Scenic places and waterpools of Wadi Bani Khalid -SHARQIYAH region is located on the east of the Arabian Sea and intertwines with Al Hajr Al Sharqi mountains that extends to the north and links to Al Dakhiliyah region from the west.

This region consists of 11 wilayats namely Sur, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Wadi Bani Khalid, Masirah, Bidiyah, Ibra, Dima W’attayeen, Al Qabil, Al Mudhaibi and Al Kamil W’al Wafi. Sur town is one of the busiest and administrative centre of all other wilayats in Al Sharqiyah region.
Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid is the most beautiful place in the Sultanate and it’s the main destination for tourists. It borders with Wilayat of Bidayah and Al Qabil to the west, Wilayat of Dima W’attayeen to the north, Wilayat of Al Kamil W’al Wafi to the south and Wilayat of Sur to the east. It is about 200 kilometres from the Governorate of Muscat and it’s distinguished by its waterpools. Al Arayes waterpool is the famous one among them. It’s surrounded by lush trees with an impressive sight.
It has about 30 villages around; for example, Muzaireh, Duwah, Al Adfain, Bid’ah, Muqil, Al Hajlah and Al Qaryah.
The major occupations of the people of Wadi Bani Khalid are agriculture like growing date palm tree and citrus fruits, also they are famous for grazing and weaving with leaves. Also, this wilayat is famous for its traditional industries like textiles, gold and silver working, and blacksmithery.
Wadi Bani Khalid is famous for a number of archaeological sites; and the forts and castles are the main attractions of this place. Historically these fortifications had been used for defensive purposes. The most important among them is Hasan AI Muwalik in the village of Al ‘Awina, which dates back to the 4th century AH. It is also the biggest fort in the wilayat and in the past was the base of the Wali and the Judge.
Also, it has 56 falajs such as Al Sarooj, Al Fardhah and Al Kabeer. In addition, it has many water springs including, Al Sarooj, Dawah, Al Lathab, Al Ithnain,Al Makdeh, Al Hajir and Ain Hamoudah.
The caves are another tourist attraction in this wilayat and Muqil Cave with its scenic places and its rock carvings in the natural and geological formations is one of the most famous place for the tourists. The water falls from holes, then bursts out with a gurgling sound into a pool. It disappears again and finally collects into lakes which the people distribute into three falaj. The cave is located near the oases of water, and it is extend for 12 metres, its depth is between four to six metres and its width is not more than four metres.
Halfa village which is distinguished for its agricultural oases, full of trees with cool shadows is one more beautiful village in the Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid. It is about two kilometres far from the centre of this wilayat, also it is characterised by its moderate temperature in the summer. However, in the winter the temperature reaches up to 15 degrees Celsius.
Hawir oasis is a beautiful place like Muqil village, and is famous for its waterfalls and landscapes. Bid’ah village is another beautiful village in this wilayat and it is surrounded by huge mountains. It is about eight kilometres far from the centre of the wilayat. Al Bid’ah village is distinguished by its diversity of terrain and cultivation of red bananas. Also, it’s well-known for its natural scenery and numerous waterpools.
Al Adfain village located on the west of the wilayat and is about three kilometres from the centre of this wilayat. It has numerous archaeological sites like Al Adfain Castle and Al Adfain spring water which is considered as the biggest spring in this wilayat.