Driving to Khasab? Meet Us at Khasab Dhow Port | Dhow Khasab Tours
Driving your own car to Khasab? Meet Dhow Khasab Tours at Khasab Dhow Port 30 minutes before your cruise departs. Parking at the port is free. If you haven’t paid online, stop at the Dhow Khasab Tours office on Khasab Coastal Road, opposite Diwan Al Ameer Hotel, first to pay and get a short briefing.
That means arriving by 9:30am for the 10am Full Day Dhow Cruise (AED 149), or by 9:00am or 1:00pm for the Half Day Dhow Cruise (AED 109). From Dubai, the drive takes about 3 hours including the Al Darah border, so leave by 6:00am.
Here are the details: where to meet the crew and park, what happens when you arrive, how long the drive takes, what the border costs, what to carry, and which cruises you can book without transport.
Where Is the Khasab Dhow Cruise Meeting Point?
Drive directly to Khasab Dhow Port. Open Khasab Dhow Port in Google Maps. A Dhow Khasab Tours company representative, Abdulla, meets travelers on the day, and his contact number is shared with you after you book.
Paid Online? Go Straight to Khasab Dhow Port
Drive directly to Khasab Dhow Port, opposite Khasab Fish Market. Open Khasab Dhow Port in Google Maps. Our team waits beside the boat with the Dhow Khasab Tours logo, and we send you the operation team member’s name before your trip so you can find them easily. Our company representative, Abdulla, meets guests on the day, and we share his contact number with you after you book.
Paying on Arrival? Start at Our Khasab Office
Come to the Dhow Khasab Tours office on Khasab Coastal Road, opposite Diwan Al Ameer Hotel, just after the main harbour roundabout. Here you:
- pay for your cruise in AED, OMR or USD
- get a short briefing on the day’s route and stops
- Given directions to the port by the Dhow Khasab Tours team
30 minutes before departure time, because payment and the briefing both happen before boarding.
Where Can I Park at Khasab Dhow Port?
Parking is free at Khasab Dhow Port. It’s safe to leave your car overnight there if you’re on an Overnight Dhow Cruise or Overnight Beach Camping.
- Message us when you reach Khasab. Send a WhatsApp to +968 9856 7886. Our team replies between 9:00am and 9:00pm, in English and Arabic.
- Park and check in. Park for free at the port. If you’re paying on arrival, check in at the office. If you paid online, check in at the port.
- Board and get a safety briefing. The crew serves water, fruit, tea and Omani coffee.
- Depart. The boat leaves at 10:00am (full-day) or at 9:30am or 1:30pm (half-day).
Khasab Dhow Cruise Timings: When Should You Arrive?
Report 30 minutes before departure. The table shows report times, return times and prices for every cruise you can join with your own car.
| Cruise | Report by | Departs | Returns | Adult | Child (4–9) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day Dhow Cruise | 9:30am | 10:00am | 4:00pm | AED 149 | AED 75 |
| Half Day Dhow Cruise, morning | 9:00am | 9:30am | 1:00pm | AED 109 | AED 55 |
| Half Day Dhow Cruise, afternoon | 1:00pm | 1:30pm | 4:30pm | AED 109 | AED 55 |
| Overnight Dhow Cruise (private, minimum 4 people) | 9:30am or 4:30pm | 10:00am or 5:00pm | 9:00am or 4:00pm next day | AED 400 | AED 200 |
| Overnight Beach Camping with Full Day Dhow Cruise | 9:30am | 10:00am | 8:00am next day (flexible to 10:00am) | From AED 400 | AED 200 |
All prices are per person and include VAT. Children under 4 travel free. You can pay in AED, OMR, USD or EUR. Cruises run every day of the year, with the same timings in summer, Ramadan and Eid. Overnight Beach Camping runs from October to April .
How Long Is the Drive From Dubai to Khasab?
The drive from Dubai to Khasab takes about 3 hours, including the border crossing. The Dhow Khasab Tours transfer shows how the morning runs:
- 6:00am: leave Dubai
- About 8:00am: reach the Al Darah border in Ras Al Khaimah
- About 8:30am: clear UAE exit and Oman entry
- About 9:15am: arrive in Khasab, about 45 minutes after the border
The Route
Take the E311 north to Ras Al Khaimah and follow the signs for the Al Darah border. After the border, you follow the Khasab–Tibat Road (A13), which runs about 49 km from the Tibat border post to Khasab, almost entirely along the coast, passing the town of Bukha on the way. The drive from the border to Khasab takes about 45 minutes.
All Dhow Khasab Tours cruises depart from Khasab. Dhow Khasab Tours doesn’t run tours from Dibba, so make sure you head for the Al Darah border, not the Dibba crossing.
