A’Rustaq, Wadi Al Hajer located in in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, is one of the tourist and historical destinations in the wilayat. It is considered to be a valley with natural and tourist elements, with the harmony between the mountains, valleys, greenery and blue sky. It is characterized by beautiful scenery and nice air.
The valley is located west of the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, and it is 50 kilometers away from its center. It is administratively affiliated to the Neyabat of Al Hawqain. It is located about 45 km from the center of the Wilayat of A’Suwaiq. It is bordered by Wadi Bani Ghafir to the west.
Sheikh Zaher bin Ghosn al-Ma’amari, Sheikh of the village of Hajer Bani Omar, told the Oman News Agency (ONA), “Wadi Al Hajer has tourist and natural attractions that make it a unique tourist destination for visitors and tourists coming from inside and outside the wilayat. The villages scatter around its edges and tributaries”.
The valley contains many forms of wildlife, cultural and historical landmarks and tourist places, surrounded by high mountain ranges, in addition to the ancient historical and civilizational heritage.
This is represented in the old forts located in the valley, such as the fortress of Daisli and Al Sha’ara, known as the “House of Al Oud” and the tombs of the third millennium and the fourth millennium BC, as well as the Arab rock writings documenting political and literary events, some of which date back more than 200 years. The presence of five circular towers, including the tower “Al Sudi,” which was built in 1109 AH, the tower “Al Fajri,” the tower “Al Shraigat” and old mosques, such as “Al Hujra,” mosque “Salh” mosque and “Al Mazra” mosque with small Mihrab.
The residents of Wadi Al Hajer are characterized by their adherence to the moral history of customs and traditions and performing traditional arts, locally known as Al Razha and Al Azi.
Agriculture is one of the main professions practiced by the inhabitants of the valley, especially date palm of various varieties, in addition to seasonal crops “feeds,” “garlic,” “onions” and “grapes,” in addition to breeding honey bees, and grazing, which is still practiced until the present time, as well as their interest in the pottery, silver and leather works.
Khalifa bin Saif al-Ma’amari, member of the Municipal Council in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq said: “Since the dawn of the Blessed Renaissance, the valley has witnessed many governmental achievements in all fields, such as the Hajer Bani Omar School, which was built in 1982 and the paved roads linking the valley directly to the wilayats of A’Suwaiq and A’Rustaq, as well as the establishment of a network of internal roads and lighting posts, various communication networks, water stations networks. The valley is a magnet for many visitors and tourists because of the tourism attractions, including abundance of water, greenery and beautiful landscapes”.
Source: Oman News Agency