara Border Crossing if you are driving to Khasab in the  Musandam Peninsula  on the west side.

Located at the Northern tip of Ras al Khaimah emirate, the Al Dhara border crossing connects UAE to Oman’s exclave Musandam Governorate, Westside. 

It takes 2 hours to reach the Musandam Al Dhara border from Dubai and 3.5 hours from Abu Dhabi.

Planning on going from Dubai to Musandam, Oman? Here is my  detailed  Musandam Travel Guide   which includes border procedures and the best things to do in Musandam for a day, two, or more.

Dibba checkpoint – Musandam East coast (north of Fujairah Emirate)

Use the Dibba checkpoint crossing if you are going to the East side of Musandam, Oman.

Dibba border is essentially a military checkpoint rather than an official border crossing. There is no official checkpoint on the Oman side, only on the UAE side. Also, there are two checkpoints next to each other- one for GCC citizens only, and the other for tourists and GCC residents.

If you are visiting the Musandam Peninsula from the Dibba side, you can use a tour operator or stay at Six Senses Ziggy Bay Resort, or Dibba Resort to be able to cross this checkpoint visa-free. Tour operators or hotels will arrange an entry permit for you if you have a booking with them.

However, if you are planning to go on hiking in Wadi Khub al Shamzi, or mountain biking in that area, you can still use an Oman visit visa to cross the Dibba checkpoint. 

Just before the lockdown back in 2020, we crossed the Dibba checkpoint with an Oman visit visa for GCC residents when we were going hiking on the East side of Musandam, Oman. We did not know about permits being arranged by tour operators. Also, the officers at the border did not question us. We explained that we are going for a hike and they let us through.

To plan your visit from Dubai to Muscat, the capital of Oman. Find out The best things to do in Muscat: 1-3 days itinerary.

Khatmat Malaha Border Post in Kalba (Eastern Sharjah, Gulf of Oman side)

Use this border crossing:  if you are driving from Fujeirah or Kalba (a town that belongs to Sharjah Emirate on the East side of UAE).

Attention!  Information about this border crossing is not very clear. According to my research, it looks like it is open to GCC residents. However, some people reported that they could not cross the Khatmat Malaha border with a rental car even when they have NOC and insurance. You will be directed to the Hatta border.

In case you are traveling from Fujeirah to Oman as a tourist, you better head directly to Hatta- Al Wajajah border crossing.

FUN FACT:  Did you know you can visit Oman from UAE without a visa or permit? Even more, you can also visit UAE inside Oman. A small territory that is an exclave of the Musandam Governorate is called Madha. This tiny piece of land belongs to Oman and is an enclave of the UAE near Khor Fakkan town on the East Coast. What is even more fascinating is that you can cross the UAE-Oman border twice, and find Nahwa in the middle of Madha. Nahwa is an enclave territory that belongs to the UAE and is surrounded by Madha from all sides.  You do not need any permit or visa to enter Madha!

UAE-Oman border crossing procedures: waiting times, formalities, and exit fees

UAE-Oman border crossing procedures may appear somewhat confusing if you are travelling from Dubai to Oman by car for the first time. Hence, I share the step-by-step procedures and formalities that you have to go through at UAE Oman land borders. The bellow described procedure is exactly what you will have to do at the Hatta-Al Wajajah border. However, other UAE-Oman borders have similar steps.

UAE to Oman by car border crossing step-by-step

1. pay uae exit fee.

At the first drive-through counter on the UAE side of the UAE-Oman border, you will be asked to pay the exit fee of 35 AED plus 5% VAT per person. Collect the receipt and show it at the next window together with your passports where you will get an UAE exit stamp.

You can pay in cash or by card. Nonetheless, I always recommend having cash (UAE dirhams) just in case.

Note that when leaving UAE by land through any border to Oman you must always pay 35 AED exit fee per person, and only then you can get an exit stamp on your passport. 

2. Present your Oman visit visa (or obtain an Oman visa on arrival) and get entry to Oman stamp

After exiting UAE, you will have to proceed with a visa check and entry stamp to Oman. Also, your car registration documents, insurance, and NOC (if applicable) will be checked.

On the Hatta- Al Wajajah border, you have to drive for around 1 kilometer until you reach the Oman border post. Park your car and enter the building to get your Oman entry stamps there. If you already have Oman e-visas prearranged, it will save you time. Otherwise, you will have to fill in the immigration application form and make payments for the Oman visit visa on the spot.

IMPORTANT: Oman visa on arrival is subject to nationality. The good news is that an Oman visit visa might even be FREE if you meet certain criteria. Continue reading this post to find all the information about Oman visit visas for both UAE visitors and UAE residents.

Once your Oman visa is set and passports are stamped with Oman entry, you will be handed a small sheet of paper that indicates the number of passengers traveling to Oman. Keep it safe as you will have to show it when driving through the passport control gate and during a car inspection.

