alWusta

AlWusta, meaning "the middle" in Arabic, is a governorate of Oman located in the eastern part of the country. It has a coastline on the Arabian Sea and includes a mix of coastal plains and inland desert. The capital is Haima, which serves as the administrative and economic center of the governorate.

The name reflects its geographic position between northern and southern regions of Oman. AlWusta was established as a separate governorate in 2011 during Oman’s administrative reorganization, and its administration is headed by a governor appointed by the sultan. The governorate borders several other Omani regions and is characterized by a sparse population, with settlements mainly along the coast and in interior oases.

The economy traditionally relies on fishing and date palm cultivation in oases, with small-scale agriculture. In recent years, authorities have promoted diversification, including tourism focused on natural landscapes and cultural heritage, and exploration of energy resources in coastal areas. The climate is arid, with hot summers and limited rainfall, and water resources are a key local concern.

Culturally, communities in AlWusta share broader Omani traditions, with livelihoods tied to sea, desert, and oasis life. Development plans emphasize improving infrastructure, services, and sustainable resource management to support a growing but sparse population.