Drive Times From Other Emirates
| Leaving from | Drive time, including the border | Leave by, for the 10am Full Day Dhow Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | About 3 hours | 6:00am |
| Abu Dhabi | About 4 to 4.5 hours | 4:30am |
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are on the same route north, so the drive from either is shorter than from Dubai. For the afternoon Half Day Dhow Cruise, add 3.5 hours to any leave-by time above.
Tips for the Drive
- Leave earlier on weekends and UAE public holidays. Border queues are longer on those days.
- Fill your tank in Ras Al Khaimah before you cross. Since late October 2026, Oman has applied a temporary 30-litre limit on fuel purchases at petrol stations within 50 km of its border crossings. The limit was still in force as of November 2026, and authorities haven’t said when it will end (Gulf News: Oman’s 30-litre fuel limit).
- Keep your original passports within reach. You’ll hand them over at both the UAE and Oman posts.
Crossing the Al Darah Border to Khasab
You cross Musandam at Al Darah in Ras Al Khaimah, and the Oman side of the same crossing is called Tibat. The crossing has four steps:
- Clear UAE exit and pay the exit fee.
- Drive a short distance to the Oman post.
- Park and go into Oman immigration to have your passport stamped.
- Have the car inspected, then drive on to Khasab.
At the Oman post, you park and go inside the immigration section, where visas are issued and passports are stamped. Customs officers then carry out a short inspection of the car before you can enter.
What Are the Border Fees?
| Fee | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| UAE exit fee | AED 35 per person | Paid at the UAE post |
| Oman visa on arrival | 5 OMR (about AED 48) per person | Only for nationalities that need a visa |
| Oman car insurance | About AED 106 for 5 days | Only if your UAE policy doesn’t cover Oman |
Fees are as reported by Gulf News in May 2026. The insurance sold at the border, called the Orange Card, is third-party cover only, with a minimum duration of five days. Many major UAE insurers include Oman cover with comprehensive policies, so check your policy before you go. Carry both a card and some cash at the border.
What Documents Do You Need?
Bring originals, not copies:
- Passport, valid for at least six months
- Emirates ID (UAE residents)
- Valid driving licence
- Vehicle registration card (Mulkia)
- Vehicle ownership certificate
- Insurance that covers Oman, or buy it at the border
- A bank NOC if your car is financed through a UAE bank
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner if the car isn’t registered in your name
Can You Cross Into Musandam? Check Before You Set Off
Cruise bookings are non-refundable, so check this list before you book. Don’t set off if any of these apply to you.
Your car is financed through a UAE bank and you don’t have a bank NOC. Drivers of cars under a bank loan have been stopped at the UAE border and asked for a No Objection Certificate from their bank. Enforcement varies by border post and officer, so the safe choice is to arrange the NOC before you travel. Some banks ask for a security deposit, and processing can take up to three working days, so apply well ahead of your trip. (Gulf News: mortgaged cars and bank NOCs)
Your Emirates ID profession isn’t on Oman’s approved list. For UAE residents, the visa on arrival and the online GCC resident eVisa are only available to approved professions, as listed on your Emirates ID. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and your UAE residence visa for at least three months. If your profession isn’t on the list, you need a sponsored or embassy-issued visit visa before you travel. Check your profession on the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal before you book. (Gulf News: Oman visas for UAE residents)
Family members don’t qualify on their own. Spouses and children travelling with an eligible resident may need a different visa type from the main traveler. Check every passenger’s eligibility, including children.
The other reasons to stay home:
- You’re on a single-entry UAE visa. You won’t be able to re-enter the UAE after leaving.
- Your UAE residence permit has expired, or your residency status is unclear.
- You haven’t yet received your Emirates ID for a new work visa.
- Your nationality needs an Oman visa or entry approval that you haven’t received yet. Some nationalities can enter Oman visa-free, so check with the Oman Embassy or the Royal Oman Police to confirm.
- You’re relying on getting a visa at the border without confirming you’re eligible.
For the full step-by-step crossing, read the Dubai to Khasab border guide.
Can You Drive a Rental Car From the UAE to Khasab?
Yes, as long as the rental company allows Oman travel and the car is insured for Oman. Not every rental agreement includes this, so get answers to these three questions in writing before you book:
- Is the car allowed to enter Oman?
- Does the insurance cover Oman, or do I need to buy cover at the border?
- Will you give me an authorization letter (NOC) for the border?
Expect to pay more for cross-border travel. Larger international rental companies are more likely to include Oman cover, and they may have branches in Oman that can replace the car if it breaks down. (Gulf News: driving a rental car to Oman) If your own car is bank-financed, a rental car that’s already cleared for Oman is often the simpler option.
Driving a Friend’s or Family Member’s Car
You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner. It must be notarised and translated into Arabic. It must state that the owner allows you to use the car, and include the chassis number, the registration details and your Emirates ID number (Gulf News, May 2026).