3. Pass Oman passport control

Once your Oman visa is sorted, proceed back to the car and drive to the passport checkpoint where you will be asked to show your passport with the Oman entry stamp.

4. Stop at the vehicle inspection point

After passing the passport control window, you will have to stop for a car inspection. The border control officer will inspect the interior and the boot of your car and if all is good, will stamp a small sheet of paper that you have earlier received at the Oman visa checkpoint. Keep it safe, as you will have to show it at the last checkpoint before entering Oman.

5. Pass the last checkpoint before entering Oman

After finishing your car inspection, you will drive a few hundred meters until you reach the last police checkpoint. Give the officer a small sheet of paper that was stamped at the car inspection place.

And that is it. Welcome to Oman!

How long does it take to cross the UAE-Oman border?

From my personal experience, with all the documents ready (printed e-visa, passports, and car documents in place), all the checking procedures, without queues (only a few vehicles at the border), it still takes almost an hour to pass Hatta-Al Wajajah border when driving from Dubai to Muscat. 

It is much faster (when there is no queue) at Al-Dhara (Khasab) border when travelling to Musandam, Oman. You can expect to spend around 30 minutes on Al-Dhara border.

Good to know : Public holidays and weekends are known to be notorious when it comes to queueing at UAE-Oman borders. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours at the border during peak times.

Driving back from Oman to the UAE

The procedure of returning to UAE from Oman by car is similar just in reverse. The only difference is that you do not have to pay any exit fees from Oman and the car inspection on the UAE border side is much stricter. I have driven from Muscat to Dubai with my car boot loaded with photography equipment and suitcases. The offers on the UAE side did a thorough check-up and asked many questions about what and why I was carrying.

Exiting Oman

On the way back to the UAE to Oman, you will be given a small piece of paper when crossing the Oman border (an exit stamp of some sort). Keep it safe as you will have to present it when driving through the next checkpoint on the UAE border side.

Arriving in the UAE

On the UAE side, you will again have to park your car and go to the immigration post (at the Hatta border it was a separate building for UAE residents and tourists, while GCC citizens could drive through the checkpoints.

In the arrival hall, you will have to show your passports. If you are a tourist returning back to the UAE, then your UAE visa will also be checked (refer to the Oman visa requirements section for more information).

Oman to Dubai vehicle inspection point

After UAE passport control, you will have to drive through an x-ray scan, and then stop at a dedicated checkpoint where the contents of your car will be inspected thoroughly.

Collect a stamped small piece of paper from the officer. You will have to hand it over at the last drive-through checkpoint window. And that is the last step.

Welcome back to the UAE!

UAE to Oman by road visa requirements

In this section, you will find all the necessary information about UAE to Oman by road visa requirements both for UAE visit visa holders and UAE residents.

Oman Visa for UAE residents traveling by road

Visa-free entry for uae residents visiting oman for less than 14 days.

According to the latest news , UAE expats and GCC residents are eligible for visa-free entry from UAE to Oman by road (and by air) if they are traveling to the Sultanate for less than 14 days. *

The other great news is that the former requirement for the UAE residency to be on a list of specific professions has been removed. UAE residents of all commercial professions are now eligible to enter Oman.

IMPORTANT: the UAE residency must be valid for at least 3 months prior to arrival to the Sultanate, while the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

*I recently traveled from Dubai to Muscat by road via the Hatta-Al Wajajah border and encountered UAE residents who still had to pay 5 OMR (50 AED) for their visit visa. Those were Sri Lankan residents to be specific. Out of curiosity, I have asked officials at the border why not all UAE residents are getting visa-free entry. The officials explained that it depends on the nationality of each visitor. Also, not everyone is entitled to a visa on arrival. For example, Nigerians who are UAE residents are still required to fill in e-visa applications online, while Sri Lankans can get a visit visa at the border. I could not find a full list of specific requirements per country, but it is certain that EU, UK, US, Australia, Canada nationals who are residents in the UAE can travel visa-free to Oman.

Oman E-visa for UAE residents staying longer than 14 days

As a UAE resident, if you are traveling to Oman from UAE by road and planning to stay for longer than 14 days in the Sultanate, then you must apply for an Oman e-visa or get one at the border if your nationality is eligible. However, Oman authorities encourage us to obtain a visit Visa online to save time at the border.

You can apply for an Oman visa online on  Royal Oman Police’s official website here . Click on the “Apply for Tourist Visa” section and create an account.

Make sure to pick the correct visa type:

• As a GCC resident,  in most cases, you will need to fill in the form  29A GCC Resident Visa  valid for 30 days (unless you are looking to apply for a long-term multiple entry visa).
• 30-day Oman tourist visa for GCC residents costs 5 OMR (50 AED).

