As airspace disruptions across parts of the Gulf leave many travellers stranded, one entrepreneur’s journey from Dubai to Muscat by road is drawing attention online offering a glimpse into an alternative route and a reminder of Oman’s calm during uncertain times.
Soups Ranjan, a fintech entrepreneur and CEO of Sardine, shared a detailed account on social media describing how he crossed into Oman through the Hatta border and reached Muscat after flights from Dubai were disrupted.
His post has resonated widely with travellers in the region searching for ways to continue their journeys as several Gulf airports face operational challenges linked to ongoing regional tensions.
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“Muscat is safe and calm”
Ranjan said he travelled from Dubai to Oman by road, entering through the Hatta border crossing before continuing onward to Muscat.
“Muscat airport is open for flights while Dubai airspace remains closed till March 7,” he wrote, adding that the Omani capital felt calm despite the wider regional uncertainty.
“Muscat is safe and calm… almost surreal in this madness. People are kind and welcoming. I would come back here for vacation.”
His comments echo the experiences of several travellers who have described Oman as one of the few regional hubs maintaining stable airport operations while neighbouring airspaces face temporary restrictions.
A journey that took eight hours
According to Ranjan, the entire journey from Dubai to Muscat took around eight hours door-to-door when he crossed, though he warned travellers that the trip could now take longer due to increasing traffic at the border.
He estimated that travellers should expect around 9–10 hours depending on queues at immigration and security checkpoints.
The route involved a combination of taxis and buses used to shuttle passengers between UAE and Omani border facilities.
Step-by-step border crossing
Ranjan shared a detailed guide explaining the process:
- Taxi ride to Hatta border:
Travellers take a taxi from Dubai to the Hatta border, a scenic drive through mountains that takes roughly two hours. - UAE exit procedures:
Passengers are dropped off with their luggage, which is scanned before receiving an exit stamp from UAE authorities. - Shuttle transfer between border posts:
Travellers board a UAE bus to a transfer zone before switching to an Omani bus heading toward the Omani immigration facilities. - Visa processing:
Passengers pay a visa stamping fee — he said around 50 AED in cash — before entering the immigration office for passport stamping and another luggage scan. - Final transfer:
After clearing immigration, passengers board the Omani bus again and are transported to a pickup point where taxis are available. - Drive to Muscat:
The final leg is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Muscat, completing the cross-border journey.
Advice for travellers
Ranjan advised travellers to avoid crossing the border at night and to plan the journey at least a day before a scheduled flight from Muscat.
He also recommended carrying cash for visa payments and preparing for possible queues due to increased traffic.
“Please share this with others who are stranded in Dubai and considering an option via Muscat,” he wrote.
Oman emerges as a regional transit hub
The experience reflects a broader trend emerging during the current Middle East tensions, with Oman increasingly serving as a reliable transit point for travellers as airlines continue adjusting schedules and airspace conditions evolve across the Gulf.
For many passengers seeking alternatives, the road to Muscat once considered an unlikely option is becoming a practical route to reconnect with international travel.
