Oman Tourism

Al Batinah Region is a prime area for investment. It has achieved much over the years. The twelve wilayats that make up the Batinah Region - Sohar, Al Rustaq, Shinas,  Liwa, Saham, Al Khaboura, Al Suwaiq, Nakhl, Wadi Al Ma'awal, Al 'Awabi, Al Masn'a and Barka - occupy a coastal strip along the Gulf of Oman from the Wilayat of Barka in the south to Khatmat Malahah in the Wilayat of Shinas to the north. The 25-Kilometre-wide strip is enclosed by the Gulf of Oman to the east and the foothills of the Western Hajar mountains to the west.

With its geographical location, economic resources and high population density, the Batinah Region has played an important part in Oman's history. It has always been the country's maritime and commercial outlet to the Gulf and the Indian Ocean and its mineral resources have provided the basis for several important heavy industries. Today the port of Mina Sohar is one of the Sultanate's economic mega-projects.

Most of the Batinah's wilayats and villages are on a plain and the region's most distinctive feature is its fertile coast with its acres of farmland and wide variety of crops. It has been famous for its agriculture since ancient times and its people have traditionally been farmers and fishermen - a fact reflected in the harmony between the blue sea and the green countryside.

The inland edge of the Batinah at the foot of the Western Hajar mountains is a land of wadis and aflaj flowing with sweet water. Ten groundwater storage dams have been constructed to conserve the precious water resources and enable agricultural projects to flourish.

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Oman Tourism