Dubai to Oman by road: entering Oman with the UAE visit visa (tourist)

As a tourist holding the UAE visit visa you either have to apply for an Oman e-visa or you can get it on arrival if your nationality is eligible. You may also be allowed to travel to Oman visa-free if your nationality falls under the Dubai-Oman Joint Visa countries ** list (see below for more info).

Oman e-visa for tourists in the UAE

• If you are traveling to Oman 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 (choose 26F visa).
• If a traveler is not from the G1 countries list but they have a valid Schengen visa or a valid visa to one of the following countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Japan) they can apply for 26M type of visa (if their country is in the list of allowed nationalities).
• 26F and 26B visas cost 20 OMR (200 AED) and allow 30 days stay in Oman.

In other cases, travellers might have to 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. 

Dubai/Oman Common visa for tourists in the UAE

21A Dubai/Oman Common visa  is a free Oman tourist visa on arrival available for UAE tourist visa holders who fall under a list of  Dubai-Oman Joint Visa countries** . The requirement for this visa is that your UAE tourist visa must be valid for at least 21 days before entering Oman. You must also enter Oman through the Hatta-Al Wajajah border.

However, I am not sure how many days you can stay in Oman with the Dubai-Oman Common visa. I would guess that up to 10.

**Dubai-Oman Joint Visa Countries:  Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, and Vatican City.

IMPORTANT INFO! You may find information online that you may not need a visa to travel to Oman if you are a passport holder of one of the 103 countries and regions that are exempt from entry visas for stays shorter than 14 days. This information is provided by Foreign Ministry of Oman .

I have contacted the Royal Police of Oman to clarify additional information about the above and it turned out that in order to enter visa free for 14 days you must provide valid hotel reservation, valid health insurance, and a return flight ticket . Thus, this type of visa is only applicable if you are traveling to Oman by air as opposed to driving from UAE.

Good to know: If you still have pending questions regarding visa requirements or types, you can always reach out to Royal Oman Police by email at [email protected] . I have communicated with them on several occasions and they are quite responsive.

Oman e-visa processing times

Oman e-visa processing times on average are 24 hours, but can take up to 4 working days. From my experience of applying several times, you can get an Oman visa in a few minutes, hours, or days. Therefore, apply a week before your trip to be on the safe side. It never took me longer than 5 days to receive an Oman e-visa. 

What if I do not get my e-visa on time before my trip? 

For UAE residents, you could still get a visit visa on the Oman border if your passport is eligible for a visa on arrival. If you are on a tourist visa in the UAE, you can get a regular Oman tourist visa on arrival. You must check beforehand if your passport is eligible for a visa on arrival. 

If you want to have all the paperwork done for you,  iVisa  offers hassle-free Oman visa-issuing services for an additional fee.

RELATED READS:

• Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.
• Check my Epic 7 Day Oman Road Trip Itinerary to get some inspiration and useful tips for planning your own road trip. 
• Make sure to check this Dubai to Salalah road trip planner if you are thinking of driving to Salalah.
• To plan your time in the capital of Oman, find out about The best things to do in Muscat: 1-3 days itinerary.

Oman travel regulations: vaccination, PCR test requirements, health insurance

UPDATE: All Covid-19 regulations for entering Oman have been lifted from May 2022. Please refer to Oman Air website to confirm. UAE has also lifted all COVID-19 related restrictions end of 2022.

While pandemic-related regulations have been lifted, it is still strongly advisable to have travel insurance . I always obtain one when traveling. You can get very affordable travel insurance from the Safety Wing. The other insurance provider of my choice is Heymondo . You can get a 5% discount using my link .

FAQ about traveling from Dubai to Oman by road

Are there gas stations on the highway driving from dubai to muscat.

A word of warning about the gas stations after entering Oman by car from the Hatta-Al-Wajajah border. Make sure you fill-up the tank immediately at the first petrol station you see in Oman. If you miss that one, there will be another 2 or 3 petrol stations recently opened on the new highway from Dubai to Muscat. Yet don’t drive with an empty tank as the distances in between the petrol stations are over 100 kilometers. Also, bring some snacks and plenty of water. The last time I drove past the highway, petrol stations only had petrol but the food store was still under construction.

Can I buy an Oman SIM card at the border?

You cannot purchase Oman sim card at the border (it used to be available at Hatta-Al-Wajajah border before). That means, you may have to use roaming for navigation or pre-download Google Maps until you reach Muscat, or Nizwa (depends where you are heading to). Oman Sim cards are available at bigger malls and Muscat Airport.

What is driving in Oman like?

Driving in Oman is easy, yet there are a few things you may want to know before driving in Oman. Check out my post about Driving in Oman.

