Visitor Information 

Where to Stay 

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Post Office Box 74147, Dubai, U.A.E., (971-4) 301-7266, fax (971-4) 301-7001 www.burj-al-arab.com, has 202 two-floor suites. At 3.75 dirhams to the dollar, official rates start at $1,069 for a one-bedroom suite and go to $9,719 for the royal suite, not including 10 percent service charge and 10 percent tax, and not including breakfast. But Internet rates can be less. 

The new Golden Tulip Resort, Post Office Box 434, Khasab, Oman; (968) 830-777, fax (968) 830-888, www.goldentulipkhasab.com, has 60 rooms, a pool and a view of the sea and cliffs. Rates are $96 for a standard room to $187 for an executive suite, not including 17 percent tax, but with breakfast, at 3.85 rials to the dollar. 

Where to Eat 

Al Muntaha, at the top of the Al Burj, (971-4) 301-7600, offers modern European cuisine at lunch and dinner daily. But it is best to go for lunch or tea, when the astonishing view can most be enjoyed. Dinner for two with wine averages about $400. 

Al Maskoof al Iraqi, at al Monzer shopping mall, (971-4) 297-2288, offers appetizers like fatoush and hummus and entrees like kebabs and chicken tikka. The excellent fire-roasted Iraqi fish is about $11 per kilogram (2.2 pounds). Dinner for two costs about $25. Lunch and dinner daily. 

At Zhen He in the Mina al Salaam Hotel, (971-4) 366-8888; email: reservations@madinatjumeriah.com, you can sit outside by the lagoon and enjoy the sea air and the view of the Burj, next door. Appetizers include wasabi glazed prawns, entrees, black peeper beef, Dinner for two $80. 

Things to Do 

Khasab Travel, Khasab, Oman, (968) 830-905, fax (968) 830-364; email: khastour@gto.net.om, arranges dhow tours of the Musandam Peninsula for about $80 a person, less for large groups. The trips include refreshments and lunch. The area has only recently opened up and tourists may find amenities basic. Our boat had no safety lines or adequate life preservers, and the restroom was primitive. 

Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House, Shindagha, Dubai, (971-4) 393-7139, displays historical documents and photographs of Dubai. Open daily 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. except on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m.. Entry, 55 cents.