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Governorate
of Dhofar
Overview
The Governorate of Dhofar lies at
the farthest southern part of the
Sultanate and is bounded by the
Wusta Region in the East, the Empty
Quarter in the North, the Arabian
Sea in the South and the Republic
of Yemen in the South West.
The Governorate occupies one third
of the Sultanate’s area and accommodate
about 9.4% of the sultanate population.
It consists of 10 Wilayats with
Salalah being the administrative
capital, some 1040 Km from the City
of Muscat.
Dhofar climate dramatically differs
from the Gulf region due to the
effects of the monsoon winds which
arrive in summer, forming rains
and dropping temperature to around
25 C° in the plains and below that
on the hights, which turns the area
lush and green, with waterfalls
and floods feeding surrounding pastures
and springs.
Dhofar has long been characterised
by its significant location and
prosperous commercial activities
throughout the ages, being the chief
source of Frankincense, Incense
and Myrrh.
For about 4,000 years, the frankincense
trade was Oman's economic backbone,
affecting directly or indirectly,
the lives of all the inhabitants
of the South. It was exported in
huge quantities to Egypt, Greece
and Rome in ancient times either
by sea or by camel caravan.
Along the ancient overland route,
kingdoms and cultures grew up relying
for their very existence on the
taxes and trade brought by the frankincense
caravans. Aknowledging the role
it played in mankind history, UNESCO
added the Frankincense Route commencing
from Dhofar to its World Heritage
List.
Dhofar is currently undergoing tremendous
development, aimimg to strengthen
its economical role in the country
and future significance as both
a Free Trade Zone and a major Tourism
Attraction. In addition to the natural
and cultural opulence on offer,
Religious Tourism is ordinary in
Dhofar, as it hosts Al-Ahqaf area,
tombs and religious shrines.
Salalah
The Wilayat of Salalah, the administrative
capital of Dhofar, lies on the Arabian
Sea, around 1,040 Km from Muscat.
In the heart of the Wilayat settles
the City of Salalah, which has been
subject to many historical and archaeological
studies over the years. Evidence
in the form of writing and inscriptions
indicated that a number of civilisations
have succeeded each other in the
area, such as the ruins of Al-Blaid
and Samhuram ancient cities.
The City also encompasses Nabi Ayoub
(Jacob) Tomb, housed in a small
distinctive doomed building surrounded
by green hills as well as the Tomb
of Prophet Omran.
Not all the sights in Salalah belong
to the past, however. Salalah boasts
truly captivating natural beauties;
with its picturesque extended white
sandy beaches, as seen in Khandaq,
Qurum, Dahariz and Al-Mughsayl,
and the springs of Razzat, Hamran,
Sahnout and Jarziz.
Salalah is rapidly developing as
an extraordinary tourist destination,
with an integral internal and external
link to the remainder of the country
and abroad, through its extensive
road networks, its Airport and its
Seaport, supported by a vast array
of tourist facilities and a number
of international hotel chains.
Taqah
The City of Taqah, is an important
historical city, Wilayat centre,
and it falls between the cities
of Salalah and Mirbat, approximately
28 Km from Salalah.
Beautiful sandy beaches are the
backdrop to this captivating city,
where tourist may indulge themselves
in the mystical allures on offer;
from the marvellous Wadi Darbat,
to the gushing springs of Darbat
and Athoum, to numerous caves and
the reserved khurs (bays) of Soli,
and Taqah.
Taqah was once a prosperous port
and has been a significant trading
centre of the ancient world for
Frankincense export. It also contains
remains of stone sculptures and
carvings, pre-Islamic tombs and
a citadel, thought to be part of
the ancient city of Taqah. Taqah’s
distinctive Fort rests in the heart
of the city, whilst the historical
castle of Al-Manjwi neighbours Samharam;
an ancient city which is thought
to date back to 3000 BC.
Mirbat
The Wilayat of Marbat located to
the east of Salalah, the capital
of the willayat is Marbat City,
an important historical city on
Dhofari coast, roughly 74 Km East
of Salalah.
Its name is believed to have originated
from Marbat Al-Khail (Stalls), as
it was once famed for breeding Arabian
horses which were exported, along
with frankincense, to India and
East Africa. Mirbat was also noted
as the departure point for caravans
heading to Syria and Iraq, via Yemen.
Mirbat was mentioned in the writings
of early Arab explorers and was
referred to as Capital City of Dhofar.
The Wilayat comprises a number of
historical sites, the most prominent
is its Citadel, which was built
as per the traditional Omani style
of defensive architecture. Other
sites include Tomb of Bin Ali and
traditional houses established according
to early architecture designs.
Mirbat features a spectacular landscape,
from its coastline to the impressive
peaks of Jabal Samhan. It is also
rich in natural springs, caves and
grottos.
Today, The Wilayat is better known
for the production of Majmars, Dhofari-style
incense burners, which are decorated
in yellow, green, blue and red geometric
patterns.
Agriculture is a seasonal activity
in Mirbat, mainly confined to the
Tawi A'teer region. Beans, mangoes,
cucumbers and corn are the main
crops.
