Ibri Fort

Ibri or Wilayat Ibri is a big town in the Al-Zahirah region in the northwest part of Sultanate of Oman.

Ancient Ibri Walls

Understand

Omanis are extremely conservative people. Otherwise they are very friendly and helpful. They understand a little English because the schools teach some fragmentary level of English language. Oman is not a rich country like Qatar and United Arab Emirates across the border. Omanis live a very simple life because their income is limited. Most of the people depend upon Agricultural income or help from the government. You can find some rich Omanis in the cities like Muscat and Sohar.

Get in

Ibri is 300 km from Muscat and shared taxis are easily available from Muscat. Al Ain, the Emirati border city, is two hours away by car.

The nearest airport is at Muscat, and there is no railway link.

Get around

Buses are a rarity in Oman. Taxis are the common mode of transport. Shared taxis are easily available between cities and even to small villages. They charge less than bus fare.

See

Biladhi Shuhoom village, Ibri

• Forts and Castles. The Wilayat of Ibri is distinguished by its archaeological landmarks including forts, castles, and towers. (updated May 2015)
• Ancient town of Bat. There are the remains of the town of Bat, which is the second archaeological site to be classified by UNESCO on the list of world heritage and culture sites, after the Bahla Fort in the A’Dakhliya district. (updated May 2015)
• College of Technology, Ibri.. (updated May 2015)
• College of Applied Sciences, Ibri.. (updated May 2015)
• Qaboos Mosque, Near Bank of Muscat (1 km). (updated May 2015)
• As Sulaif Park, Near Oman Masoud School (2 km). (updated May 2015)

Do

• Visit the Bedouin, Biladhi Shuhoom village, near Mokhniyath town (30 km). Biiadi Shuhoom is a village without roads, telephones and other modern amenities. During the annual mountain floods, the village is totally marooned from the outer world and essential food supply is provided by helicopter. The village Bedouins are engaged in wheat cultivation, sheep rearing and there are plenty of wheat farms. You need a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach there. Since there are no fixed roads, you can drive across the mountains in an as-you-please manner. The sheikh provides water pumped from a wadi or mountain stream. (updated May 2015)
• Visit the Ibri Market (2 km). Ibri Market is famous for cattle and fruits. (updated May 2015)

Buy

• Omani Dagger. The cute shaped Omani dagger is available in many sizes and they are made of different material. (updated May 2015)

Eat

• European Food. Available in upmarket restaurants. (updated May 2015)
• Omani Food. Available in ethnic restaurants. (updated May 2015)
• Indian Food. Available in small Kerala restaurants. (updated May 2015)
• Domino's pizz, Hafeet Road, +968 9420 4600
• Arab World Restaurant, Near HSBC Bank, ☏ +968 25 690192. (updated May 2015)
• Al Yahar Restaurant, Ibri-Hafeet Road. Near 'Shurtha' which means police station. (updated May 2015)

Sleep

There are two small hotels in Ibri.

• Al Majid Hotel Apartments, Flat no.5, ☏ +968 9881 2784. (updated May 2015)

Stay safe

Summer temperature can rise up to 50 degree Celsius. Take the necessary caution.

Go next

• Muscat, the capital is 300 km away
• Dubai, 273 km.
• Sohar, 173 km.
• Al Ain in UAE is only 153 km away, around 2 hours by car. (You need a visa).