Shinas (شناص in Arabic), population 53,949,[1] is one of the six coastal Wilayas in Northern Batinah, Oman, near its border with the United Arab Emirates.
Shinas has a distinctive collection of traditional buildings, ancient forts, and bustling traditional markets, allowing visitors and cultural enthusiasts to embark on a journey through time. It also offers many water sport activities from sailing and fishing to snorkeling.
Shinas has a fertile agricultural plains that testify its irrigation prowess,[2] utilizing the flowing aflajs to produce a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. The Wilaya also has a seafaring legacy much like the other coastal Wilayas in Oman, with thriving trade in fish, livestock, and many fresh produce. At the heart of this maritime heritage lies the port of Shinas, where traditional dhows still sail the waters bringing a rich catch of seafood, destined for the neighboring city's.
Location of Shinas
Shinas is located in the northernmost part of the plains of Al Batinah region. It is bordered to the north by the United Arab Emirates, overlooking the Sultanate's most important land crossings which are Khatmat Milaha, Al Wajajah, and Umm Al Ghaff. To the south, it is bordered by the Wilayat of Liwa, and to the east lies the Sea of Oman, while to the west is the Wilayat of Mahdah. The area of the Shinas province is approximately 2,800 square kilometers (1,100 sq mi),[3] and it is situated approximately 250 kilometers (160 mi) away from the Muscat Governorate, needing a 3-hour drive to reach it.
Forts and Towers
Shinas has many ancient forts, some of which are:
Shinas Fort[4]:Shinas Fort is a rectangular-shaped fortress located near the beach, surrounded by a wall with corner round-shaped towers and a rectangular tower on the northern east part. It was built during the Nabhaniya regime in 650 AH/1229 AD for defense, protection, and as a dwelling, court, and school. The fort played a crucial role in repelling invaders and is one of the significant fortresses in Batnah. Inside the fort, there are rooms for storing weapons and food, as well as spaces for guards and discussions about state affairs. It also includes a mosque, a well, and five cannons. The fort has four towers, three round-shaped and one rectangular-shaped, with varying dimensions. The fort's walls, made of bricks and clay, are decorated with openings. It was rebuilt after being partially destroyed in the early 19th century during conflicts with Motlek Elmatery and Mohamed Ben Ahmed Eltangy forces. The Ministry of Heritage and Culture restored the fortress in 1984, and it was opened in 1986 during the reign of SultanQaboos Bin Said.
Risa'at Al Malh Fort
Khidhraween Fort
Ajeeb Fort
Gate of ShinasAl Asrar Fort (scarce remains are left)Shinas Fort
There are also around 35 ancient towers[5] scattered across the Wilaya, some of which are:
Al Muraba'a Tower
Aswad Tower
Al Aqr Tower (scarce remains are left)
Al Mareer Tower
Among the other tourist attractions in the province is Shinas Park and the dense Al Qurm Tree Park along the sea creek, which has garnered attention from the municipality and local authorities, making it a beautiful tourist park. Additionally, there are other landmarks such as Wadi Fayd and Wadi Hameera.
Marketplaces
The Wilaya has some marketplaces, known as souqs, some of which are:
The Wilayat Market, located in the center of Shinas.
The Old Wilayat Market, situated near the fort in the center of the wilaya.
Al Aqar Market, located in Al Aqar town, abundant with restaurants and new service shops due to its location at a crossroad.
Souq Al Asrar.
Souq Sur Bani Khuzaymah (currently being established).
Economical Activities
Agricultural activity
Given the extensive expanse of Shinas province, spanning between lands, coastal beaches, hills, plains, and mountains, with its diverse terrains, important artisanal economic activities have been carried out by the province's residents. One of the most crucial activities is agriculture, taking advantage of the flat lands, plains, and valley plateaus for cultivating various seasonal crops like watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and all types of vegetables. The province has also become renowned for its citrus cultivation, particularly Omani lemons, which were exported to numerous friendly and sister countries, generating lucrative income and financial returns for farmers and traders alike.