Sadah
The Wilayat is situated 135 Km from
Salalah and was a thriving trading
port for frankincense export through
Sadah and Hasik harbours. Sadah
has an impressive fort and the Niyabat
of Hasek has the remains of the
ancient city of Al-Mahallah, and
the Tomb of Prophet Saleh bin Hud,
on Jabal Nous.
Sadah boasts long stretches of clean
sandy beaches, charming scenery,
dramatic cliffs and rocky protrusions
intertwined with the sea, promoting
it a desirable port of call for
tourists and rock climbers alike.
The mountains contain caves and
grottos and the spring of Laja is
the main source of drinking supply.
As with other cities along the coast
of Dhofar, the sea plays an integral
role in the life of Sadah and its
inhabitants. For the most part,
locals make their living from the
extraction, collection and exportation
of Frankincense. However, many chose
to practice the tradition of diving
for Sfeileh (a species of oysters).
Honey production is popular in Sadah,
as well as livestock breeding and
herding.
Shalim & Hallaniyat
The Wilayat occupies the Eastern
part of Dhofar, some 310 Km from
Salalah. Past exports from this
area included dried fish, charcoal
and frankincense which were traded
with Africa and India. In addition
to mainland, the Wilayat houses
the 5 islands of Hallaniyat, 50
Km off the coast of Hasek in the
Wilayat of Sadah.
The only inhabited island and the
largest among the group is Al-Hallaniya.
It has an area of 25 Km2, with the
islands of Al-Qabaliya and Shanas
lying to its East and Al-Sawda and
Al-Hasikiya to its West.
Wilayat topography greatly varies
between deserts, peaks, secluded
bays and beautiful beaches.
Hallaniyat Islets are considered
an enticing tourist destination,
particularly in winter months. They
are a safe haven for migratory birds
and marine life from the surrounding
waters. Many turtles breed on the
Islands and a large dolphin population
call this area home.
Rakhyut
The Wilayat of Rakhyut lies in the
South Eastern corner of Dhofar,
some 135 Km from the city of Salalah.
In ancient times, Rakhyut was a
seaport station on the sea caravan
routes to East Africa and India,
exporting frankincense and other
local products.
The Wilayat is a fine blend of mountains,
convoluted coastline and placid
bays. It boasts a number of natural
springs including Manhal, Iroub
and Inhart as well as several caves
such as Sharout, Akhart and Hartoum.
Several relics can be viewed in
Al-Hota and Thitniti including Bin
Othman shrine and some towers and
graves.
Pearl diving is still carried out
by the locals, who also practice
grazing, fishing, crafting potteries
and tanning animal skin.
Dhalkut
The Wilyat of Dhalkut is located
on the far West of Dhofar, some
136 Km from Salalah, bordering the
Republic of Yemen.
Dhalkut enjoyed its own merchant
sea trade with the ports of the
Gulf and Yemen, exporting animal's
hide, honey, figs and frankincense.
The Wilyat combines green mountains
and pure sandy beaches.
A number of natural springs burst
forth from the wadis of Jabal Al-Qamar
can be seen here, such as Khadrafi,
Sarfeet and Kharfoot. The caves
and grottos in the area have provided
shepherds and flocks with safe refuge
from adverse weather conditions
for centuries. Certain caves, such
as Mashloul and Asbir contain ancient
wall inscriptions.
Local residents make their living
through fishing, grazing and breeding
livestock, and extracting Frankincense,
harvested each April.
Thumrait
The city of Thumrait the capital
of the Willayat, some 80 KM from
the Willayat of Salalah. In the
past, it was a forwarding post on
the overland caravan routes to the
ports on the Arabian Sea. Much of
Dhofar's frankincense is grown in
this area.
One of the most distinctive aspects
of The Wilayat is its archaeological
spots. The lost city of Ubar was
discovered in the Niyabat of Shasr;
an important centre for collecting
and trading Frankincense.
Another rated ancient Frankincense
trade locale was the Oasis of Hanoon.
Islamic remnants also adorn this
Wilayat with their domes and ancient
tombs in the Niyabat of Madhi, which
is also home to the natural spring
of Meshdeed, noted for its depth
and amazing curves.
Traditional caravan routes are still
maintained in Thumrait and the local
inhabitants harvest the frankincense
each April. Crafts include spinning
and weaving wool, tent-making and
palm-frond weaving.
Muqshin
Muqshin is adjacent to the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia in the West, 344
Km from Salalah.
In bygone days, it was an important
caravan centre of Ar-Rub'a Al-Khali
(Empty Quarter) and a base camp
for desert explorers. The Wilayat
is known for its date plantations
and abundant ground water supplies.
Archaeological exploration has revealed
tools and inscriptions dating back
to the Stone Age. Its inhabitants
mainly breed camels or cultivate
date plantations.
Mazyonah
Mazyouna lies on the western south
part of Wilayat Salah and it is
260 KM away from Salalah City.
The Wilayat of Mazyouna is home
to the Sultanate's Free Trade Zone;
a hugely enterprising endeavour,
set to greatly strengthen the country’s
commercial and economical role.
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