Where modernity and antiquity meet

Bausher is one of the wilayats of Muscat Governorate, in northeastern Oman. The wilayat borders Muttrah in the east, Muscat International Airport in the west and overlooks the Sea of Oman from the north. It includes 43 cities and villages, such as Al Khuwair, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Al Ghubra, Al Athaiba, Ghala, Madinat Al Ilam, Al Sarooj, Al Hamam, Al Awabi and Al Misfah. Bausher houses many ministries, embassies and government offices. It is one of the most developed wilayats in the Sultanate, where it witnessed a great urban and economic renaissance. [gallery columns='5' link='file' ids='388421,388420,388419,388418,388417'] Recent developments are leaving clear impacts on Bausher as the modern landmarks are seen everywhere. Among these modern achievements are Royal Opera House Muscat, Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Royal Hospital, Higher College of Technology, in addition to other mega shopping malls such as The Grand Mall Muscat, The Panorama Mall and Avenues Mall which is the largest mall in Oman. Bausher’s history, dating back to the second millennium BC, shows that it had witnessed many battles and contributed to the making of Omani history since ancient times. Therefore, Bausher has many ancient monuments, including The Great House or the house of Mrs Thuraya, Al Fateh fort and castle and the old Bausher souq. The wilayat is home to over 66 mosques. Al Najar mosque is the oldest in Bausher built in the 13th Hijri century. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman. Agriculture is the main profession practised by original inhabitants of Bausher as they depended on aflaj water that falls from the foot of mountains. Date palms are cultivated in the wilayat, in addition to lemon and mango. Other occupations seen in Bausher are fishing, silversmithing and rearing livestock. The traditional or folklore arts being practised in Bausher are distinguished for their variety and abundance. People of the wilayat have a special dance for weddings and national occasions called Dan dance. Other arts like Al Razha, Qaranqasho, Tahlol and Arageh are also practised traditionally.