MUSCAT

Muscat Governorate is located in the Gulf of Oman in the Southern part of Batinah coast bordering on the Eastern rock mountains. The Interior to the south and Batinah region to the West. Muscat Governorate constitutes with its six willayats namely Muscat, Muttrah, Boshar, Seeb, Amerat and Quriyat. Muscat is the capital of the Sultanate. Political, economic and administrative activities are centered in this city. Al Gilaly Fort is considered one of the most landmarks in Muscat. Its construction dates back to 1588 A.D. Muscat Governorate is the most populous area in Oman as its population amounts to 549,150 people according to the 1993 census.

DHOFAR

Located in the South of Oman connecting from East with the central area, from Western South with Oman-Yemen borders, from South with Arabian Sea and from North and Western North with empty quarter desert. Dhofar Governorate comprises of Salalah, Thumrait, Taqa, Mirbat, Sadah, Rakhyut, Dhalkut, Faashat and Halaniyat islands. The number of inhabitants is 189,094 people according to the census of 1993.

Dhofar Governorate is not only important from a historical perspective representing the homeland of olibanum and incense in the Arabian Peninsula, with its huge heritage and archaeological treasure, but also from a geographical perspective linking Oman and Eastern Africa. It was and still is the Omani gateway to the Indian Ocean and a unique area for tourism attraction in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly between June and September.

MUSANDAM

Located in the far North of Oman overlooking the Southern gate of the Gulf. It includes four willayats: Khasab, Bakha, Diba bayaa and Madha. The population is 28,727 people. Ras Musandam is a part of Musandam Governorate over looking the straits of Hurmiz which is a strategic water channel where 90% of oil from the Gulf region transists to the rest of the world.

BATINAH

Also known as Batinah coast. It extends as a strip between the sea and the mountain. It is one of the most significant areas of Oman both geographically and economically being located along the Southern coast of the Gulf of Oman. It represents an important economic centre due to its huge agricultural facilities and mineral potential. It is regarded as the largest area of population. Its population is 564.677 people according to 1993 census.

The Batinah area includes 12 willayats which are Sohar, Rustaq, Shinas, Saham, Liwa, Khabura, Swaiq, Nakhal, Wadi Mawail, Awabi, Musanaa and Barka. It extends along the coast of the Gulf of Oman from the East and in between the Western Hajar Mountains from the West.

DHAHIRAH

It is a semi-desert plain descending from the Southern side of Western Hajar Mountains towards the Empty Quarter desert. It is separated from the interior of Oman by Al Kour mountains from the East, linked from the West to the Empty Quarter desert and from the south to the Wusta Area. It has been known in the past as "Twam" or "Al Jou".

Dhahirah region consists of five willayats: Buraimi, Ibri, Mahdha, Yanqul and Dhank. Its population is 181,224 according to the 1993 census. It is characterized by its agricultural activity and is linked to other areas in the Arabian Peninsula through the convoy routes which existed centuries ago.

DHAKHILIYA

One of the most important areas of Oman. It consists of a mountain located in the country known as Jabal Akdhar. This mountain descends towards the desert to the South. This area represents the communication centre with other areas as it is linked to Eastern area from the East, to Dhahirah area from the West, to Wusta area from the South and to Muscat Governorate and Batinah from the North.

Dhakliya area is distinguished by its paramount role in the Omani history. It includes eight willayats: Nizwa, Samail, Bahla, Adam, Hamra, Maneh, Izki and BidBid. Its population is 229,791 according to 1993 census.

SHARQIYA

It represents the Northern Eastern front of Oman. From the East, it overlooks the Arabian Sea, from North, it includes the internal part of Eastern Hajar Mountains, from the South, it is linked to Wahiba Sands and from the West to Interior area.

Sharqiya area comprises the eleven willayats of Sur, Ibra, Badiya, AlQabil, Al Mudhaibi, Dima Watayeen, Al Kamil wa Al Wafi, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Jalaan Bani Bu Hassan, Wadi bani Khalid and Masirah. The population of this area is 258,344 according to1993 census.

Sur is regarded as the most important willayat of the Sharqiya area. It has played a historical role in the commercial and maritime activities of the Indian Ocean and was famous for its shipbuilding activities within the Arabian Peninsula throughout the past century.

AL WUSTA

Located to the South of Dhakiliya and Dhahirah areas. From the East, it overlooks the Arabian Sea, from the West, the Empty Quarter desert and from the South, the Governorate of Dhofar. It is noted for the many oil and gas wells. This area consists of four willayats of which three are located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. These are: Mahout, Dagam, and Al Jazir, while the fourth willayat is located inland and that is Haima.The population of Wusta area is 17,067 people according to the 1993 census.

Many wild animals exist in the Wusta area, particularly in Haima, the most widely known, being the Arabian oryx and deer.