The enduring fascination of Sur

BEAUTY in nature has historically been a prevalent theme in art and books, filling large sections of libraries and bookstores. Oman’s rising regional status as a peace-loving, moderate country with an ancient history and legendary hospitality is translating into a booming tourism sector. The number of international and Arab tourists visiting Oman has dramatically increased over the recent years, making the country a favourite destination in the Arab world.

The Wilayat of Sur is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Sharqiyah Region. It boasts natural beauty and gorgeous beaches in many places like Aija, Tiwi, Ras al Hadd, as well as the heritage sites in Qalhat; the natural reserves in Ras al Jinz and the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. The wilayat is also blessed with a host of caves, aflaj, wadis and khors which represent scenic landscapes as a perfect example.

Tourism in the Wilayat of Sur is given great attention by both the government and the private sector through executing infrastructure from the centre of the wilayat.

The archaeological sites of Qalhat attract large numbers of tourists all year round. Qalhat is located in the Sharqiyah Region and it was one of the ancient towns and ages telling the glorious story of the nation in its heyday. The Tourism Ministry strives greatly to preserve the heritage sites of Qalhat as a major tourist attraction that can be exploited to further boost the Sul- Sur was well-known as a centre of the shipbuilding industry.

The wilayat had gigantic workshops that made ships not only for the Sultanate but also for African and Gulf countries. Large trading vessels that played a great role in the history of Oman and the Gulf region at large were also built in Sur’s workshops.

Although most traditional crafts have seen palpable transformation in the beginning of the 1970s, the shipbuilding industry has remained almost unchanged, shipbuilders in Sur have maintained the age-old traditions of the industry.

A maritime museum was set up in 1987 at the premises of Arouba Club with the objective of displaying the Sultanate’s maritime history.

Since its inception, the museum has been providing valuable scientific information to the visitors and the researchers who are seeking knowledge about the ancient Omani civilisation.

Fatah Al Khair is another wellknown ship owned by the Sur fleet at that time. It was a mighty ship with a nice shape epitomising the