Al Aqah Beach

Al Aqah is the long stretch of sand on the Gulf of Oman where the Hajar mountains come almost to the water, and it has become the east coast's resort strip, with a line of hotels along the beach and public sections between them. The sea here is a different body of water from the Gulf on the other side of the peninsula, which means clearer water, cooler temperatures and better diving. Snoopy Island sits a short swim offshore.

What you actually see

• The mountain backdrop - the Hajar range standing directly behind the sand.
• The Gulf of Oman water - clearer and cooler than the Arabian Gulf side.
• Snoopy Island - the rock offshore, swum and snorkelled from the beach.
• The public sections - free stretches of sand between the resorts.

When to go

October to April for comfortable beach weather; the water stays swimmable most of the year. Weekends and school holidays fill the resorts. Summer humidity is heavy.

Honest expectations

Public sections have few facilities and litter is a problem at weekends. Currents around the rocks need respect and there are no lifeguards outside resort beaches. The mountain road from Dubai is long.

Nearby

Snoopy Island is offshore, and Dibba is north.