Oman tourism: Wadi Al Sah'tin villages steeped in history and tradition

Al Rustaq: Famous for the breeding of honey bees, Wadi Al Sah’tin in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, is also known as the “Mandus of Oman”.
The place is also famous for its green orchards and water springs coming from the top of the mountains. Wadi Al Sah’tin is called the Mandus of Oman because it is characterised by agriculture, said Khalaf bin Saleh Al Abri.
Here grains such as corn, wheat, chickpeas and string beans, as well as garlic, onions, lemons, horse radish, fodder and other products are grown and sold in the market of Al Rustaq, which was in the past a meeting point of trade between Al Rustaq, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Al Batinah coast so that the buyers can find their needs in this market.
He added that most of the villages of Wadi Al Sah’tin are famous for the breeding of honey bees, due to the existence of natural pastures, especially Sidr and Samar trees. Villagers also raise livestock, which produce meat, milk, cheese and local ghee.
There are many traditional industries practiced by some villagers in Wadi Al Sah’tin, such as spinning and weaving, sword, dagger and agricultural tool making, in addition to frond industries, in Al Nakhla (Date Palm) Centre in Al Rustaq, which is affiliated to the Public Authority for Craft Industries.
The villages of the Wadi Al Sah’tin include many historic towers and forts, including Al Safil Fort, Al Sharia Fort, Omaq Fort, Ein Omaq Fort and Hubaish Fort in Wajma Village. There are some ancient archaeological inscriptions discovered in the valley, which dates back to the third millennium BC, in addition to the fairly modern inscription dating back to the first millennium BC.
These inscriptions are the writings and drawings that reflect the events and the living environment in that period.
Ali bin Abbas Al Ajmi, Director of Tourism Department in the Governorate of South Al Batinah said that Wadi Al Sah’tin is one of the most attractive areas for tourists because of the beauty of its villages and the various terrains.
He added that after completing the road, which leads to Wadi Al Sah’tin, tourism will be enhanced and the department will have a prominent role in conducting various tourism activities in the place.