Oman / As Sharqiya / Masirah

The wilayat of Masirah falls under the administration of the Sharqiya region. This is Oman's largest island and Alexander the Great made it his base, referring to it as 'Serepsis'. Nowadays, dates, olives, pomegranates and mangos are grown and the islanders' main occupations are weaving and making fishing nets. Masirah is accessed by a daily ferry service or by using Oman Air's domestic flight.

Many of Oman's 'Sea Songs' developed in the Sharqiya. The songs were devised to encourage the sailors in their voyages and reflect the different activities associated with sailing. There are three main song genres: the first is drum-based and is generally sung on the trading ships; the second is accompanied by hand clapping, which the sailors use to encourage their colleagues; the third relates to the movement of the oars.