Travel Guide Sumail

The Sumail Gap divides the Hajar into two distinct ranges, one in the west (Western Hajar) and the other in the east (Eastern Hajar). Historically, it is a strategic communication point that facilitated trade between the Batinah and Al-Dakhiliyah regions, but also between the coast (Muscat and its surroundings) and the interior (Nizwa and Bahla in particular). The pass was also the object of deadly battles, as evidenced by the large number of defensive buildings erected in this part of the country. Between Seeb and Nizwa alone, no less than 34 watchtowers stood valiantly guard over the pass, some of which are still in good condition and visible from the road! About 80 kilometers from Muscat, the city of Sumail itself is worth a visit for its impressive oasis with one of the largest palm groves in the country: a real oxygen lung! No less than forty varieties of dates are grown here, including the excellent fardh, one of the tastiest and most sought after. In the heart of the old city, in an alley beyond the old souk, stands the oldest mosque in Oman, that of Ad Midmar, still called Mazin bin Ghaduba as-sa'idi after the name of the first Omani converted to Islam in Mecca by the Prophet Mohammed. Our man is buried in the village and his grave is still visible, next to the falaj flowing in front of the fort, on the other side of the road. The mosque was built in 628. Of modest size, it is of a great simplicity.