Dubai and Oman between Cities, Desert and Arabian Fjords

A 9-day, 8-night journey that combines the great attractions of Dubai with the wild nature of Musandam, in Oman. Six nights in a hotel in Dubai, among souks, skyscrapers and desert, and two nights under the open sky: one camping on a secluded beach and one aboard a traditional dhow, among the fjords nicknamed “the Norway of Arabia”.

Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival and transfer: on arrival at the airport, meet our representative for the transfer to your hotel in Dubai, with assistance at check-in.

Day 2, Dubai: full-day city tour with Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Blue Mosque: in the morning, old Dubai, with Al Shindagha Heritage Village, the Shindagha Museum dedicated to the history of pearl diving and trade, and a crossing of the Creek by abra, the traditional wooden boat. Visit the Gold Souk, home to the largest gold ring in the world according to the Guinness World Records, and the Spice Souk. The tour continues with the Blue Mosque (Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque), inspired by the one in Istanbul, with Ottoman-style architecture. Photo stop at the Burj Al Arab from Jumeirah Beach, a drive around Palm Jumeirah with a stop at Atlantis, The Palm, and a walk along Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island. Return to the hotel at 6:30 pm.

Day 3, Desert Safari with BBQ dinner: free morning. Between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, pick-up from the hotel in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser or a shared vehicle towards the Lahbab Desert (red dunes) or Al Marmoom Desert, about 45 minutes from the city, with a short refreshment stop. A 20-30 minute dune bashing ride, a camel ride, optional sandboarding and sunset. At the Bedouin-style camp, a welcome with Arabic coffee, dates and soft drinks, then a BBQ buffet dinner with live entertainment: Tanoura dance, fire show, belly dance and Arabic music. Return to the hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 pm.

Day 4, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain: the morning at Dubai Mall, with shopping and The Souk. Ride up to the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views of the skyline. In the evening, the Dubai Fountain show, the world’s largest choreographed fountain, every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm. Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 5, Free day: time at leisure for shopping or to enjoy your hotel’s facilities, such as the gym, spa and swimming pool.

Day 6, The View at The Palm: in the morning, private transfer to the Palm Tower to visit The View at The Palm, the observation deck on the 52nd floor with 360° views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf, with interactive exhibits on the construction of the Palm. Return to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7, Khasab: city tour and beach camping: check-out and departure from Dubai at 6:00 am, through Ras Al Khaimah to the Oman border at Ras Al Darah, with visa assistance. Arrival in Khasab at 9:30 am and visit to the 17th-century Portuguese fort, the harbor, fishing villages and viewpoints. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, at 4:00 pm, transfer to a secluded beach for swimming and relaxation. At 7:30 pm, a BBQ dinner under the stars with salads, rice, meats and fruit, with an optional bonfire. Overnight camping on the beach, with tents, sleeping bags, mats, pillows, lighting and basic toilet facilities.

Day 8, Musandam dhow cruise with overnight on board: light breakfast at the camp and transfer to Khasab harbor. At 9:30 am, board a traditional dhow for a full-day cruise through the Khor Sham fjord, with dolphins, picturesque villages, swimming and snorkeling at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island, with snorkeling gear, towels and life jackets provided. Buffet lunch on board at 1:00 pm. In the afternoon the dhow anchors in a protected bay for the night, with mattresses, blankets, cushions and covered sleeping areas, and washroom facilities on board. BBQ dinner on board and a night under the stars.

Day 9, Mountain safari and return to Dubai Airport: breakfast on the beach, then at 10:00 am the 4×4 safari on Jebel Harim begins, with an experienced local driver-guide: the Sayh Plateau at 1,100 m, Jebel Harim (2,087 m, the highest peak in Musandam), the Khawr Najid viewpoint over the fjord, Bedouin villages, the Fossil Valley and prehistoric rock carvings. At 4:00 pm the safari ends and the return journey to Dubai begins, with arrival at the airport between 7:00 and 7:30 pm.