Oman – Musandam Peninsula

The border crossing north of Dubai should be considered as a pit stop. Visa and passport? Check. Separate vehicle insurance for Oman? Check. An engine that is appropriate for the road ahead? Check. A respectful look by the border guard at the bodywork and the light changes to green. From here, a free road ahead on a sprint where the moments of happiness can be measured only in seconds. The route along the south coast of the Persian Gulf is isolated, dramatic and timeless. The Musandam Peninsula does not share a border with the main territory of Oman. The country combines the traditions of the desert with modern luxury. On this peninsula, the modern world has left only one thing behind: perfectly built asphalt roads, stretching on for miles. In spite of all this comfort, the route demands that both driver and car deliver their top performance. Eyes on the rear-view mirror: the Omanis love their roads and their Sports Cars just as much as the visitors. The heat of the desert also demands attention: the air intakes of a Porsche are naturally able to deal with this challenge, but the driver himself should make sure that he has sufficient water on board. A rugged coast in front of a rock plateau that presents itself in all the colours of the desert. The inhabitants call the peninsula »Ruus al Jibal«, the heads of the mountains. They tower out of the sea and extend deep into the crystal-clear water. Here, metres in altitude quickly become an alien unit of measurement. Musandam wants to be measured in a feeling of elation. Leading passed fjords that quite easily stand up to comparison with their Norwegian cousins, the route finally ends at the port of al-Chasab at the northern tip of the peninsula. Here, a luxury oasis awaits in the middle of a landscape that invites you to discover more. Up to here, a Sports Car meant perfect harmony with the desert: from here onwards, it is boat and off-road vehicle. Sailing out on a dhow to the Strait of Hormuz brings back to mind the heads of the mountains. And creates a feeling of floating on the water in front of them as if in the air. In contrast, when driving inland along a rough track, the desert mountains seem to become towering waves. At the end of this excursion, the Six Senses Hotel on magical Zighy Bay. Whatever your choice may be, only one question remains to be answered: when did you stop counting the moments of happiness?