| Musandam Peninsula | |
| Native Name: | Arabic: جَزِيْرَة مُسَنْدَم Arabic: رَأْس مُسَنْدَم |
| Native Name Lang: | ar |
| Coordinates: | 25.9°N 68°W |
| Parts Type: | Governorates of Oman and Emirates of the United Arab Emirates |
| Parts: | Musandam Governorate (Oman) Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) |
The Musandam Peninsula (Arabic: جَزِيْرَة مُسَنْدَم \ رَأْس مُسَنْدَم|Jazīrat Musandam / Raʾs Musandam), locally known as Ruus Al Jibal (Arabic: رُؤُوْس ٱلْجِبَال|''Ruʾūs al-Jibāl'' Capes of the Mountains),[1] is a peninsula that forms the northeastern point of the Arabian Peninsula. It is located to the south of the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.[2] It is inhabited by the Shihuh tribe and is mainly governed by Oman as the Musandam Governorate with certain parts governed by the United Arab Emirates, including Ras Al Khaimah and parts of Dibba.[3] [4]
See also: Geology of Oman, Geology of the United Arab Emirates, Geography of Oman and Geography of the United Arab Emirates.
Land features include the Western Hajar Mountains. Since these are the northernmost of the Hajar range, they and the peninsula are referred to as Ruʾūs al-Jibāl (Arabic: رُؤُوْس ٱلْجِبَال|Capes of the Mountains).[3] [4] The largest wadi in Mussandam is Wadi Bih, which forms the central drainage basin.[5] [6]
The highest Mountain in Mussandam, and Ru'us al Jibal, is Jebel Harim.
During winter, the region can be fairly cool, particularly the mountains of Jais, Yanas and Mebrah.[7] [8]
See also: Wildlife of Oman and Wildlife of the United Arab Emirates.
Fauna include the Ruus al Jibal fan-footed gecko, Arabian tahr and caracal. It is unknown if the Arabian leopard is still present.[3] [4]