Al Wusta Governorate

The Wilayat of Haima is one of the administrative divisions of the Al Wusta Governorate. It is bordered to the north by the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, to the south by the Wilayat of Muqshin in Dhofar Governorate, to the east by the Rub’ Al-Khali Desert, and to the west by the Arabian Sea. The wilayat is located approximately 541 km from the capital, Muscat, and has adopted the Arabian Oryx as its emblem. Haima is renowned for its natural reserves, which are unique in the Sultanate of Oman due to the presence of rare and wild animal species, especially deer and the Arabian oryx (locally known as Ibn Soula). These animals inhabit the Arabian Oryx Reserve in the Ja’louni area. The reserve spans approximately 25,000 square kilometres and is inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The wilayat is also known for its natural caves, the most prominent of which is Al Raki Cave, located northeast of Ja’louni. Although water flows from within the cave, it is not suitable for drinking. Another notable site is Al Musk Cave, distinguished by water that drips from its ceiling in the form of droplets—though no visible water is present on the cave floor. Also remarkable is Wadi Sarraf Cave, situated on a slope below ground level and accessible through an opening connected to a sloping corridor. Visitors often feel the presence of water inside the cave, although no water can be seen. A fourth cave, known as Qattar, contains water as well, though it too is unsuitable for consumption. In addition to the caves, Haima is home to three water springs, each with distinct features. The first, called Bouy Al Hawja, is formed by a massive rock resting on a stone base, creating a structure that resembles a natural canopy. The second spring, Al Asla, is located southwest of the area known as Habur; its lower portion forms a stone pillar topped with additional rocks, also forming a canopy-like shape. The third, Qarn Anooz, is characterised by the presence of salt dunes, adding to its uniqueness.

The Wilayat of Mahout is one of the administrative divisions of Al Wusta Governorate, and it has witnessed significant development since the beginning of the Sultanate’s blessed renaissance. It is located in the northeastern part of the governorate. The wilayat is bordered to the east by the Arabian Sea and the wetlands reserve, to the west by the Wilayat of Haima, to the south by the Wilayat of Duqm, and to the north by the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and the Niyabat of Sinaw in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. The administrative centre of Mahout is located in the village of Hajj. The wilayat features beautiful coastal landscapes and is home to two distinct lifestyles. The first is the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, followed by the majority of the population. These communities raise camels and livestock, moving from one area to another depending on the rainfall and vegetation. The second lifestyle reflects a more modern, settled society, where families reside permanently in villages and valleys throughout the year. Mahout is also known for its islands, the most prominent of which is Jazeerat Mahout, surrounded by Crimean trees on all sides. Other islands include Jazeerat Rak, known for its stunning natural scenery, and Jazeerat Ab, which is characterised by large populations of seabirds such as seagulls and herons, as well as other migratory bird species. The wilayat’s coastal areas are equally notable, with key locations including Suwihil Kansah, Ras Ruwais, Al-Khilaf, Nabtoot, Ras Al-Zakhr, and Ras Khabat Sarab. Mahout is also rich in traditional crafts, which remain a vital part of its cultural identity. These include spinning, weaving, the production of animal-skin bags, and the making of covers from animal hair. These covers, locally known as Al-Inah, are traditionally used as home coverings and bedding.

