Oman Travel Forum

First of all thanks to everyone who repsonded on my query re a family holiday in Dubai in August.

We are now either going to spend a 7 nights at the Shangi La in Oman or 5 nights in Dubai & 5 nights at the Shangi La Resort.

We are thinking of driving from Dubai to Oman for the second part of the trip as opposed to flying.

Two questions - anyone had experiece of the Shangri La and two has anyone got experience/tips re driving from Dubai to Oman

Thanks

We stayed at the Shangri La Al Husn resort over Christmas. The hotel was first class in every respect. The location is a bit remote, but it is a great place to relax.

Regards

John

It is a 400 km Drive from Dubai to Muscat. You'll have to pay 80 DH for insurance as you enter to Oman. This insurance is good for one week. Please note that this amount of money is for privately owned cars. Rented cars might have a different rate.

on your way back from Muscat to Dubai you'll pay 20 Dh as a departure tax as you exit the Omani side (Alwejajah).

I drove last week to Sohar in Oman which is about half way. The last time I drove to Muscat was 10 years ago so I can't be much of a help beyond Sohar. between Dubai and Sohar, the highway was good. Beware of Speed radars, in the UAE speed limit is 120. In oman the speed limit is below 140. Crosssing the boarder is straight forward with no delays. There are plenty of Gas stations and rest area

one hour into your journey from Dubai to Muscat; you'll enter Oman (Mahadha area) and you'll exit Mahadha back into the UAE (Masfoot). There is no Passport or boarder checks through this small stretch of land. You passport will get stampted after you pass through Hatta on the UAE side.

Shangri La is a very good hotel & driving off to Oman is easy & much more intersting than flying. moreover, try to take a desert Safari in Dubai, it starts sometimes at 1400 hrs and ends at 2100 with a lot of fun in being in 4D car drivin by a proffessional driver into desert sand dunes than spending the rest of the day at desert camp where a belly dance show along with food & drinks,,try it it is cool

Just one word of warning - August is the worst month for weather so be prepared for it. Temperatures high forties and up to fifty celcius and on the coast up to 100% humidity.
If you'll have a hire car, just check with them that you can take it into Oman and that it's insured for Oman. I guess you'll also need to find out whether you can drop it off there, as I assume you won't be driving back. I'm not sure if they allow that.