Al Sharqiyah South
Capital: Sur · Eastern Oman
About This
Governorate
Al Sharqiyah South is a governorate of ancient seafaring traditions and extraordinary natural beauty. Its capital Sur was once one of the Indian Ocean's great shipbuilding ports, while its coastline shelters Ras Al Jinz — the most important green turtle nesting site in the Indian Ocean — and its interior hides the gem-blue pools of Wadi Bani Khalid.
Historical
Background
"Sur's dhows and sailors dominated Indian Ocean trade routes for centuries, sailing as far as China, East Africa, and the Persian Gulf."
The city built the fleets that carried Omani traders and colonists to Zanzibar. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Sur was also a major terminus of the slave trade route from East Africa — a history the city now acknowledges through its maritime museum. The ancient city of Qalhat nearby was once a major medieval port visited by Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.
Notable Sites & Landmarks
Monuments, souqs, and sacred spaces that carry the weight of centuries
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
The most important green turtle nesting beach in the Arabian Sea, where hundreds of turtles come ashore nightly to nest. A protected reserve with a scientific centre and guided nocturnal viewing.
Sur Dhow Yard (Fatah Al Khair)
An active dhow-building yard where master craftsmen construct traditional wooden vessels using hand tools and techniques unchanged for centuries — one of the last such yards in the Gulf.
Qalhat Ruins
Remains of a medieval Persian-influenced port city once described by Marco Polo as among the finest in the region — including the intact Bibi Maryam Mausoleum.
Wadi Bani Khalid
One of Oman's most beloved wadis — a series of turquoise freshwater pools set in a dramatic gorge, fed by year-round springs and fringed by date palms and oleander.
Traditions &
Customs
Living heritage that breathes through generations of gathering, celebration, and daily ritual.
Dhow Building
Sur is the last city in Oman where traditional wooden dhows are still hand-built using centuries-old techniques — no nails, only wooden pegs and natural caulking. The Fatah Al Khair dhow yard is a living industrial heritage site.
Turtle Watching Rituals
Generations of coastal families in Sur and Ras Al Hadd have lived alongside the nesting green turtles. Traditional knowledge about turtle behaviour, nest protection, and seasonal patterns is passed down through fishing families.
Zar Ceremony
Like coastal Al Batinah, Sur's communities with East African heritage preserve the zar — a therapeutic ritual blending drumming, dance, and incense burning, reflecting the deep cultural ties forged by the Omani maritime empire.
Art & Crafts
Dhow Model Making
Craftsmen in Sur produce exquisitely detailed scale models of traditional dhow types — baggala, sambuk, and boom — sold as collector's pieces and diplomatic gifts.
Fishermen's Rope Craft
Traditional rope braiding and net making using palm fibre and synthetic cord — skills still practised by fishing families along the Sur coastline.
Beaded Jewellery
Women of the Al Sharqiyah South interior craft distinctive beaded necklaces and headdresses using coral, carnelian, and silver beads reflecting ancient Indian Ocean trade connections.
Food & Flavours
Sur's cuisine is defined by its maritime heritage — the freshest fish in Oman arrives daily at Sur's fish market. Grilled kingfish with saffron rice, shark prepared as jasheed (dried and cooked with rice and onions), and mashuai (whole spit-roasted fish served on lemon rice) are local specialities. Halwa flavoured with cardamom and rosewater from Sur is considered among the best in Oman.