The Wilayat of Duqm is one of the administrative divisions of the Al Wusta Governorate. Formerly a niyabat under the Wilayat of Haima, it was elevated to the status of a wilayat by Royal Decree No. 6/91 in 1991. Geographically, Duqm is bordered to the north by the Wilayat of Mahout, to the south by the Wilayat of Al Jazir and the Arabian Sea, and to the east and west by the Wilayat of Haima. It lies approximately 550 km from the capital, Muscat, and has adopted Jabal Hamar as its emblem. From June to September, Duqm enjoys pleasant summer weather, similar to the autumn season in Dhofar, making it a desirable destination during this period. The wilayat boasts a series of unspoiled beaches along the Arabian Sea, renowned for their cleanliness and crystal-clear waters. Among the most prominent is Al Shu’ayr Beach, located about 20 km from the city centre, known for its pristine shoreline and striking blue waters. Another notable coastal attraction is Ras Madrakah Beach, popular among enthusiasts of camping tourism. Visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries often travel by car to this beach, spending several days enjoying the tranquil weather alongside Omani residents in this coastal area, which forms a triangle pointing towards the Arabian Sea. Further inland lies the Al Ashtan area, a broad lowland dotted with green trees and encircled by rocky mountains. It is located approximately 20 km from the wilayat’s centre, along the route to the Wilayat of Sinaw. Another similar natural feature is Al Jnfal, located in the Al Bateen area. It is a low-lying terrain nestled among rocky formations, featuring a natural spring—though the water is not suitable for drinking. Duqm is also home to several important valleys (wadis), including Wadi Naqaw, Wadi Al Dabak, and Wadi Sai, the latter located just 2 km from the town centre, on the road leading to Sinaw in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. In addition to its beaches and valleys, the wilayat is known for a number of coastal caves, which were historically used as shelters from rain and extreme weather conditions, offering a glimpse into the adaptive lifestyle of the region’s earlier inhabitants.

It is one of the wilayats of the Al Wusta Governorate. It is bordered to the north by the Wilayat of Al Duqm, to the south by the Wilayat of Shalim Wa Juzur Al Hallaniyat Islands in the Dhofar Governorate, to the east by the Arabian Sea, and to the west by the Wilayat of Haima. The lobster is taken as its symbol. There are many beaches in Al Jazir, the most prominent of which is the Rima region, located about 50 km from Kohl, the center of the wilayat. It includes Al Khadhra, which features a cluster of modern housing and essential services, as well as Wadi Ghail Al Khadhra, Wadi Qaisar, and Al Subaih, located along the coast and known for their residential pools nestled among samr (Acacia tortilis) trees. Other notable beaches include Mather and Fadhi.

