Ash- Sharqiyah

The Sharqiyah region includes within its ambit varying terrains; coastal areas, desert regions and the Island of Masirah.

Consisting of 11 Wilayats, the region covers the area called the Ramlat Al Wahaybah or the Wahiba Sands, the towns of Ibra and Sur and the island of Masirah. Its biggest towns are Sur and Ibra. For centuries Sur was the boat building capital of the region. A few score kilometers away from Sur is the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a protected area for the endangered Green Turtle. Along with Masirah Island, this region is perhaps the largest nesting place in the planet for both the Green Turtle and the Loggerhead Turtle. The region also has the highest concentration of Bedouins in the country.

The main occupation of the people in the coastal areas is fishing, grazing and animal husbandry for the people of the desert, and agriculture and trade for people in the urban areas and near the wadis or river courses. Other occupations include gold and silver working - jewellery, Khanjars and swords.

The Total population of the region is 312,708 of which around 85% are Omani nationals.