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Oman / Al Wusta / Haima Wilayat Haima is almost mid-way between Muscat and Salalah and borders the Empty Quarter to the east, Dhofar in the south and the Dakhliyah in the north. There are a number of caves in the area, many of which contain subterranean springs and reservoirs. None of the water from these caves is potable, however. The Arabian Oryx Project in Jiddat al-Harasis was established by His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos in 1974. UNESCO have added the site to their list of places of world heritage, and the reserve has succeeded in reintroducing the endangered Arabian oryx to its natural habitat, as well as protecting other species of animals, such as the Nubian ibex, sand foxes, and birds like the bustard and sand grouse. The people of Haima rear goats and camels. The women craft many items from the goat hair, spinning and weaving it into blankets. Traditional medicine, using herbs and other plants, is still practised in Haima. Darma, crushed into water or milk, and drunk in the morning and before going to bed will, 'absorb gases in the intestine and regulate the blood'; the leaves of the al harmal (African Rue) tree will aid recovery from colds and headaches; and the ramrum provides an antidote to scorpion stings and snake bites. |
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