UAE-Oman border crossing for expats 2023

Currently, there are 6 UAE-Oman border crossing open for expats, Hatta-Alwajajah, Mezyad-Hafeet , Al Dhara (Khasab), Dibba checkpoint, Khatam al Shiklah, and Khatmat-Milaha.

How much is Oman visa for UAE residents arriving by road?

UAE residents can enter Oman visa-free if they are traveling to Oman for less than 14 days. Otherwise, visit visa to Oman costs 5 OMR (50 AED) for UAE residents willing to stay up to 30 days in Oman.

Is Oman border open for UAE residents?

Yes, UAE-Oman borders are open for UAE residents except the Hatta-Al Madam which can only be used by GCC nationals.

Do Emiratis need visa to travel to Oman?

Citizens of GCC countries (the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) do not require visas to enter Oman.

Can UAE residents travel to Oman by car?

Yes, UAE residents can travel to Oman by car.

Can I go to Oman from UAE without visa?

Yes, for 14 days you can stay in Oman without visa if you are a UAE resident or a national of the approved list of countries.

How much is the exit fee from Dubai to Oman?

UAE exit fee is 35 AED plus 5% VAT per person.

Can I drive to Oman for visa change?

You can do a visa run through Oman by road. Hatta-Al-Wajajah border is the one people usually use for visa runs.

Do I need a 4WD to go to Oman? 

You will need a 4 WD in Oman if you are planning to drive steep narrow roads into the mountains or remote villages, unpaved roads, or deserts. However, roads in Oman are in excellent shape and you can still reach many highlights with a regular car. 

Also, note that many rental companies will not allow you to take a 4WD for off-roading (do it at your own risk basically). This kind of defeats the purpose if you are getting 4×4 for off-roading.

However, you would still benefit from 4WD if you only plan to use the paved road to reach Jebel Akhdar or some small mountain villages located deep in the mountains. It is compulsory to drive 4WD if you want to explore this Jebel Akhdar mountain peak. There are checkpoints, and for your own safety, it is not allowed to drive 2WD to Jebel Akhdar. 

RELATED READS:   Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.

Can I travel from Dubai to Oman by bus?

There is a bus from Dubai to Muscat operated by ‘ Al Khanjry Transport ‘. The one-way ticket costs 100 AED and the journey takes around 7-8 hours including border crossing.

Is there a train from Dubai to Oman?

Currently, there is no rain from Dubai to Oman. However, Etihad Rail has signed an agreement with Arsenale, and is building a luxury rail service running from Abu Dhabi through Liwa desert to the Omani border. Interestingly, there will be 15 luxury coaches that are currently being produced in Puglia and Sicily, Italy.

UAE – Oman Border Map

I hope this information is helpful, and please do not hesitate to get in touch or comment below if you have any questions or updates regarding going from UAE to Oman by road. I will keep this post updated if any changes happen.

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!

More Oman travel guides

• Plan your Oman visit with my 1-week Oman road trip itinerary .
• Starting your Oman journey in Oman’s capital Muscat? Here are  The best things to do in Muscat: itinerary for 1-3 days .
• 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.
• Plan a perfect Musandam from Dubai road trip with my detailed Musandam Travel Guide .
• Plan your visit to Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .

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 .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• Before You Go: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• Sleep: book your ideal accommodation on Booking .
• Travel insurance : get affordable travel insurance in Oman (including COVID-19 coverage) for short and long long-term travel with SafetyWing or Heymondo (5% discount with my link).
• Guided tours: book the best-rated guided tours in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport. Omantel provides the best coverage.
• Flight got canceled or delayed? You might receive compensation if you depart from an EU country. Consult and receive assistance from AirHelp or Skycop if you are eligible for compensation.

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.

76 Comments

Thank you for putting each precise detail about the travel to Oman.

I am looking to travel to Oman by road from Dubai and would mostly be taking the Hatta – Al Wajajah Border. My travel date is on 19th February, 2022. As per the information you provided, it seems the Hatta – Al Wajajah border is currently open. However, given the frequent changes to the land border accessibility due to Covid, I would like to know whether the border is open just before I start the travel.

Do you have any official contact number using which I can get the information?

Hi Shivam, May I know if this border is still open ? Is it open for expatriates? I was looking at Google maps and I could see its mentioned as permanently closed. Can you please confirm as I would like to travel in the coming weekend.

Hi Shivam, I am glad you found the information on this post helpful. Yes, as of the date of writing, Hatta- Wajajah border is open. I do not have the contact number of the border, but when I googled, I got these ones listed +971 4 852 1002 and 800 5111. Never tried calling so cannot comment, maybe you can share your experience later. Hopefully the borders stay open 🙂

Thank you for this information. So much details takes all the confusion out of travelling. I had a question… I am flying to the uae on a visit visa and want to travel to oman by roaf for a week and then fly out. Applied for evisa for both countries. According to your post… I should take the Hatta border… tourist are allowed to use this border along with residents and citizen… is there a separate entrance for tourists? Would really appreciate some help and any contact number for information on this in oman.

hi there, thanks for the informative blog. can I ask how much is the car insurance and can I get it from the border as well?

