Dibba (Musandam Peninsula)



Dibba Al-Baya (Arabic: دبا البيعة, Dibba Al-Baya) is a small border town in the southeastern corner of Oman's Musandam Peninsula exclave. It faces the Emirati conurbation that is also called Dibba, which lies both in an exclave of the Sharjah Emirate and in the Fujairah emirate. About 5,000 people live in this Omani town.

Understand
Dibba has a large natural harbour on the East Coast of the Gulf of Oman and in previous periods of history, it was attacked and conquered by several regional and colonial powers. Today Dibba is the entry point to Eastern Musandam and rather a classic border town.

By car
For years the border between Dibba (UAE) and Diba (Musandam) has been barely noticed. During the last few years, the UAE and Oman have severely beefed up the border and built fences. The easiest way in is from the UAE side on the roads E-99 from Fujairah or E-89 from Masafi. It's about 1-1.5 hours' drive from Dubai.

There is a gravel road to Zighy bay and a dirt road to Khasab. The conditions are adventurous and the trek should not be done with only one 4WD, as no facilities for stranded travellers are available.

By bus
You can reach Dibba Musandam by bus as well. It takes a maximum of 3 hours to reach. Many travel agencies arrange group tours to Dibba Musandam. In order to get a one day permit, you need to submit your passport and UAE visa or resident card copies. At the checkpost, you need to show your original passport and visas. So while travelling you should not forget to take your documents with you.

Get around
Dibba is a pretty compact town and all important offices, shops and businesses are within the Dibba Ring Rd. Therefore, walking is the easiest option.

See
There are no attractions within the small town of Dibba itself. The main thing to see is the unspoilt nature around the town. Hiking, multiple-day trekking tours with camping, or diving to see the amazing marine life are the ways to experience what's fascinating about the Musandam's East Coast. In the mountains, there are also big sinkholes, which can be a fascinating dive opportunity for experienced divers.

Do
The Omani government has made a big effort to ensure coral reefs are recovering and protected. Therefore, today, travellers are able to see growing reefs and an amazing maritime wildlife. If you choose a dhow cruise, diving trip or trekking, please ensure the tour operators work according to the conservation rules.



Buy
Anything more than basic staples and food is better bought in Dibba (United Arab Emirates). Most of the food is imported from the UAE or other countries. Traditionally, vegetables were grown in the area, but imported goods are cheaper today.

Eat
Most hotels run a restaurant that is open for non-staying guests as well. During the weekend most hotels offer buffets which are popular with families, package tourists and groups. The Golden Tulip and Six Senses hotels operate the only fancier restaurants. If you are looking for international cuisine or anything more than basic kebabs, you will need to dine in the Fujairah resorts and restaurants.



Drink
Tea and water are the standard choices in Dibba. Alcohol is served in licensed restaurants and hotels (e.g. Golden Tulip or Six Senses) but not in standard restaurants.

Sleep
Most hotels are located in the UAE as the Emirate of Fujairah has invested heavily in the tourism industry. Nevertheless, Musandam has the better reefs and marine life, so serious divers and climbers usually stay on the Omani side for a couple of nights. Most dive centers have a small lodge where divers can sleep as this is a requirement for non-GCC UAE Residents.



Connect
Omantel operates a very good mobile phone network in Dibba and the area. Being a border town, the UAE network operators Etisalat and du have reception, too.

Go next

 * Fujairah
 * Khasab - take the challenge and cross the peninsula
 * Dubai