Ibri City Guide
Ibri is the capital of the Ad Dhahirah Governorate in northwestern Oman, situated at the edge of the Al Hajar Mountains and the desert interior. The city serves as a regional hub for agriculture, trade, and government services, and provides access to some of Oman’s most significant archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~130,000 |
| Governorate | Ad Dhahirah |
| UNESCO Site | Bat, Al-Khutm, Al-Ayn necropolis |
| Economy | Agriculture, trade, government |
| Distance to Muscat | ~270 km |
Archaeological Heritage
The Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn, located near Ibri, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating from the 3rd millennium BCE. The beehive tombs at Al-Ayn form one of the most photogenic archaeological sites in the Middle East, perched on a ridge with dramatic mountain views. These sites evidence one of the earliest Bronze Age civilisations in the Arabian Peninsula.
Agriculture
The Ibri region supports date palm cultivation, livestock grazing, and some cereal production. The traditional aflaj irrigation system distributes water from mountain springs to farms. Agricultural modernisation programmes are introducing drip irrigation and greenhouse cultivation to improve productivity.
Regional Centre
Ibri serves as the administrative and commercial centre for Ad Dhahirah, with government offices, healthcare facilities, schools, and a regional market. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences operates a campus in Ibri providing higher education access to the region’s youth.
Connectivity
The Muscat-Ibri highway connects the city to the capital within three hours. The road to the UAE border at Al Ain provides access to regional markets. Plans for the national railway include a potential route through Ad Dhahirah connecting the interior to Sohar port.
Tourism Potential
Beyond the UNESCO sites, the Ibri region offers access to Jebel Shams, traditional mountain villages, and desert landscapes. Community-based tourism initiatives are developing homestay experiences that connect visitors with traditional Omani culture and hospitality.