Which is nearby border if I’m traveling from Dubai to Salalah

I am in need of a border run for a visa renewal for a colleague. We will drive from Abu Dhabi, can we exit the UAE, enter Oman, renew the visa all within the same day, or do we need to stay in Oman for at least a day to renew it? If it’s all in a day, can I use the same UAE PCR test to exit and enter the UAE? Thank you.

Is it required to stay overnight in Oman to do the visa run? Or can we exit the UAE, do the Oman visa process and enter the UAE back all in the same day? Thank you.

Hi, great and very detailed information. Thank you for helping with this amazing data. I am interested to go in that area where there is no requirements (eg visa, boarder permit). Is this Madha? Can I drive directly there? Is any document which I need? Anything which can be done in that area?

Hi Danielle, you don’t need any permit or visa to enter Madha. There is no border or post control. The only difference you may notice will be Oman plate number and the signal of your mobile network may disappear or switch to roaming.

Hi, Curious Traveller, regarding visa run, it depends which passport you hold, if that is the procedure you can do. But those people who are allowed to do visa runs, don’t need to stay in Oman, they just cross the border and come back immediately. PCR should be valid, at least it was last month for 14 days.. Try contacting some of those companies who help with visa runs, they should know all the latest info.

Dear Ausra,

Great information which is really helping me to plan my trip probably in a week from now. I am driving my friend’s car, therefore, would like to know what kind of NOC is required? Is there any specific format?

Secondly, Are you sure if travel insurance is required ? As few of my friends travelled recently to Oman from UAE but they didn’t told me anything about this requirement.

In any case what is the cost of travel insurance for a month?

Regards Sid

Hi Shoaib, I am glad you find this information helpful. Regarding NOC format, I honestly don’t know, try calling the insurance company and ask for advice, or maybe RTA. I am guessing it is just a written printed and signed form stating all the details of the owner and the person borrowing the car, car details, and saying that the owner does not object to their car being driven by that person, contact details of both parties as well. Regarding travel insurance, that is information officially stated across many sources, such as airlines and news sites. I was not asked at the border for health insurance, but this is one of the requirements (not sure why for a month though, maybe because of the visit visa length). The cheapest option so far is with Safety Wing- there is a link to it in this post if you scroll up. The price will be defined according to your age (you will be able to see it once you fill out the details), it is around 40 USD for a month.

Hi, I want to travel from Muscat to Musandam by car and then further to Dubai. First what kind of visas do I need as I will re-enter oman and also UAE? Second what is the best option for PCR-testing there? Can I do it at the border or should I do it in Muscat? Kind regards

Hi Geraldine, depending on your residency visa, and/or passport (not sure if you are a tourist to both countries or a resident of one of them), you will need visit visas for UAE and Oman (maybe you passport allows visa on arrival which makes things simple). If you don’t have multiple entry visas, you will have to get UAE visa to enter UAE first, and then Oman visa again to enter Musandam. On the way back from Musandam, you again have to get UAE visa, and the same applies to Oman visa if you are traveling back to Muscat. You must check entry rules according to your passport. Oman visa can be easily obtained online in advance. UAE, I am not sure as I am a resident of UAE. Regarding PCR, UAE requires it to be not more than 48 hours old, while Oman – not more 72 hours old. You would have to check if you can use the same PCR test that you have done in Oman to go to UAE and then to Musandam (I would believe you should be able to). However, I don’t know if you can do PCR at the border. I would better do it in Muscat if I was you. Note that you may have to do another PCR in Musandam (Khasab most likely) to go back to UAE. And hopefully, you can use the same result to go back to Muscat if it is within 72 hours. Let me know how it goes once you have done your trip.

Hi Shabeena, yes Hatta border which is called Al Wajajah, is open for everyone and there are no separate entrances- the same way and entrance for both citizens and residents. Google shares this number for Oman side Hatta border: +968 26 849920 I never called borders before so not sure how it works, but you are welcome to try.

Hi, I am planning to travel Oman with my family (wife & 3 kids) kids ages are 14, 10, and 3 years. my car is a leased car from bank and insurance has Oman cover and medical insurance has covid cover.

