The Shinas fast ferry service between Muscat and Musandam was launched in August 2008 to alleviate this problem and make the region more accessible.

Mainland Musandam can be accessed by Ras al-Khaimah near Al-Jeer via Route 2, and an exclave of Sharjah, Dibba Al-Hisn.

Isolated from surrounding powers by mountainous terrain and a rocky coast,[3] the Musandam peninsula was historically self-ruled by local tribes including the Shihuh[3] and Habus.

[5][3] The Sultan did not exert effective control over the area, neither collecting tax[5] nor establishing a military presence,[6] and the peninsula continued to be ruled by local tribes.

[6] Musandam Governorate consists of four provinces:[1] The area has great strategic importance owing to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz.