Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ibri is the capital of the northern Al-Dhahirah Region. A modern town with a major high-
way, Hwy 21, linking it to the border town of Buraimi in the north, it has a few sights to
keep a visitor busy including a newly renovated fort. The town also makes a friendly stop-
over en route from the UAE to Nizwa and a base for visiting the Unesco-protected tombs
at Al-Ayn and Bat. If you have plenty of time to explore Oman, a loop can be made from
Muscat via Nizwa, Bat and Ibri, through the mountains along the newly sealed Hwy 8 to
Sohar and back along the coast to Muscat - a trip of at least three days.
There are literally dozens of
shwarma
and rotisserie-chicken restaurants along Hwy 21
if you want to get a feel for local life. Banks and supermarkets are clustered around the
central roundabout at the turning for Ibri Castle.
To reach Ibri by public transport, two daily buses leave Muscat at 8am and 2.30pm for
Ibri (OR3.700, 4½ hours), passing through Nizwa at 10am and 4pm (OR1.500, 2½ hours).
Buses leave for Muscat at 4pm. Microbuses cost OR2 from Nizwa and take two hours.
Sights
Ibri Castle
CASTLE
(admission 500 baisa; 9am-4pm Sat-Thu, 8-11am Fri)
Currently the more interesting and complete
of the town's two forts, this imposing building has been restored recently and has brought
the old quarter of Ibri to life. There is not too much to see inside but the views from the
battlements are grand and the neighbouring gold souq and livestock markets are fun for
wandering around.
Sleeping & Eating
Ibri Oasis Hotel$
HOTEL
( 25 696172; iohotel@omantel.net.om; Hwy 21; s/d OR28.300/38.900; )
The Ibri Oasis Hotel is on
the Buraimi side of town. With a polished marble staircase and stained-glass windows, the
hotel is mainly used by local dignitaries. Breakfast is OR3.700 and the dinner menu tends
towards Indian cuisine.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Buraimi
25 / POP 75,000
