Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Al-Mintirib
25 / POP 10,000
This small village on the edge of the dunes is an important navigational landmark for vis-
its to the Sharqiya Sands. Camp representatives often meet their guests here and help them
navigate (by 4WD only) the route to their site - usually impossible to find independently.
Al-Mintirib has a picturesque old quarter of passing interest for those breaking the drive
from Muscat, 220km to the northeast. The village is 10km southeast of Al-Qabil Rest
House on the Muscat-Sur Hwy.
Sights
Al-Mintirib Fort
FORT
(admission 500 baisa; 7.30am-2.30pm Sun-Thu)
In the days before the housing of Al-Mintirib en-
croached on its space, this solid-walled fort with its sunken door must have been an im-
pressive sight, holding back the dunes in one direction, and repelling marauding tribes
from the mountains. Opening hours are rather erratic.
Bidaya Museum
MUSEUM
(admission OR1; 9am-2pm)
This quirky little museum on the edge of the sands preserves the
history of the Hijri Tribe, written in Arabic on goat skins. A collection of old spears and
swords that date back 300 years or more, together with Chinese ginger jars and dishes (an
essential part of all Omani households in the last century), household implements and
clothing are well displayed in a cavernous old house, restored for the purpose. Located
across the road from the fort in Al-Mintirib, it's worth a 20-minute stop before heading in-
to the dunes.
Sleeping & Eating
Al-Qabil Rest House$
HOTEL
( 25 581243;
www.desert-discovery.com
; Route 23, Al-Qabil; s/d OR25/30)
Located on the Ibra-Sur Hwy
10km northwest of Al-Mintirib, the hotel offers simple rooms around a landscaped court-
yard. Doors close by 10pm. For those wanting to experience the dunes as a day trip rather
than an overnight experience, the hotel offers escorted access to the dunes.
