Oman / Al Wusta / al Duqm

Wilayat al Duqm, located in the southeast corner of Al Wusta, was formed as a wilayat in its own right in 1991, as previously, it had been a subsidiary district belonging to Haima. It has some quite diverse topographical features: beaches; wadis; fertile plains; and mountains. Many of its inhabitants are fishermen. However, during the summer, the temperature drops to below 30 degC, which is at a level deemed unsuitable for fishing.

This 'Period of the Flood' instigates the 'Summer Journey', when the fishermen go north to harvest dates and work in the fields. Despite the fishermen's preference to leave their home during the summer, the light rains accompanying the temperature drop mean that Duqm becomes a perfect retreat for those living in the hotter regions of the Sultanate.

Duqm has some outstanding sandy beaches, which are clean and unpolluted.