In the final weeks of winter 2026, Omani adventurer Hamdoon al Hashmi embarked on a four-day kayaking expedition to explore the fjords of the Musandam Peninsula, a rugged region often dubbed the “Norway of Arabia.” Despite challenging weather conditions marked by shifting winds and rough seas, Al Hashmi pressed on, driven by a long-standing desire to document a part of Oman less familiar to travelers.

Musandam, separated from mainland Oman by the United Arab Emirates, is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and isolated villages accessible primarily by boat. The peninsula’s unique geography and culture have long fascinated Al Hashmi, founder of Navigator Community, an organisation focused on uncovering Oman’s diverse landscapes beyond conventional tourist imagery. His work often highlights how traditional communities adapt to mountain environments and how architectural heritage continues to shape local identities, even in abandoned settlements.

Al Hashmi’s original kayak route through Musandam’s inlets was altered due to rough sea conditions, prompting him to concentrate on the area surrounding Khor Najd harbour. There, he observed daily life unfold with villagers relying on boats for transportation, a practical aspect of life that stands in contrast to the region’s portrayal as solely a destination for adventure tourism. He noted a moment when local students, after finishing school, used a combination of vehicles and boats to return to their homes, underscoring the peninsula’s enduring reliance on maritime travel.

Throughout the journey, Al Hashmi navigated narrow fjords where steep mountains towered above small communities. In Al Hablayeen, he found a village nestled between white-sand beaches and imposing rock formations, where traditional wooden dhows rested beside modern fibre boats and a mosque served as the center of communal life. The region’s abandoned villages drew particular interest, including a hike near Maqaqah Island to a historic signal tower overlooking Maqlab village. There, scattered remains of stone houses suggested potential for heritage restoration, similar to ongoing efforts in other parts of Oman such as Misfat Al Abriyeen and Al Suwgra.

The contrast between decaying structures and vibrant natural surroundings was evident at Al Hashmi’s campsite on Maqaqah Island, where roofless homes stood silent against the mountainous backdrop, while schools of sergeant major fish swam through clear coastal waters below. Before concluding his expedition, Al Hashmi reflected on Kumzar, an isolated village famed for the Kumzari language, a unique linguistic blend shaped by centuries of seafaring trade across the Strait of Hormuz. The remoteness and cultural richness of Musandam left a lasting impression, prompting him to plan a return visit.

Al Hashmi’s journey underscores that Musandam’s layered identity cannot be fully grasped in a single trip. The peninsula’s striking mountains, the sea, and its communities continue to invite exploration and reveal new stories with each visit.