Overview
Al Sharqiyah South Governorate occupies the southeastern corner of Oman, with its capital at Sur. The governorate encompasses diverse landscapes including the Wahiba Sands desert, the Gulf of Oman coastline, and the turtle nesting beaches at Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz. With a population of approximately 300,000, the region combines maritime traditions centred on Sur’s dhow-building heritage with desert tourism based on the Wahiba Sands experience. The governorate’s economy includes fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and government services, with growing potential in eco-tourism and heritage preservation.
Key Facts
- Capital city of Sur, centre of maritime heritage
- Population of approximately 300,000 residents
- Encompasses Wahiba Sands desert tourism destination
- Home to Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz turtle reserves
- Traditional dhow building continues in Sur’s shipyards
- Fisheries and agriculture as traditional economic activities
- Diverse landscape from desert to coast within one governorate
Significance for Vision 2040
Al Sharqiyah South possesses an exceptional concentration of tourism assets that Vision 2040 aims to develop into a cohesive visitor circuit. The combination of Sur’s maritime heritage, Wahiba Sands desert camping, and the Ras al Hadd turtle reserve creates a multi-day itinerary that extends average visitor stays and increases tourism spending. Vision 2040’s regional development strategy targets infrastructure improvements including road quality, accommodation capacity, and visitor services to make the governorate more accessible and comfortable for international tourists. The preservation of dhow-building traditions and Bedouin desert culture supports Vision 2040’s intangible heritage conservation objectives while creating authentic tourism experiences that differentiate Oman from regional competitors.