Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Al Kamil W’al Wafi where horse breeding & racing rules

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ocated in the Sharqiyah Governorate, Al Kamil W’al Wafi is bordered by the wilayats of Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur in the north and west, and the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan in the south. It has two main cities which are Al Kamil and Al Wafi. The wilayat has beautiful sandy hills and golden dunes plains and nature reserves, most notably Al Saleel and Hasina Reserves, a series of high mountains surround it from the north and east, as well as the large and beautiful water pools in the villages of Seeq, Sabt and Tahwa.


The wilayat’s emblem consists of two towers and a tree; the two towers represent the vital and significant role played by inhabitants to protect the city and village, while the tree represents Al Sidr tree where people gathered to exchange ideas and opinions.


The wilayat is reputed for its archaeological mosques and fortresses, amongst is Al Jame’ which is situated in Al Wafi and Al Sharia’ in Al Kamil. Archaeological tombs and muddy houses exist as well in the wilayat.


Apparently, camel and horse breeding are important pursuits that also contribute a great deal to the local economy. Wadi Al Batha, situated in the west of the wilayat, is where much of these traditional activities are based.


The Bedouins train thoroughbred Arabian camels on these wind-blown plains, and test their prowess at races staged quite close to training grounds. Hasinah is another well-known camel-breeding centre, lying in the shadow of the enchanting Wahiba Sands. This atmospheric Bedu village, dotted by scores of ghaf trees, is within easy reach of Al Kamil W’al Wafi.


A visitor can explore the picturesque environs of this traditional village which, despite the surrounding aridity, enjoys a year-round supply of fresh water thanks to wells drilled in the area.


The people of the wilayat are indulged in some authentic professions and occupations like textile, dagger and sword making and livestock breeding. The citizens obtain amazing skills in wooden and pottery industries. Among the prominent traditional arts is horse races which are an authentic part of the Omani heritage.


Al Kamil W’al Wafi is blessed with abundant water resources, believed to be replenished by subterranean streams and aquifers fed by the region’s most famous wadi — Wadi Bani Khalid. A network of aflaj, which tap these sources, nurture many date palm and fruit gardens located mainly in the south of the wilayat. Falaj al Kamil and Falaj al Wafi are among the eight important aflaj coursing through various parts in the wilayat.


The government has paid attention to important services required by the wilayat’s people. Schools spread across the wilayat in addition to government services and centres that are committed to provide essential services to the people.


The most notable tourist attraction in the wilayat is Al Saleel Natural Reserve. It is located in Wilayat Al Kamil W’al Wafi in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and lies 57 kilometres from Wilayat of Sur. It extends over an area of 220 square kilometres, and is predominantly covered by forests of acacia trees. It is home to a number of rare species such as the Arabian gazelle, the Omani wild cat (“Al Senmar”) and other animals which have made this environment their home, including the red fox, the Egyptian Eagle and others.


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