Please confirm the following, which will help me to travel without any hassle; 1. Exit fee from UAE (AED 35) per passport 2. Still I need travel insurance 3. Still I need to get Orange Card 4. I need to get NOC from Bank or it is fine to go without the same 5. what age is exempted from PCR & Vaccination 6. Is there any online fee to register on travel site

Hi Ali, answering yur questions below: 1. Exit fee is per person 2. According to official requirements, yes 3. I believe so, insurance company will provide it free of charge (it was our case- we had cover,they just issued the paper) 4. Kindly ask the bank, but when I traveled with my leased car years ago, I didn’t have NOC from the bank and it was fine. 5. I do not know the exact age, but I have heard small kids are. 6. Registering on the travel site is freem just have all you pcr test results and vaccine papers ready to be uploaded (I believe you refer the Oman website for travel registration)

Hello. I am traveling from London to Dubai then by car to zighy bay. Have the pcr rules changed now to 48 hours rather than 14 days? I’m worried about testing positive whilst at zighy bay when taking the pcr in order to travel back to Dubai. I expect there will be lots of kids at hotel who haven’t been vaccinated or tested as under 12. Do you know what would happen to me and my family if I did test positive?

Hi Rachel, I haven’t heard or seen articles about changes so far. The best would be to ask the hotel in Zighy Bay, they must be aware of the most recent rules. In the unlucky scenario, if the test comes out positive, you would have to quarantine in Oman most likely.

hi my wife and 3 kids are uk citizen and would like to have visa run to oman via road . could you please guide more about it . as they will get 30days more visa to stay in uae.. after having an in out from uae. need your kind advise

Hi Ahmed, I am not fully aware on visa run process as I have never done it before. However, I have heard that certain nationalities just have to cross Oman border and drive in back again. They don’t even need to stay in Oman. It is done as quickly as half a day almost. Also, there used to be companies you take people by bus for visa run purposes for some fee, not sure if they still around though.

Thanks for the detailed information.

Am travelling to Musandam with my 5 year old daughter tomorrow — does she require a PCR test as well?

Regards, Burzis

Hi Burzis, kids do not need PCR test according to Oman Air covid regulations.

Hi Thanks for very concise details about a road trip from Dubai to Oman.

I have 2 questions: 1. If I have a PCR test done in Dubai 72 hours before arriving to Oman, can I use the same test to re-enter the UAE? Or do I have to do another test in Mussandam?

2. When you say we need travel insurance, is this just medical insurance? Our policy covers us internationally.

Hi Ruth, answering your questions below: 1. You can use the same test to come back to Dubai, it will be valid for 14 days (somebody went to Oman and back using the same test just a week ago, so the same procedure is still in place). 2. Yes, it is medical insurance covering covid-19. Enjoy your trip!

This post was so helpful- I planned my entire trip following this- thanks a lot- God bless

This is such a helpful forum, thanks everybody!

However I still have a question. Is there maybe someone who recently crossed the Mezyad border crossing (from Oman to UAE) and if so, could you please tell if they accept 14 day pcr test or not?

Hi Essie, someone I know crossed Hatta border a couple of weeks ago, and 14 days PCR was valid. However, the Mezyad border is part of Abu Dhabi emirate, and they have different rules when it comes to PCR validity. Therefore it’s worth checking the latest rules for entering Abu Dhabi.

Can i cross mazyad border by walking.. i have all the documents.. because my family will wait me in the oman side.. is it possible to go by walking

Hi Shabeer, I believe you should be able to walk through the border, but I do not know 100%. The best is to call the border and ask if this is allowed. Also, check the distance between UAE and Oman border posts. The Mezyad border seems to be less than 2 km between the checkpoints, but others, like Hatta Al Wajajah or Khatam Al Shiklah are far away from each other (not a walking distance).

I am Indian citizen working in UAE with UAE residence. I am planning to travel through Khatmat Al Shikla border to Oman and same day planning to visit back to UAE (Fujairah) through Khatmat Malahah border. Is this possible?

Hi Mohammed, yes, you can enter Oman through one border and leave through the other border. Both are open as far as I know.

Great detailed information. Thank you. Any idea how much the visa for Oman costs? Also what are some interesting 1 day things to do in Oman considering i will enter from Hatta Al Wajajah border.

Dear Sharmista, please read my post were I mention visa costs and link to where to get the visa from. Also, please visit my blog post about 7 days Oman itinerary (link shared at the end of this post) where you can find many awesome things to do in Oman. In one day your best bet is to visit Musandam instead of mainland Oman. But if you are going to mainland Oman through Hatta border, then you can visit Muscat. Check my post about what to do in Muscat.

Hi, Thank you for compiling this very useful information. Would it be possible to take up this trip during April (Ramadan). Also would it be possible for a non vaccinated ( senior citizen) to do this trip with a PCR negative result.

Hi Abraham, you can travel to Oman during Ramadan as well, the only thing that may not be as pleasant is the hot weather. Regarding unvaccinated travelers, I am not sure what would be the procedure- I could not find any precise online information about this matter. But I believe with a negative PCR test you can enter. As far as I have heard, quarantine was also removed. The best would be to call Oman Airlines, or Oman immigration and check with them as they would have the exact latest updates.

This is indeed a great blog with clear guidelines for the new travelers – Thank you!

