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Al
Wusta Region
Overview
Al-Wusta lies south of Ad-Dakhliyah
Region and is bordered on the east
by Arabian Sea, and on the west
by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is
the second largest Region geographically
after Dhofar, but the smallest demographically,
with a population of only 23 thousand.
The Region is enriched with oil
and gas and is home to a wide variety
of wildlife, including many indigenous
species, such as the Arabian Oryx,
Desert Rabbits, Mountain Goats,
Foxes and over 130 different species
of birds.
Al-Wusta boasts a breathtaking coastline
stretching for around 170 Km. The
coastline is rich with wide bays,
rocky caves and inlets. Dolphins
and turtles are frequently seen,
and the lagoons are resting spots
for many migratory birds.
The characteristics of the beaches
however differ from Wilayat to another;
some are rocky and shingled, others
are of clean, white sand. All the
coastal areas are subject to light
summer rains and moderate temperatures
with cool breezes.
Al-Wusta people are semi-nomadic
Bedouins, practice fishing, rearing
and keeping livestock for a living.
The women are particularly adept
in traditional crafts, notably spinning,
braiding and weaving baskets out
of palm fronds.
Al Jazer
Al-Jazir occupies the Southern coast
of Al-Wusta, 800 Km from Muscat,
edging Dhofar in the South.
Topographical variation bestows
an enchanting array of scenes upon
the Wilayat; from magnificent beaches
like Khowr Ghawi, to the spectacular
lakes tinged with pink hue, to the
wadis, such as Wadi Rawnab, with
its lush vegetation and fresh water
believed to be purer than mineral
water.
Many of Al-Jazir inhabitants craft
farm tools and fishing nets, on
top of boat building from animal
skins. Prior to 1970, fishermen
inured to create caves for shelter,
made from rocks and stones packed
together without cement, which stand
today as derelict reminders of the
days before modern housing.
Al Duqum
The Wilayat of Ad-Duqm lies to the
East of Al-Wusta, 550 Km from Muscat.
It features quite diverse topographical
features, including beaches, wadis,
plains, and mountains.
The weater becomes pleasant during
summer due to monsoon rains, which
drop temperature to below 30° C,
turning the area into an attractive
retreat during the hot season.
Ad-Duqm boasts stunning clean spotless
sands with pure azure waters, notably
Nafoon and Ash-Shou'eir. The beaches
of Ras Ad-Duqum and Ras Madraka
are favourite stop offs for campers
and tourists looking for unspoilt
beauty, with each taking the shape
of a triangular with its base inland
and its top tip in the water. Not
far from the beaches, a series of
hills extend inland that vary in
heights and eventually connect with
Eastern Heights of Al-Wusta Region.
Ad-Duqm inhabitants are mainly fishermen.
However, temperature drop during
summer becomes at a level deemed
unsuitable for fishing, instigating
the Summer Journey, when fishermen
travel north to harvest dates and
work in the fields.
Haima
The Wilayat of Haima; the administrative
centre of Al-Wusta, is almost mid-way
between Muscat and Salalah and borders
Ad-Dakhliyah in the North, the desert
of Empty Quarter in the East and
Dhofar in the South.
Haima is a natural habitat for a
bounty of wildlife, particularly
the Arabian Oryx and Deer, concentrated
in Jaaloni area at Jadat Al-Harasis;
a 25,000 Km2 sanctuary listed on
the World Heritage List. It is an
exciting destination for both tourists
and environmentalists interested
in the protection of wildlife and
ecosystem balance.
A number of caves populate the Wilayat,
such as Al-Misk and Wadi Sarf. Many
of these caves contain subterranean
springs and reservoirs. However,
none of theses waters are potable.
Traditional medicine, using herbs
and other plants, is still practised
in Haima. Darma is used to 'absorb
gases in the intestine and regulate
blood'. The leaves of Al-Harmal
tree (African Rue) will aid recovery
from colds and headaches, and the
Ramrum provides an antidote to scorpion
stings and snake bites.
Inhabitants rear goats and camels.
Women spin and weave goat hair into
many items, such as blankets.
Muhut
The Wilayat of Mahut is the most
densely populated Wilayat in Al-Wusta
and is found some 445 Km from Muscat.
Mahut occupies the Northern costal
strip of Al-Wusta, hence, is considered
the gateway to Al-Wusta and the
Southern parts of the Sultanate.
It borders A'Sharqiyah Region in
the North and Ad-Dakhiliyah Region
to the Northwest. Consequently,
it forms a pivotal transit station
on transport routes linking Nothern
and Southern parts of Oman, and
from there to India or Africa.
The unspoilt clean beaches of the
Wilayat, some of the most gorgeous
in entire Region, extend from Ras
Al-Ruwais in the Northeast to Sidra
in the Southwest, providing ideal
retreat during the pleasant months
of summer. Some of these beaches
include Ras Al-Ruwais, Shinah, As-Swaihil,
Khulaf, Ras Khaba, Ras As-Zakhar,
Sarab and Sadrah to name a few.
The Wilayat incorporates four islets:
Mahut islet, which is surrounded
by Mangroves trees and Oman's centre
of shrimp fishing, Mi'wal islet,
Ar-Rak islet with its stunning natural
beauty and Ab islet, a breeding
habitat to various sea birds, such
as Flamingos, Herons and various
Gulls.
South to the islets on the main
coast is Barr Al-Hikman, where a
daily ferry crosses from Shinah
to Masirah Island.
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