Wadi al Arabayeen in the Wilayat of Qurayat crisscrosses the long valley of Al Hajar Al Aswad mountain.
The visitors enjoy the scenic landscape, as it holds water throughout the year feeding falaj, springs and ponds.
The valley is located in the eastern part of the Wilayat of Qurayat, on the road that connects it with the Wilayat of Sur. It is about 15 kilometres from the main street.
It attracts tourists who come here for camping, climbing, swimming and even snorkelling in freshwater.
The valley passes through several small villages like Al Suwayh, Hail Al Qawasim, Al Batha, Al Salifi, Al Fara, and Al Maghra. They depend on agriculture and sheep for their livelihood.
The locals specialise in palm frond handicrafts and produce mats and some household items made of natural materials.
The water flows through the aflaj in several directions, which speaks volumes about the falaj splitting skills of the residents since ancient times.
Sources indicate the presence of approximately eight aflaj, the most important of which are Al Batha’a Falaj, Al Salifi Falaj, and Al Fara’a Falaj.
This valley is famous for many crops including dates, mango, banana, fife, lemon, potato, tomato, eggplant, onion and garlic.
There are many waterfalls on the slopes of this valley including Shieh and Al Nuqta located next to the springs and pools. The residents depended on themselves to maintain the aflaj to ensure the flow of water throughout the year.
“We ask the authorities to consider the possibility of constructing a dam that helps store this water. There are large amounts of water that end up in the sea. This dam will enhance the flow of water in the water channels and reduce the drought damage that the region suffers from during the interruption or cessation of rainy seasons,” locals told the Observer.
The residents of the area call for strict measures to ensure cleanliness, as many tourists litter the area.
“Paved paths must be built on the edges of the mountains to avoid accidents like drowning and falls. Also needed are toilets and changing rooms near ponds and waterfalls,” they said.