Wonderful blog.. have visited oman many times and still its confusing. Esp now with the covid rules. Quick question is Medical insurance mandatory for 30days?

Hi Johnson, thank you. Regarding medical insurance, this is information provided on the Omanair website as one of the entry requirements.

Thank you Ausra, this is a very good guide travelling to oman.

i have 1 question. There used to be a short term 10-days tourist visa for 5 OMR (13 USD) available to purchase at the border. do you know if this is available again in the border?

Hi Janijoy, I am not sure about this. If you have travelled and already find out, can you please let me know if you managed to get one? Indeed it was useful, but now I was only seeing option for 20 OMR 30 days tourist visa online.

Hi, I am planning to travel from Oman to UAE on coming week by road. My passport validity only 5 month. There is any issue for this?

Hi Basher, you must check the official requirements on the Oman visa website. If it states that passport validity must be more than 5 months (usually it is 6 ), then you might have a problem.

Hi, I’m planning to visit Oman for 3 days. still do i need to get COVID-19 covered (Insurance)? please advise

Hi Yousef, insurance requirement is provided by Oman air website and it does for some reason require one month coverage.

I am planning to travel with my family from dubai to oman. I want to know if there will be any stay area or restrooms on the way.

Hi Usama, if you are travelling from Hatta border to Muscat, take the old road that is closer to the coats- there are plenty of restaurants along the way. Ehile the newer and a bit faster road going to Muscat doesn’t even have petrol stations (at least we haven’t seen any for many kilometer after crossing the border).

What is nearest border from Dubai to salalah

Hi, the nearest border from Dubai is Hatta Alwajajah. However, for the shortest drive to Salalah, you have to take Mezyat (Hafeet) border in Al Ain. Please refer to my detailed post about driving from Salalah to Dubai: https://www.theroadreel.com/dubai-to-salalah-road-trip/

I want Visa run through mazeyad borders with my wife and 2 children,which documents required, and PCR test required for both adult and child?

Hi Ibrahim, I believe PCR for children under a certain age is not required (16 and below, but please check online on Omanair website for exact age)

I need to know if I’m traveling with company car do I need to get NOC.

Hi Aby, you will need NOC if car is not under your name

HI Ausra, if I travel 10 June from Abu Dhabi to Oman , please tell me how much fees for border cross and others .

Hi, thank you for such a detailed and informative post. Can you please advise if its better to use UAE issued Debit/Credit card in Oman or do we need to carry Omani Riyal purchased from some Money Exchange in UAE before travel? Thanks.

The information here was so helpful and accurate during our trip to Musandam through Al Dhara border post. I’m sure this will assist any traveler who has a plan to visit alone or with a group.

Thanks Dilhan, I am glad it was useful to you!

I have visit visas of Oman and UAE. I m traveling from India to Muscut, staying 4 days then I m planning to travel via Road to the UAE. As one of my friend he is expat of Dubai having UAE residence visa, own car. Can I travel to UAE from Wajjah Hatta Border using my Tourist Visa UAE.

Please advise.

Hi Azeemuddin, you can travel to UAE crossing Wajajah Hatta Border using your UAE Tourist Visa.

Hi, is there any minimum period of Mulkiya (car registration) validity checked at the border ? Can I still travel to Oman for visa run if my mulkiya is valid for one week only ?

Hi, is there any minimum mulkiya validity checked at the border ?

Hi Ihsan, not that I have heard of, please let us know if you find out otherwise.

Do you have any details on the minimum registration validity while traveling to Oman by road? Please let me know. Thanks

Hello, great info. I need advise, I have residence visa in oman and it’s still active till sept, but now I’m in uae and with a residence visa. Can I go back at oman without hassle and what are the needed documents to bring along with.. I’ll go Thru border by road and come back again to uae after holidays

Hi Jonrey, please contact immigration for this matter to give you a clear answer. I can only guess that if your Oman residency has not been canceled, you should be able to travel, but I am not sure how you can have two valid residencies at the same time?

I just renewed my vehicle registration on 12-July and wait for physical registration card. Now I plan for a week to Oman starting from 16 July. So will there be issue with electronic copy of registration at border crossing ?

Prasad, I believe electronic registration should be valid, make sure you also have insurance for driving in Oman (orange card), or you can purchase one at the border as well.

Hi Ausra, Great post. Thankyou. I’m travelling to Zighy Bay this weekend by car from Dubai and my insurance does not have Oman presently covered in the policy. I was advised by my broker that I can purchase an Orange Card at the border at Dibba Corniche for aprox AED100. Is this correct? I don’t want to be left disappointed at the border because we do not have the necessary documentation.

I do not have time to read all the comments, so sorry if this has been addressed already.

