Ad Dhahirah, Oman: Ibri, the Tombs of Bat and the Dark Skies

Ad Dhahirah is a semi-desert governorate in the northwest of Oman, with about 250,000 people. It is one of the quieter parts of the country, and a good choice if you want history and open landscapes without crowds.

The three wilayats

• Ibri, with Ibri Fort and the UNESCO-listed tombs.
• Dhank, known for its wadis and natural lakes, at their best after seasonal rain.
• Yanqul, known for its heritage villages.

The tombs of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn

These three sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. They are clusters of tombs and settlements from the third millennium BCE, linked to copper extraction. The tombs include beehive and multi-chambered types, and they are among the most important Bronze Age remains in the region.

Landscapes

• Western Hajar reserve: about 386 square kilometres at 1,300 to 3,000 metres, promoted for stargazing and high-altitude hiking.
• Wadi Damm and Jabal Al Srah, for a day outdoors.
• The Rub' al Khali, the Empty Quarter, on the region's desert side.

Getting there

The region sits on a main land route to Oman's western neighbours, so most visitors arrive by road. Renting a car is the practical way to see sites this far apart. Below you will find stays and car rentals here once our team has checked them.

More to read

Bat is one of five Omani World Heritage Sites. See them all in Omani culture and heritage, or see the rest of the country in the governorates of Oman.