Shinas, Oman, a coastal town near the UAE border, offers traditional charm with ancient forts and bustling markets. It's a hub for water sports and agriculture, known for its fertile plains and maritime heritage centered around the historic port.
"Liwa, part of North Al Batinah Governorate in Oman, is rich in heritage landmarks such as forts, towers, falaj, valleys, and caves. Notable sites include Liwa Fort, Awlad Yaarub Fort by the sea, Fazah Castle, and the famous Jabal Abu Cave. It boasts twenty falaj systems, Oman's largest tree, and historic mosques, including the Mosque of Imam Al-Rabi' bin Habib, who hailed from the village of Ghadfan in Liwa."
"Sohar, once a thriving port, is believed to be the ancient town of 'Omanah' mentioned by Pliny the Elder, possibly giving Oman its name. In the 10th century, it was a prosperous trading hub, renowned by travelers like Ibn Hawqal and Al-Maqdisi. However, it suffered setbacks, including a sack by the Buwayhids in 971 and attacks by Kish merchants. In the early 16th century, the Portuguese empire conquered Sohar as part of their strategic control over the Arabian Gulf's entrances and regional trade."
"Saham's most famous landmarks are the Souq and the Fort, central to local businesses for over a century. The Souq was modernized in 2018, and it's a vibrant place. Notably, Souq Sabe' is a significant event, where farmers sell livestock on the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah, three days before Eid Al Adha, for sacrificial purposes."
"Al-Khabourah is renowned for its historical landmarks, boasting seven castles, including Al-Khaboura Castle. It also features various towers like Qasf, Al-Badiyah, and Al-Muthar, along with essential forts like Al-Wilayah, Al-Qasabiyah, and others, totaling 21 forts in the region."
" In Al-Suwaiq, there are around 31 falajs, key ones being Falaj Mashayekh, Falaj Al-Mabrah, Falaj Al-Sharqi, and Falaj Al-Gharbi in Al-Hailin village. It houses four natural springs, one in [Dhayan Al-Jahour], the rest nestled in the mountainous Wadi Al-Jahour, famous for tree clusters resembling stunning natural gardens and flowing valley waters. Tourist highlights include Roola Hlat Al-Jood (over 200 years old), and two Roolas in Al-Qurha, one over 350 years old and the other 150 years old. Notably beautiful beaches include Al-Aziba Beach in Al-Buwarrah, Khawr Al-Saql in Al-Suraymah, and Khawr Al-Milh, historically known for salt blocks. The wilayat boasts 20 sections of ancient walls, four towers, and numerous other forts scattered throughout. Key forts include Al-Wilayah Fort, Tharmad Fort, Al-Hilal, Al-Mughabsha in Al-Nabra, Al-Burshaid, and others known as the vanished forts or walls.."