Marine activity
The name of Shinas province has long been closely associated with the sea, as it has been a source of income for many of its residents, not only in recent times but also in ancient history. The sea served as their means of transportation between countries and for the movement of goods and necessities, establishing trade relationships with many countries worldwide, particularly Bombay, Zanzibar, Mumbai, Basra, Kuwait, and Malaysia. During that period, mutual trade involved exporting the province's products such as dates, lemons, palm fronds, and handicrafts, while importing woods, dates, kerosene, salt, and spices.
Throughout different historical eras, many local traders and their ships gained fame, becoming well known in various countries. The remnants of these ships can still be found on the shores, though only a few traces remain of what once used to sail the vast seas and dock in the region's ports, carrying the sons of this province. While shipbuilding was not among the industries in the province, ship maintenance and the construction of regular boats flourished during that period due to the traders' demand for these industries and the abundance of merchant ships.
Other Economical Activities
The commercial activity in Shinas province is vibrant, promising, and continuously growing day by day. Local establishments play a significant role in stimulating economic activity in the province, as various commercial stores are abundant. Additionally, the province hosts branches of several banks operating in the country, such as Oman International Bank, National Bank of Oman, Bank Muscat, Bank Dhofar, and Bank Sohar.
Important Towns
Israr Bani Saad, Sur Al Abri, Mirayr Al-Matareesh, Mirar Al-Daramikah,Bu Baqarah, Khadrawayn, Al Bulaydah, A' Sayfiyyah, Aswad, Tameet, Ajeeb, Al Aqr, Al Omani, Al Tareef, Al Widyat, Sur Al Baloosh, Sur Al Mazarei, Al Marrah, Sur Bani Khuzaymah, and other towns and villages.
Shinas province has several ports and airports, some of which are no longer operational, while others continue to function to this day. Examples of Shinas' ports and airports include:
1. Shinas Port
considered one of the significant ports that stimulate local trade among the northern Wilayats of Al Batinah, particularly in the fishing industry, livestock trade, and agricultural products.
Since its establishment in 1996, Shinas Port has witnessed numerous developments following the directives of His Majesty to transform it into a commercial port.
The government aims to achieve several important objectives through the development and expansion plan of Shinas Port, including:
Supporting the local economy of the province and creating new job opportunities for the local population by introducing commercial, tourism, and light industries that complement the port's operations.
Creating a competitive and attractive environment to attract investments to the region.
Encouraging and developing the fishing sector and related activities.
Enhancing the role played by the industrial port of Sohar and extending its benefits to North Al Batinah Governorate and other neighboring provinces.
Broadening the social benefits to the largest possible segment of the local community by encouraging the establishment of projects associated with the development plan, such as tourism and commercial activities.
Furthermore, ferries operate through Shinas Port, connecting it to the three ports of Muscat Governorate (Khasab, Lima, and Dabba).
2. Abu Bakrah Port
Also known as Faridat Abu Bakrah, this small port is located in the village of Abu Bakrah in the northern part of Shinas province. It operated until the late 1970s.
3. Sur Al Balush Port
Situated in the Sur Al Balush area, south of the center of the province, this port ceased operation in the early 1970s.
4. Shinas Airport
Located near the coast in the center of the province, Shinas Airport features a large runway for aircraft. It is said that this airport was used by the Allied forces to facilitate their movements and refuel during a specific period.
5. Aswad Airport
Positioned in the northwestern part of the Aswad region, this airport has been inactive for an extended period
Shinas College of Technology
UTAS - Shinas
Shinas College of Technology is located in the state of Shinas in Al Batinah Province; it is about 69 km away from the city of Sohar, Oman. It is one of the seven technical colleges affiliated to the Ministry of Manpower. The College is a public institution that meets the needs of higher education for Omani youth and offers programs leading to obtaining the diploma, advanced diploma and bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology and business studies.
The College has three academic departments: Engineering, Information Technology and Business Studies, where the Engineering Department offers three programs: Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering up to bachelor's levels, while the IT Department offers specializations in databases, Internet, electronic security, networks and programs up to bachelor's levels, and the Business studies offer three programs and the disciplines currently offered are accounting and human resources up to undergraduate and marketing levels up to the advanced diploma.
Gallery
Shinas from the sea in 1810, a pirate stronghold on the Straits of Hormuz, as drawn by Lieut. Richard Temple
The pirate's cavalry attack the British at Shinas, 2 January 1810
Oman
