Sur City Guide
Sur, capital of the Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate, is Oman’s maritime heritage capital. For centuries, Sur’s shipyards built the dhows that carried Omani traders across the Indian Ocean to India, East Africa, and beyond. Today, Sur balances its rich maritime tradition with modern industry, including the Oman LNG plant, and growing coastal tourism.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~80,000 |
| Governorate | Ash Sharqiyah South |
| Famous Craft | Traditional dhow building |
| Nearby Nature Site | Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve |
| Industry | Oman LNG Plant |
Maritime Heritage
Sur’s dhow-building tradition spans hundreds of years. The Fateh Al Khair ship, a replica of a historic merchant vessel, is displayed in the city as a monument to maritime commerce. The Sur Maritime Museum documents the city’s seafaring history and the Indian Ocean trade routes that connected Oman to the world.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Located 45 kilometres from Sur, Ras Al Jinz is the most important loggerhead turtle nesting site in the Indian Ocean. The reserve’s visitor centre offers guided night tours to witness turtles laying eggs on the beach, making it one of Oman’s premier eco-tourism attractions.
Industry
The Oman LNG plant at Qalhat near Sur processes natural gas for export as liquefied natural gas. The facility has a capacity of 10.4 million tonnes per year and is a major contributor to national export revenues. The plant provides employment and economic activity for the Sur region.
Tourism
Sur’s coastal setting, historic watchtowers, and proximity to Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi attract adventure tourists. The Wadi Shab canyon offers swimming through turquoise pools to hidden caves and waterfalls. New hotel developments are expanding accommodation options for visitors.