Al Musannah has a long history and rich heritage as Omani scholar Al Khalil bin Ahmed al Farahidi was born in Widam al Sahil in the wilayat. The wilayat in Al Batinah South Governorate is located 120 km away from Muscat. Al Musannah is noted for its strategic location as it lies between the old capital, Suhar, and the current capital, Muscat. Al Musannah is home to over 15 impressive forts and castles, and among them is Al Musannah Castle, which was founded by Imam Ahmed Said al Busaidi during his reign.
Al Musannah, which derives its name from the Arabic word meaning ‘industry’, has many markets with active commercial movement. And among them, markets in Al Magsar, Al Maladah and Musannah are well-known. They offer fresh fish brought directly by fishermen and also other commodities required by citizens and residents.
There are many archaeological sites in Musannah, which tourists are keen to visit. Musannah Fort is one of the most important bastions built in a strategic location in the middle of the town.
People of the wilayat are engaged in different crafts and occupations including fishing, agriculture, livestock breeding, tailoring, textile industry, boats and vessels industry, carpentry, silver making and wooden door industry.
Musannah is also famous for sugarcane production, which has flourished due to the abundance of water.
In the prosperous era of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Al Musannah has received all the development projects and services, which include 23 schools constructed across the wilayat. There is Technical Education College that accommodates 4,000 students in specializations of engineering, information technology and commercial studies. With regard to the health sector, the government has set up Al Maladah Health Complex and two health centres.
Since the wilayat has a remarkable position in the governorate, it witnesses vibrant tourism and cultural activities. Al Musannah consists of various facilities, including 4-star hotel, hotel apartments, residential blocs, sailboat anchor and other services. One of the mega projects set in the wilayat is Al Musannah Sports City which includes a number of temporary playgrounds, amphitheatres, food courts, relaxation utilities, media centre equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for broadcasting sports events. The city hosted major world Sailing Championships and Asian Beach Games and other competitions.
The wilayat is well-known for some folk games such as Alhawalis, Al Shaal and Al Wolm. It is also famous for cultural activities and camel races, particularly the race being held in Tawi al Shawi. People in Al Musannah practise traditional maritime folk arts and bullfighting which are held across the wilayat even now.
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