Dibba Khasab ferry

Dibba Guide

Dibba Ferry Port

Found along the north-eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, on the Arabian Peninsula that stabs into the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman, is the port town of Dibba. This small community has a maritime history stretching back to the pre-Islamic era of the 1st Century when eastern merchants would bring their exotic wares from the faraway lands of India and China to sell at the dockside markets. The port of Dibba is located on the southern edge of the town’s bay, just beside the golden sands of Sambraid Beach. The ferry terminal here sits at the entrance of a narrow pier that curves along one edge of an inlet sheltered by a sea-wall. It’s a small area that offers very little in terms of facilities save for a departure point that allows passengers to board and disembark from the docked ferries. There is however a supermarket and café a few minutes’ walk away on the street outside the port. Those driving to the port can make use of the pristine Dibba – Masafi roadway that carves through the rugged desert covering most of the region. The route passes through most of the settlements found on the country’s eastern coast and connects to the E88 motorway that snakes towards the ultra-modern metropolis of Dubai. One operator currently operates from Dibba, travelling to three different destinations along the shores of the Gulf of Oman. The National Ferries Company offers short trips north to the Emirates towns of Lima and Khasab as well as a southbound journey to Shinas across the border in Oman.

Khasab Guide

Khasab Ferry Port

Found right on the northern coast of Oman, Khasab Port is located around 300 miles away from the capital city of Oman. The fjord-like craggy inlets and desolate mountains have provoked Khasab to be dubbed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ although the rugged coastline and warm climate provide more of a middle eastern touch. For many years the port was the central point for transport; the city was isolated from the rest of the region due to its distance from the other cities and the lack of infrastructure for cars and trains. Recently, however, the city has realised the necessity to make itself more accessible, slowly becoming more tourism focused. The city still holds strong religious traditions, so the restaurants and cafes around the port area will only serve authentic local cuisine and will usually only be occupied my single men. After the hectic lifestyle belonging to Muscat and Dubai, Khasab offers the opportunity for a peaceful break around the shoreline. The port only offers ferry routes to other ports around Oman, including crossings to Muscat, Shinas and Dibba. The sailings are fairly infrequent and can vary from season to season, so it is advisable to check for live updates.