Hayseb is the capital of the local Musandeem peninsula, located on the south bank of the Strait of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, an enclave of Oman separated from the enclave by the UAE. It was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century on a natural port to avoid the impact of the waves. Khasab Fort is a 17th century elevated stone fortress with 4 turrets, a circular tower and bay views. Near the old open-air market, the castle was also built by the Portuguese to control passage. The seaport of Haiseb is dominated by single dhows, which take visitors through the natural, dry "fjords". The area is also known as "Norway of the Arabian Peninsula" due to its strong, glacier-like coastline, its towering mountains and clear and bright fjords.