Wilayat Al Amerat : past and present in Harmony
Published: 08:01 PM,Jan 25,2018 | EDITED : 03:12 AM,Dec 23,2024
The Wilayat of Al Amerat, which was once an empty expanse has witnessed comprehensive urban development in all life sectors since the emergence of modern renaissance. It has evolved gradually in terms of architecture and services.
A visitor to the place will notice the harmony between the past and present with the existence of modern villages alongside old neighbourhoods.
The wilayat was anciently known as Al Fath and later as Al Mutahdemmat due to drought and aridity but eventually, the name of Al Amerat came to add a modern icon to the wilayat.
Al Amerat borders Muttrah to the north and Bausher to the west, Muscat to the east and Qurayat to the south.
The wilayat spreads across an area of 1,244 sq km, which is one of the biggest wilayats in Muscat Governorate.
The place houses 112 villages which are Al Bajriyyah, Al Daql, Al Ghanainat, Saih Al Dhabi, Al Mahagg, Social Housing District, Al Hajer, Tunis, Heem, Gahlaut, Al Hashya, Wadi Al Sarine, Al Sidirat, Al Raja, Al Gafinah, Al Majam, Grabeb, Al Alayah and others. The wilayat embraces various archaeological landmarks including outdated houses. There are some historic sites like Baai castle, Al Rajie and Al Mandhriyah towers. Additionally, there are many archaeological mosques including Al Khafaiji mosque, Al Midam, Al Harah, Al Ghafat, Al Hadri, Al Arish and Ain Fuad mosques. Spacious lands cloistered between towering mountains make Al Ameerat feel remote and tranquil. The wilayat is full of traditionally inspired villas, new commercial buildings, fertile agricultural villages, and even tourist attractions, like the park where the annual Muscat Festival is held, and Wadi al Sareen, a famous animal sanctuary. The area itself has fantastic infrastructure, with newly developed roads connecting the valley to Bausher, Al Khuwair, and Qurum via the Aqabat Bausher. There are currently hypermarkets, coffee shops, and all the usual necessities available, and new businesses opening all the time. For a tranquil, affordable family life Al Amerat reigns supreme. There is the Wadi al Sareen Natural Reserve which is home for a number of animals like gazelles, ibex, red foxes, wild rabbits, wolves and some birds. The reserve is situated 35 km away from the centre of the wilayat and spreads on area of 200 sq km.