The Sharqiya region is made up of three distinct areas: the coastal area on the Arabian Sea; the desert dunes and oases where Bedouin tribes settle and breed camels and horses; and the urban area - the city of Sur and its suburbs.
Sur is an ancient port and maritime town, situated 310km from Muscat. Its name is thought to derive from a city in south Lebanon. It is renowned for shipbuilding and built the tall ships such as badan and ghanja. The division between Oman and Zanzibar in 1861, and the arrival of the British India Steam Navigation Company, had a deleterious effect on the port's trading activities, which thus affected the shipbuilding industry. Shipbuilding went into decline and the town's prosperity suffered.
Seven boatyards are now operated by the private sector, with one run by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, and craftsmen still use the traditional methods of shipbuilding to create ocean-going vessels. However, the tall ships are no longer made.
Dhows and sambuks, smaller, more easily constructed vessels are now built in their place. The Sur Maritime Museum charts the history of shipbuilding in the town. With its strong seafaring connections, it is hardly surprising that the legendary sailor, Sinbad, is thought to have originated there. A replica of the type of boat Sinbad sailed is situated in the Al Bustan roundabout in Muscat. The Sohar was built in Oman by a team of 30 men who worked for 10 hours each day, six days per week for 165 days. The voyage was led by Irish explorer, Tim Severin, in 1981 who retraced Sinbad's voyage to China together with an international crew.
New teacher training and technical colleges have been built in Sur and the fishing industry brings a good income to the town. The fishing dhows can be seen at the harbour during the day, until late afternoon, when the fishermen leave to net their catches. Kingfish, tuna, hammour and sardines are amongst the fish caught and sold at the souqs and supermarkets across the country.
There are many springs, caves and afalaj in the Sharqiya region. In the wilayat Ibra, the water of Ain al Milah is famous for its skin disease-curing capabilities. Similarly, in the wilayat of Al Mudaibi, the spring Ain al Harid is known for curing various contagious diseases. The second largest cave in the world was discovered in Wadi Bani Jabir by satellite.
The Majlis al Jinn (place of the genie) is thought to be the size of seven aeroplane hangars. In Ras al Hadd, there is a natural harbour, where fishing boats moor up after their nightly trips. There are two inlets, Al Hajar and Jarama, which are sanctuaries during storms. The area is characterised by its inlets and access is difficult. During the Second World War, a hidden air base was built at Ras al Hadd, traces of which still remain today.
The wilayat of Masirah falls under the administration of the Sharqiya region. This is Oman's largest island and Alexander the Great made it his base, referring to it as 'Serepsis'. Nowadays, dates, olives, pomegranates and mangos are grown and the islanders' main occupations are weaving and making fishing nets. Masirah is accessed by a daily ferry service or by using Oman Air's domestic flight.
Many of Oman's 'Sea Songs' developed in the Sharqiya. The songs were devised to encourage the sailors in their voyages and reflect the different activities associated with sailing. There are three main song genres: the first is drum-based and is generally sung on the trading ships; the second is accompanied by hand clapping, which the sailors use to encourage their colleagues; the third relates to the movement of the oars.
