The Human Backbone Mountains: North and South Al Batinah

Omanis compare Al Hajar Mountains to the human backbone, so they call the Governorate which lies

on the Sea of Oman North and South Al Batinah, and the Governorate that lies west of the heights A'Dhahirah.

North and South Al Batinah Governorate is the beach formed by the valleys descending from the mountains, whose width varies between 15 and 80 kilometres. This is the main two agricultural Governorate in Oman, not to mention the nearby mountains and glittering beaches. North and South Al Batinah Governorate is distinguished by the presence of some rare trees like Al Mashut in Wilayt Liwa and Ad Dibaj in Wilayt As Suwayq.

ArRustaq is the provincial centre of the South Al Batinah Governorate and Sohar city is the provincial centre of the North Al Batinah Governorate and lies about 230 kilometres from the capital, Muscat. Sohar was the capital of Oman before the advent of Islam, and was known by the name of Majan. Sohar is one of the most important Wilayat in North Al Batinah Governorateand has been famous for producing and exporting copper for a long time. 

In the fourth century AH (tenth AD), Al Makdessi described Sohar as “a thriving city with a large population and a beautiful city providing comfortable living. Its impressive residential districts spread along the beach, and its towering buildings are built with baked brick and teak wood.” Al Makdessi also goes on to describe "Sohar’s mosque overlooking the sea and its towering minaret,” adding that what distinguishes the city is "its prosperous markets that attract shoppers’ attention and admiration.”

North Al Batinah Governorate Wilayat are: Sohar, As Suwayq, Al-Kabura, Saham, Lway, Shinas. 

South Al Batinah Governorate Wilayat are: Barka, Wadi Al Mawil, Nakhal, Al Awabi, ArRustaq, Al Masana’h.

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