INTRODUCTION MUSANDAM, NORTHERN OMAN The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, lying along its southeast corner. It has a total land area of 300,000 square kilometres and a population of over two million. The Musandam, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, is the northernmost part of the Sultanate. Due to its geographical position and mountainous terrain it was isolated from the rest of Oman and the region developed at its own pace. Graded roads cut across the mountains have now made it more accessible. The grandeur of Musandam can best be explored by sea. Musandam Peninsula has an abundance of sheltered fjords, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs. Fjords, or khors, created by fragmented rock stretching claw-like into the sea and massive overshadowing cliffs towering above are magnificently reflected in the water below. The coast juts into the Strait of Hormuz and extends some 600 kilometres. These spectacular fjords have given the area a second name “The Norway of Arabia” The Strait of Hormuz is only 60km wide and does not exceed 60m in depth and is of strategic importance to Oman as 90% of all the Gulf's oil trade passes through this area. The total population of Musandam is approximately 27,000 and the capital Khasab has 18,000 inhabitants. Dibba on the East coast of Musandam has a population of approximately 5,500. The Peninsula begins with Tibat, on the west coast in the Arabian Gulf to Daba (Dibba), on the east coast in the Gulf of Oman, this coastal zone, along with many offshore islands, offers a unique contact with nature. Small villages nestle along the tortuous shoreline, most of them only accessible by sea, like Lima and Kumzar. Its rugged mountains rise up over 2,000 meters above sea level. In Arabic it is known as Ra's Musandam. The Ru'us al-Jibal (the Mountaintops), the northernmost extremity of the al-Gharbi al-Hajar (Western Hajar mountains), occupy the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. The peninsula is generally about 35 km wide. The peninsula is mainly inhabited by the Shihuh, who are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman. Fishing is the peninsula's main industry with packing plants at al-Khasab and Bay'ah. Transportation is mostly by sea, since no roads cross the forbidding terrain. Musandam is divided into four wilayats: Khasab, Bhuka, Dibba and Mudha. PROFILE KHASAB TRAVEL & TOURS began in 1992 by Abdul Khalique Ahmed, a native of Khasab, Musandam. Using his knowledge of the area and his interest in nature and history, he wanted to share the beauty of the area with the world. Khasab, as a town, has changed slowly over the years. Only in 1980 was a track made to reach from the border. This was later made with tarmac in 1997. The town’s first hotel opened in 1982. 1992 The company begins with a small office in the centre of Khasab town, with an employee, Dhow and 4Wheel Drive vehicle. The first company offering Mountain Safaris and Dhow Excursions. The first Dhow excursions began with a family owned Dhow that had previously been used for transport. The guests insisted to use traditional means to enjoy the coastline. 1993 Moved to Muscat and opened Oman Discovery as a branch. Offering the first limousine service to/from the airport and the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, and the first City Tours. Followed by excursions to all parts of Oman. At this time Musandam was difficult to enter and exit. Despite these difficulties, a new Dhow was made especially for the company, the first of its kind in the area. 1995 Dibba operations began, offering an alternative to reaching the shores of Musandam. A Dhow was commissioned and tourists began to regularly enjoy day trips to the beauty of the Fjords of Musandam. The fleet grows and a second Dhow is added. The third came in 1996, now gone, but the next came in 1997. Currently 3 Dhows are working regularly and an extra one is used when needed. Kayaking was introduced as an additional service, still in operation The Kayaks consist of 2 different models; 2 are closed for 1 person each and 2 are open and accommodating 2 paddlers. This was the time that Khasab was included on the itinerary of International Cruise lines. Khasab Travel & Tours facilitated their landing arrangements and also offered Dhow excursions. This was a great achievement and marks the success of the company. 1997 A small office was opened in Dubai. In 2002 it moved to its current premises, the Warba Centre in Deira, Dubai. Three people now expedite our services for guests coming from this area. The first group of trekkers start a new trend, also still operating, seasonally. 1999 The Khasab Hotel was purchased, renovated and reopened. A management company ran the daily operation. It included 15 rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Sold at the end of 2003 to make way for alternative investments. 2000 Khasab Travel & Tours became the GSA for both Emirates Airlines and Oman Air in Khasab. The company also managed the ground handling of all aircrafts until the opening of the current, new airport in 2003. Apartments were opened with 4x1 bedroom and 4x2 bedroom. This was due to demand and the desire to offer a home away from home. In 2004 a new apartment building, consisting of 8x2 bedrooms, will be opened in response to customer’s needs. 2003 Saw the opening of two branch offices in hotels, Hilton Hotel Ras Al Khaimah and Golden Tulip Resort, Khasab. Both offices sell the excursions and arrange transfers. 2004 A new Live-aboard Dhow, MY Sindabad, offering overnight excursions into the Fjords of Musandam, for both divers and snorkellers. The Diving Centre in the Golden Tulip Resort, Khasab is inaugurated, also offering watersports activities to the hotel’s guests. A new office will be opened in the new airport, offering Khasab Travel & Tours services directly upon arrival, including transfers to various locations in Khasab.