Al Batinah South became a governorate on October 2011 and Al Batinah Region was
split into Al Batinah South Governorate and Al Batinah North Governorate. It
occupies an area of about 3,500 km2. Rustaq town (120,000 population) is the center
of the governorate and there are large settlements including Al Awabi (18,833),
Nakhal (28,088), Wadi Al Maawil (20,206), Barka (130,000), and Al Musannah
(6,291).

Al Batinah South

Wadi Al Khoud is one of the largest wadi basins in Oman. Heavy rains form the pools in the wadi. It is located in Wilayat Al Seeb, 20 minutes outside the Governorate of Muscat. Among the activities to do in this area, we can mention the 4*4 driving and sightseeing through archaeological and historical landmarks in Khoud village such as Bait Al Oud, Falaj Abu Bahaya, Falaj Al Sarat, Al Khoud Castle, and Ain Al Sakhna hot springs.

Muscat

Wadi Al Khoud

Bawshar Sands is a perfect dune experience in Muscat and is excellent place to enjoy the dunes with SUVs. Visitors can glide on their rented sand bikes. They can also climb up the sandhills and get a beautiful view of the sunsets.

Bawshar Sands Desert

Bait Al Barandah Museum is located in Muscat Governorate which derives the name ‘barandah’ from the local pronunciation of ‘veranda’ (meaning ‘balcony’). The museum represents the history of Muscat from the geological formations to the present day. There are some technologies provided to display pictures of tectonic plate movement over the past 750 million years, activities forming continents in the past, and the way they will change through the next 750 million years. There is also documentation of Sultanate of Omanis history from the very beginning to the present day.

Bait Al Barandah Museum

A traditional souq next to the Nizwa Fort is called Nizwa Souq. Its buildings represent both traditional and modern architecture. The best time to visit is from Thursday to Saturday 6 AM-13 PM, 16 PM-10 PM; except on Fridays when it’s open only in the morning. They have a rest and a time for praying from 13 PM to 16 PM. You can find some local industries like handicrafts, daggers, copper, spinning, etc

Ad Dakhiliyah

Nizwa Souq

At Royal Opera House, there are a number of activities and educational programs designed to enrich the general public and the audience about the importance of arts, music, and culture. The programs contain seminars, pre-performance Talks, workshops, etc. Its gallery contains international brands, wonderful shops, and international cafés and dining options. 

Royal Opera House

Sohar Fort is located in Ad Dhahirah Governorate and has a differing factor rather than the rest of the forts which is its completely white color. The building of this fort dates back to the 13th century. There is a small museum in its largest tower which represents the local history. The interesting factor is the existence of a 10 km tunnel used as an escape route in some situations.

Al Batinah North

Sohar Fort

Al Sawadi Beach at Baraka in Al Batina South Governorate is about 70 km away from Muscat and is characterized by beautiful rock islands. There are several aquatic sports on the beach with all the necessary equipment.

Al Sawadi Beach

It takes around one hour to drive from Duqm to reach this beautiful beach. It is next to a village by the same name. The village itself is inhabited by fishermen. There are few parking places next to the beach. There are lots of white sands and many crabs running along the beach. Ras Madrakah is a popular point among campers to pitch an overnight tent.

Al Wusta

Ras Madrakah Beach

Bait Al Zubair Museum is located in the Governorate of Muscat. It was founded by the Zubair family and opened in 1998. The museum represents ancient weapons including household equipment, Khanjar, and customs.  It displays the family’s collection of Omani artifacts which spans a number of centuries. There are 5 separate buildings including Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Dalaleel, Bait Al Nahdhah, and Sarah Gallery. You can also enjoy a number of traditional features, café, and gift shops. 

Bait Al Zubair

The merchants’ houses in Al Mudayrib Village were used as meeting halls for wealthy clans and refuges in times of war. Today, the rooms are used for local ceremonies but the general public is not allowed to use them whenever they want. The best time to visit Al Mudayrib is just before Eid.

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