Wilayat Ibri: Ibri's northern neighbours are the wilayats of Saham and Rustaq in
the Batinah Region, while the wilayats of Yanqul, Dhank and Buraimi lie to the north-west.
To the south are the Wilayats of Adam, in the Dakhiliyah Region, and Haima, in the
Wusta Region. Saudi Arabia, the Empty Quarter and the United Arab Emirates lie to
the west.
In the past trading caravans used to pass through it, as did several major land
routes linking the Sultanate with the other Gulf States. It may have acquired its
name - Ibri - from the Arabic root "a-b-r", which conveys the connotation of "crossing"
or "traversing".
Ibri today is known for its oil and gas fields - which provide one of the country's
main sources of income. The Wilayat of Ibri is also well-known for its ancient sites,
including forts and towers as well as the ruinsa Bat - the second Omani site to
be listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site after Bahla Fort in the Dakhiliyah
Region.
Bat lies in the eastern part of the Wilayat of IV Bat's historical importance lies
in its location at the crossroads of the old trade routes, along which caravan passed
laden with merchandise destined for otha regions. It was here that a Danish archaeological
tear - in co-operation with he Ministry of National Heritage and Culture's Department
of Antiquities – carried out a survey in 1976 and discovered a number of tomb about
two kilometres to the north of the present-0 village. The southern area of the site
contains tombso the "beehve" type, which is well-known in the region.
Wilayat Yanqul : Situated between the sea and the mountains south
west of Muttrah, its population is 149,506 persons spread over its 43 towns and
villages. The most noteworthy of these are: Al Khoweir, Sultan Qaboos City, Al Ghubra,
Al Adheeba, Ghala, Al Aa'lam (Information City), Al Sarooj, Bowshar Al Qadima (Old
Bowshar) Bowshar Bani Umran, Al Ansab Sanab, Al Hamam, Al Awabi and Al Misfah.
Its archaeological remains and the ancient narratives suggest a history going back
to the second millennium BC. It is also said –and it is likely to be true – that
the name Bowshar is derived from the unrest witnessed by this district in the past,
causing it to be called Abu Sharr (the Iniquitous One); until, when matters settled
it was shortened to Bowshar.
The Beit Al Kebir (Great House) is amongst its most significant monumental remains.
This monument of many names is also known as Beit Al Sayeda Thoraya. Whatever its
title it stands as a splendid historical testament, with its unique engravings and
feats of design. It is composed of several lobbies and colonnaded galleries and
is three storeys high.
Wilayat Dhank : Dhank lies at the centre of the Dhahirah region.
Its neighbours are the Wilayats of Buraimi to the north and west, Ibri to the south
and west, and Yanqul to the east.
The wilayat has a distinguished history. It has 16.622 inhabitants and 48 villages.
The imams of earlier times took an interest in Dhank, as can be seen today in Falaj
al Bazili in the west of the Wilayat and the "Imam's Fort" in its central area.
Falaj al Bazili was constructed by Imam Saif bin Sultan AI Yarubi, who cultivated
extensive areas around it, while the "Imam's Fort" was renovated by Imam Azzan bin
Qais. Ibn al Rumtha built Al Oud Fort in Safalat al Wahshi. Other forts in the Wilayat
include al Shiraya', al Subaikha, al Marqu', al 'Aqr, Doot, al Jafrah, Balat, al
Khilli and al Fath. There are also six towers: al Saghar, al Taff, al Ghafah, al
Khilli, Abu Kariyah and al Qala'ah.
Wadi Dhank is one of the Wilayat's main tourist sites. Other popular spots are Wadi
al Fath and Wadi Qumaira.
The Wilayat is well endowed with falajes underground water resources and springs.
Its falajes include al Sadd, al Sima, al Muhaidith, al Taff, Salalah, Qumaira, al
Rahbah, Balat, al Fath, al Janbi, al Khilli and Khamat. Its two springs are al Musaifiya
and Bani Saa'idah.