I am trying to figure out the reverse: how does it work and how easy is it to go from the Musandam peninsula in Oman to Dubai (UAE) for foreigners (French and American) via the Al Dharah border? Can we get a visa on arrival for the UAE? Do we need to do it in advance?

Hello Bloubliu,

if you are French and American passport holders, you both can get a UAE visa on arrival at the border. You can read more info about border procedures when traveling to and back from Musandam to Dubai here: https://www.theroadreel.com/things-to-do-in-musandam-from-dubai-road-trip/

Can u send me the sample or tell the details need in noc for taking friend car to Oman…. Is it obtained from any govt authority?

Hi Nadheer, I believe it is a free form you ask your friend to write to you acknowledging that you can take his/her car through the border. Make sure to include your friends’ signature and passport copy or emirates id copy.

Hi, dear Ausra; I had a few questions for you to improve my trip I have Iranian nationality. For myself, my wife and my daughter who is under 5 years old, I got a multi-Dubai tourist visa with a two-month stay. I also got a 10-day Oman tourist visa online for myself and my family. questions: 1.Can I rent a car from Dubai to travel from Dubai to Muscat and back? What documents should I receive from the car rental agency? What fees do I have to pay? 2.Is travel insurance mandatory for me and my family? If forced, should I buy insurance from the two sites you introduced? 3.Are the departure fees and UAE taxes included for tourists? 4.Is it necessary to register and fill out the travel form? If forced, from which site should I apply? And that you have a very good site with lots of content

hi – very helpfull page. Can someone recommend me a car rental company in abu dhabi which allows crossing the border ? thanks kai

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• You want a small-ship expedition with plenty of French chic
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• You appreciate adventurous expeditions with creature comforts
• You prefer an all-inclusive cruise experience; this isn't it
• You don't want to sail with other international passengers

18 Night Cruise to Asia

20 night cruise to africa.

• You want to cross the Atlantic on the only true ocean liner
• You enjoy vibrant nightlife with plenty of live entertainment
• You like the grandeur and elegance of the transatlantic liners
• You are looking for a true ultra-luxury cruise experience
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29 Night Cruise to Around the World

19 night cruise to the western mediterranean, 20 night cruise to the western mediterranean, 28 night cruise to around the world, 50 night cruise to around the world, 8 night cruise to the indian ocean, 18 night cruise to africa.

• You are looking for a lavish, all-suite small ship luxury cruise
• You are a discerning traveler who appreciates the very best
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• You want the increased intimacy of the line's smaller ships

Explore Dubai

Emirates’ 2024 April Fool’s: 380-story tower with private airport

The combination of Emirates’ brand and quality to a new development pushes the boundaries of branded real estate in the UAE

Every year, Emirates releases a clever April Fool’s joke. You can read their 2024 version below:

Dubai’s skyline is set to get a new icon with the national carrier unveiling plans to develop Emirates Residences, a 380-story mega-project poised to elevate the city’s real estate landscape.

Situated in the heart of Dubai, this ambitious project promises to deliver an unparalleled residential experience inspired by Emirates’ renowned in-flight service.

Premium interiors inspired by Emirates

Emirates Residences aims to merge the world of aviation with luxury real estate, offering residents an immersive living environment reminiscent of the airline’s acclaimed in-flight experience.

The combination of Emirates’ brand and quality to a new development pushes the boundaries of branded real estate in the UAE.

Luxury living is about to reach new heights. Introducing Emirates Residences. Situated in the heart of Dubai, the 380 story mega-project will be adorned with premium interiors inspired by Emirates’ beloved in-flight experience. The tower will even have its own exclusive airport… pic.twitter.com/PqOhJI6hTK — Emirates (@emirates) April 1, 2024

The airline, in its social media post, described the planned development as a combination of “premium interiors exuding sophistication and elegance, mirroring the comfort and style synonymous with Emirates.”

Exclusive airport access

One of the most distinctive features of Emirates Residences is its exclusive airport, dedicated solely to the convenience of its residents.

This private airport facility will cater exclusively to the needs of Emirates Residences’ inhabitants, providing seamless connectivity and access to domestic and international travel destinations.

Construction

The construction on Dubai’s newest super-tall tower is slated to commence in February 2025.

Ultra-luxury living

Emirates Residences represents a bold vision of luxury living, promising residents an unrivaled lifestyle marked by sophistication, comfort, and exclusivity.

With its opulent interiors, exclusive airport access, and towering stature, Emirates Residences is poised to set a new benchmark for luxury living in Dubai.

April Fool’s Day

However, two key details makes this project questionable – at 380 floors tall this development would throw a shadow on Burj Khalifa which comprises of 163 floors so how realistic is this project. Also, the construction, according to Emirates is slated for February 31, 2025 – a day which will never come.

On that note, Happy April Fool’s Day everyone!

Read: Dubai cements lead as global hotspot for luxury, branded residences

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