جَزِيْرَة مُسَنْدَم رَأْس مُسَنْدَم | |
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The peninsula as seen from space. Al-Khasab to the north (top) shown in green, is contrasted between the more subtle rainbow tones of the surrounding rock in this false-colour image. The term Khasab refers to the fertility of the soil. | |
Coordinates: Coordinates: 25°54′N 56°12′E / 25.900°N 56.200°E | |
Governorates of Oman and Emirates of the United Arab Emirates | Musandam Governorate (Oman) Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) |
The Musandam Peninsula (Arabic: جَزِيْرَة مُسَنْدَم \ رَأْس مُسَنْدَم, romanized: Jazīrat Musandam / Raʾs Musandam), locally known as Ruus Al Jibal (Arabic: رُؤُوْس ٱلْجِبَال, romanized: Ruʾūs al-Jibāl Heads of the Mountains),[3] 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 Gulf of Oman.[4] 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.[1][2]
See also: Climate of Oman, Climate of the United Arab Emirates, 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, romanized: Heads of the Mountains).[1][2] 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, which measures 2,087 m (6,847 ft) from sea level. [7]
The highest point in Mussandam and the UAE, and the highest point in UAE generally, is Jebel Jais, in Ras Al Khaimah, which measures 1,934 m (6,345 ft) from sea level,[8] however since the parent peak, Jebel Bil Ays, is located in Oman, Jebel Al Mebrah at 1,527 m (5,010 ft) is the highest mountain in the UAE with a prominence of 100 m (330 ft) or greater. [9]
During winter, the region can be fairly cool, particularly the mountains of Jais, Yanas (Arabic: يَنَس; 25°44′12″N 56°5′56″E / 25.73667°N 56.09889°E) and Mebrah.[10][11]
See also: Wildlife of Oman and Wildlife of the United Arab Emirates |
Fauna include the Ruus al Jibal fan-footed gecko,[12] Arabian tahr and caracal. It is unknown if the Arabian leopard is still present.[1][2]