In spite of the development and progress achieved by Omani society in all aspects of life, the preservation of the Omani heritage is a fundamental pillar of the modern state and a distinctive feature of the Omani society. Heritage is an essential element in the formation of national identity. Despite the tremendous development of tools and means of production. Omani crafts include: Ship (Dhow) Building Oman's connection with the sea stretches back many centuries when Omani sailors using mast and sail, pioneered sea routes to the cities of the ancient world. Favorable factors were Oman's position at the crossroads of shipping routes which linked the Arabian Gulf to India, the Red Sea and East Africa and her knowledge of shipbuilding. Oman became the first non-European country to extend its influence to Africa where it remained for hundreds of years, due mainly to her ships/dhows. Oman was an important maritime and political power who established relations with China, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States of America. Throughout its long history, Oman's navy has played a key role in the country's economic success, both in providing the instrument for internal and external trade and in underpinning fishing and pearling activities. The Omani warship "The Sultana" which anchored in New York harbour in 1840, bearing gifts from Sultan Said bin Sultan to the American President, was a symbol of the greatness of the Omani fleet at that time. In Oman two techniques are used in shipbuilding. In the first, timbers are laid side-by-side and pierced at intervals with a fine hand drill. The timbers are then bound together through these holes by means of rope made of coconut fibre and the holes covered with a mixture of fibre or raw cotton soaked in fish, coconut or sesame oil. Arab geographers such as Al Idrissi and Ibn Jubair believed that boats bound with fibres and with flat hulls were safer than those fitted together with rigid iron nails because if they ran onto rocks or came into contact with another hull, they were more flexible. In the second method, nails are used and in essence this is the same technique as used in other countries of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. The main type of wood used for the hull and keel is teak which is imported from India. The ribs are made from locally available woods such as qart, sidr and sarar. The tools used in a ship's construction are simple and basic such as the hammer, saw, awl, bow drill, chisel, plane and calking iron. The principal shipbuilding yards in Oman were Sur, Mutrah and Shinas. Omani ships, which can last for 60-100 years, are distinguished by their variety of types although some are no longer made. The largest type was the ocean-going cargo vessel, the baghlah with a length of 135 feet and a load capacity of 150-400 tonnes which could be distinguished by its high poop deck and quarter galleries, its transom stern being pierced by five window apertures and often elaborately carved. The ghanjail was very similar to the baghlah, and is considered by many Omanis to be the most beautiful of the large dhows.The sambuuq used to be one of the most commonly seen Arab vessels: its distinguishing features are the low, curved, scimitar-shaped stem piece and high square stern which lacks a quarter gallery. The word sambuaq used to denote the sewn boats of the Dhofari coast, and may therefore be a term of great antiquity. The government is keen to encourage the maritime tourist industry, in restoring old ships, increasing the use of large vessels/dhows for sea fishing, and also the building of small models of Omani ships for decorative purposes and for i participating in exhibitions. HALWA Omani halwa (sweet) is famous at home and abroad as a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality. It is usually served in Omani homes before drinking Arabic coffee. The main ingredients which go into the making of halwa are: starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water from the Jebel al Akdhar. The ingredients are mixed, in proportions and quantities known only to the skilled halwamaker, and cooked in a mirjnl (large cooking pot used especially for halwa) for a time of not less than 2 hours. The cooking can be done over a gas or electric stove, but the preferred method is over a wood fire made up of snmr wood, known for its durability, smoke and odourfree properties. After cooking, the halwa can be preserved for more than four months without losing its quality, and without the need for refrigeration or preserving agents. Halwa is usually served in a dist, a large earthenware bowl, which can vary in size and composition according to demand or type of occasion. The list can also be made of metal or plastic. Halwa is invariably served at times of joy or sorrow and, on religious occasions and festivals. It graces the tables of every Omani home. Palm leave products The Palm leave products depends on palm trees. There are Al Khaws (palm leaves), the Zawr (palm branches stripped of their leaves), the palm trunk and the fibre. For example, mats(rugs) are made of the two plants called Al Ghadf and Al Rusul which grow on the valley banks where there is an abundance of water. Governorate of Musandamis renowned for its palm leaf industries, such as utensils (Al Surood and Al Makba) which are made from palm leaves. Al Surood is a mat-shaped tray known as Sama, used with food to protect it from insects, while Al Makba fulfils the same purpose. Daggers and Swords A normal or hooked dagger is the most important component of the Omani dress. Omanis are keen to acquire daggers and appear wearing them at official events, national celebrations and weddings. Due to the succession of this social custom from one generation to another, the dagger-making industry has survived the passage of time, albeit with modern improvements. The Omani dagger is an authentic heritage the present generation is keen to pass on to their children. The dagger is also a symbol of manhood and pride among Omani men, who wear it on their leather belts over the dishdashah (long outer garment). Its front section is made of small connected silver pieces, or it may be elegantly embroidered with silver or gold threads. A dagger’s price is determined by the raw material it is made of, usually iron, silver or gold. Although silver daggers are the most common, especially for making the dagger handle, the blade case too determines a dagger’s price. There is the giraffe case, which is the most expensive because it has been banned, and cases made of buffalo skin, sandalwood, and the bitter orange tree. Silver wares The silver industry occupies a key place in the history of Oman. Omani silver jewellery is characterised by a rich sense of the aesthetic and reflects the unique taste of the country’s authentic art, deeply rooted in its history. Silver in Omani society is reflective of its rich social and religious symbols. The Omani dress, whether that of women or men, is never complete without silver jewellery that adds to its beauty, especially apparent in the Omani khanjar (dagger). The Pottery The art of pottery-making is an inherent and distinct testimony to the world’s civilisations as it reflects the extent of their development and advancement. Though pottery-making is one of the simplest forms of art because of its primitive nature, it is in fact, one of the most difficult trades because it involves a form of art. Pottery-making in Oman is considered an ancient industry. The reason it has attracted much interest can be attributed to the multitude of its uses in Omanis’ daily lives. Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate is the most famous town for pottery-making in Oman. Pottery is of many kinds and shapes, and its uses and manufacturing materials vary. The pots known as jihal are used for keeping water, the red pots with a thick layer known as khuroos are used for keeping water and dates, the small ones are for keeping honey and grease and the pots known as brams are used as cooking utensils. Pottery is also made as coffee pots and thermoses. Clay is the main component of Pottery and is widely available in Bahla in A'Dhahirah Governorate, where the soil is rich in clay.

Islands and Bays

Beaches

Hotels and Resorts

Economic and Industrial Zones

Ports and Airports

Caves and Nature Reserves