Happy TravellerWelcome to Ibri, a city in the Ad Dhahirah Governorate of northwest Oman. Known for its rich history and stunning archaeological landmarks, Ibri is a must-visit destination for any curious traveler. In this article, we will take you on a journey through Ibri’s ancient history, unique culture, and modern-day attractions, ensuring you have all the information you need to plan your dream trip to this remarkable city. Let’s get started!
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be in heaven in Ibri. The city is home to the remains of the town of Bat, which is the second archaeological site to be classified by UNESCO on the list of world heritage and culture sites, after the Bahla Fort in the A’Dakhliya district. The protohistoric archaeological complex of Bat, al-Khutm and al-Ayn represents one of the most complete and well-preserved ensembles of settlements and necropolises from the 3rd millennium BCE worldwide. The core site is a part of the modern village of Bat, in the Wadi Sharsah approximately 24 km (15 mi) east of the city of Ibri, in the Al-Dhahira Governorate of north-western Oman. Further extensions of the site of Bat are represented by the monumental tower at al-Khutm and by the necropolis at Al-Ayn. Together, monumental towers, rural settlements, irrigation systems for agriculture, and necropolises embedded in a fossilized Bronze Age landscape, form a unique example of cultural relics in an exceptional state of preservation. Seven monumental stone towers have been discovered at Bat and one is located in Al-Khutm, 2 km (1.2 mi) west of Bat.
Aside from its ancient history, Ibri is also a hub of modern-day industry and innovation. The city is home to the Ibri 2 Solar Power Plant, a 500-megawatt solar farm that is Oman’s largest renewable energy project. Completed in 2022 by a consortium of companies from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf states, the project is expected to power 33,000 homes. The plant consists of 1.4 million solar panels and covers an area of 13 million square meters. Additionally, Ibri is known for its thriving marble quarrying industry, which provides valuable employment and economic opportunities for the local population.
But Ibri isn’t all business – the city has a rich cultural heritage that is worth exploring. In October 2022, Ibri was one of three locations in Ad Dhahirah Governorate to host the first Al Dhahirah International Film Festival, showcasing the best of Omani and international cinema. If you’re interested in language study, the United States Department of State-funded Critical Language Scholarship Program offers Arabic-language training in Ibri, through the Noor Majan Training Institute.
If you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, you’ll love Ibri’s unique landscape. The city is characterized by a hot desert climate, with an average annual temperature of 26.2 °C (79.2 °F) and about 78 mm (3.07 in) of precipitation falling annually. Most of the rainfall occurs in winter, making this the perfect time to explore Ibri’s stunning natural scenery. From the rocky slopes surrounding Bat to the river terrace and beehive tombs at Qubur Juhhal, there is no shortage of picturesque sites to explore.
Getting around Ibri is easy thanks to its well-connected road network. The city is connected by road to the UAE city of Al-Ain, via the Mezyad border post near Jebel Hafeet. This road also goes through the Wilayat of Dhank and to Nizwa, making it easy to explore other destinations in Oman.
In terms of education, Ibri has many government primary and secondary schools in the wilayah plus some private primary schools and one Indian school. In terms of higher education, there is the Ibri College of Technology and a College of Applied Sciences. In addition to this, there are many institutes offering various courses.
In conclusion, Ibri is a hidden gem in Oman that is well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history and archaeology, modern-day industry and innovation, or outdoor adventure and natural beauty, this city has something for everyone. We hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next travel destination – happy exploring!