Staying in Khasab the Night Before? Get a Free Hotel Pickup
We pick up for free from any hotel or accommodation in Khasab, and from Khasab Airport. Drive up the evening before, leave your car at the hotel, and we’ll collect you on the morning of your cruise. That takes the 6am start and the border queue out of your cruise day, and you board rested. Just give us your hotel name when you book.
Khasab Dhow Cruise Prices for Self-Drivers
Every Dhow Khasab Tours cruise can be booked cruise-only, so you pay for the boat, not a transfer. These four work well for a self-drive trip.
| Cruise | Duration | Adult | Child (4–9) | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day dhow cruise | 6 hours | AED 149 | AED 75 | Online or WhatsApp |
| Half-day dhow cruise | 3 to 3.5 hours | AED 109 | AED 55 | Online or WhatsApp |
| Overnight dhow cruise | 24 hours | AED 400 | AED 200 | WhatsApp enquiry |
| Beach camping | Overnight | From AED 400 | AED 200 | Online or WhatsApp |
Full-Day Dhow Cruise (10:00am to 4:00pm)
You cruise into Khor Ash Sham (Shem Fjord) for dolphin watching, passing the fishing villages of Qana and Maqlab. The day includes:
- a one-hour stop near Telegraph Island for swimming and snorkelling
- a buffet lunch served on board as you cruise the fjord
- a second swim stop at Seebi Island
- a relaxed return cruise to Khasab
Half-Day Dhow Cruise (9:30am to 1:00pm, or 1:30pm to 4:30pm)
Dolphin watching along the coast, a pass by the fishing villages, and a swim and snorkel stop near Telegraph Island. Refreshments are included. Lunch isn’t.
Overnight Dhow Cruise (24 hours)
You sleep on board, with buffet lunch, dinner and breakfast. The day includes stops at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, and an evening of stargazing on deck. Departures are at 10:00am or 5:00pm.
Beach Camping (October to April)
The trip starts with a full-day cruise. You then take a speedboat to our beach camp, with:
- time on the beach and sunset views
- a buffet dinner and stargazing
- a night in a tent
- breakfast in the morning
Check out at 8:00am, or as late as 10:00am, and take the speedboat back to the harbour.
What’s Included, and What to Bring
Snorkelling masks, life jackets, towels, water, fruit, tea and Omani coffee are included on every cruise. Every boat has a toilet, fresh water to rinse off after swimming, and phone charging points. Dolphins can be seen all year round, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Bring:
- swimwear, which is fine to wear on board
- sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- a change of clothes, plus a warm layer in winter
- your original passport for the border
- life jackets for children under 6, since ours start from age 6
FAQs
What happens if I’m late because of the border?
If you’re on a shared cruise, you can still join. The crew takes you out to the dhow by speedboat. WhatsApp Dhow Khasab Tours on +968 9856 7886 as soon as you know you’ll be late, so the team can arrange it. Private cruises have flexible timings, so share your new arrival time and the start is adjusted.
Is parking free at Khasab Dhow Port, and can I leave my car overnight?
Yes. Parking is free at the port, and it’s safe to leave your car overnight during an Overnight Dhow Cruise or Overnight Beach Camping trip.
Can I pay at the office in AED?
Yes. You can pay at the Dhow Khasab Tours office in Khasab in AED, OMR, USD or EUR, by card or cash. If you’ve already paid online, go straight to Khasab Dhow Port.
Do I need to book before I drive up?
Yes. Booking ahead holds your seat and lets the crew know to expect you. To book online, you pay a 35% deposit, and bookings are usually confirmed within a few minutes to an hour during working hours. Book early for New Year, which sells out first. The Overnight Dhow Cruise is booked by WhatsApp enquiry.
What time should I leave Dubai for the Full Day Dhow Cruise?
Leave by 6:00am. The drive takes about 3 hours including the border, which gets you to Khasab with time to spare before the 9:30am report time. From Abu Dhabi, leave by 4:30am.
Can I change my cruise date?
Yes, up to 72 hours before departure. Bookings are non-refundable, and no-shows aren’t refunded. If the sea or weather forces a cancellation, your cruise is rescheduled.
Will I get seasick?
The water inside the fjords is mostly calm. The first 30 minutes, between the harbour and the fjord entrance, can be a little rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, mention it when you book and tablets will be ready on board.
Who is the cruise not suitable for?
The dhow cruises aren’t suitable for pregnant travelers, travelers over 80, people with severe motion sickness, or travelers with limited mobility. The boats have no wheelchair access. Children aged 4 to 9 pay the child rate, and under-4s travel free. Swimming is optional. Adults who can’t swim should tell the captain, who decides whether conditions are safe to enter the water with a life jacket. Non-swimming children can join the swim stop in a life jacket with their parents’ guidance.
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