Alluring golden sands, heritage sites and biodiversity...

Bidiya, a wilayat in the North Sharqiyah Governorate, is 230 km away from the capital city of Muscat. The wilayat is noted for its diverse geographical features as it consists of plains, high mountains and sand dunes. Bidiya has a rich history that dates back to 8th Hijri. In the wilayat, palm trees grow abundantly, and dates are processed in traditional style. The palm leaf is used for making handicrafts. [gallery columns='6' link='file' ids='396778,396776,396775,396774,396773,396772'] Visitors prefer to watch golden sand dunes, especially in rainy season, in addition to camping. There are various tourist attractions in Bidiya like aflaj, springs and biodiversity. Among these aflaj are Al Mintrib, Alghabi, Jhais, Hawiyah, Al Wasal, and Al Mutawah. The most important springs are Al Zaher, Yaya, Habsin, Abu Suhaila, Abu Sarima and Abu Ghafah. Al Mintrib fort, which is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Bidiya, was built by members of Al Hajreen tribe 700 years ago. It was renovated by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and opened in 1992. Additionally, the wilayat boasts of other features such as ancient houses, towers and ancient mosques. Despite its small population, Bidiya has received governmental achievements including infrastructure, schools as well as government offices like Wali Office, court, Social Affairs office and some other facilities. Every week on Wednesday, Al Mintrib village hosts market that exhibit many food items and other essential commodities as people from within and outside Bidiya come to buy and sell their products. The wilayat is reputed for organising camel and Arabian horse races, which are held on weekends, on special occasions and feasts. These races witness a large number of viewers from the Sultanate and foreign countries. Some of Bidiya’s people work as farmers. They raise well-known breeds of camel and Arabian horses. Also, they make metalwork like the Omani khanjar (dagger). The Ministry of Housing is currently implementing the project of constructing 38 social housings in Al Huwiyyah. One of the noticeable achievements of the Ministry of Social Development is the setting up of the Omani Women’s Society, which organises women’s activities and events. There are major projects expected to be implemented in the wilayat, which include internal roads, water supply and sewage services. The wilayat’s oases and golden sands are much-sought-after tourist attractions and hence have received special attention and services from the authorities. Power, telecommunications, roads and municipal services have been given top priority by the government.