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Shinas

Shinas is one of the six coastal wilayas in the Northern Al Batinah governorate, Oman, near its border with the United Arab Emirates. As of 2023, it had a population of 53,949. Shinas has a distinctive collection of traditional buildings, ancient forts, and bustling traditional markets, allowing visitors and cultural enthusiasts to embark on a journey through time. It also offers many water sport activities from sailing and fishing to snorkeling.

Location of Shinas
Shinas is located in the northernmost part of the plains of Al Batinah region. It is bordered to the north by the United Arab Emirates, overlooking the Sultanate's most important land crossings which are Khatmat Milaha, Al Wajajah, and Umm Al Ghaff. To the south, it is bordered by the Wilayat of Liwa, and to the east lies the Gulf of Oman, while to the west is the Wilayat of Mahdah. The area of the Shinas province is approximately , and it is situated approximately away from the Muscat Governorate, a 3-hour car drive. == Forts and towers ==
Forts and towers
Shinas has many ancient forts, some of which are: • Shinas fort: Shinas fort is a rectangular-shaped fortress located near the beach, surrounded by a wall with corner round-shaped towers and a rectangular tower on the northern east part. It was built during the Nabhaniya dynasty in 650 AH/1229 AD for defense, protection, and as residential quarters, a court, and a school. The fort played a crucial role in repelling invaders and is one of the most prominent fortresses in Batnah. The fort includes rooms for storing weapons and food, as well as spaces for guards. It also includes a mosque, a water well, and five cannons. The fort has four towers, three round-shaped and one rectangular-shaped, with varying dimensions. The fort's walls, made of bricks and clay, are also decorated in their openings. The fort was rebuilt after being partially destroyed in the early 19th century during conflicts with Motlek Elmatery and Mohamed Ben Ahmed Eltangy forces. The Ministry of Heritage and Culture restored the fortress in 1984, and it was opened in 1986 during the reign of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. • Risa'at Al Malh Fort • Khidhraween Fort • Ajeeb Fort • Al Asrar Fort (scarce remains are left) • Aswad Fort • A' Darr Fort, located at the wadi of Rajma There are also around 35 ancient towers scattered across the Wilaya, some of which are: • Al Muraba'a Tower • Aswad Tower • Al Aqr Tower (scarce remains are left) • Al Mareer Tower Among the other tourist attractions in the province are the Shinas Park and the dense Al Qurm Tree Park along the sea creek, the latter of which is popular with tourists. Other notable landmarks include Wadi Fayd and Wadi Hameera. == Marketplaces ==
Marketplaces
The Wilaya has some traditional marketplaces, known as souqs, some of which are: • The Wilayat Market, located in the center of Shinas. • The Old Wilayat Market, situated near the fort in the centre of the wilaya. • Al Aqar Market, located in Al Aqar town, abundant with restaurants and new service shops due to its location at a crossroad. • Souq Al Asrar. • Souq Sur Bani Khuzaymah (currently being established). == Economy ==
Economy
Agriculture The Shinas province varied, fertile landscape encourages an active local agricultural sector. Geographical terrain include flat lands, plains, and valley plateaus support the growth of seasonal crops including watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and various types of vegetables. The province is also known for its citrus cultivation, particularly Omani lemons, which are exported abroad and provide critical support to the local economy. Maritime trade The Shinas province's coastal position has served as a source of economic activity since antiquity. The province's location along the Gulf of Oman and access to the Indian Ocean has provided a critical maritime trade route of goods and people with other markets, particularly Mumbai, Zanzibar, Basra, Kuwait, and Malaysia. Shinas' primary exports along this route primary included dates, lemons, palm fronds, and handicrafts, whereas the main imports were wood, dates, kerosene, salt, and spices. Throughout different historical eras, many local traders and their ships gained fame, becoming well known in various countries. The remnants of these ships can still be found on the shores, though only a few traces remain of what once used to sail the vast seas and dock in the region's ports, carrying the sons of this province. While shipbuilding was not among the industries in the province, ship maintenance and the construction of regular boats flourished during that period due to the traders' demand for these industries and the abundance of merchant ships. Other economic activities Domestic commercial and retail activity also generate a portion of economic output in the province. Local retail establishments play a significant role in generating economic activity, including various brick-and-mortar stores. Additionally, the province hosts branches of several prominent nationwide banks, such as Oman International Bank, National Bank of Oman, Bank Muscat, Bank Dhofar, and Bank Sohar. == Airports and seaports ==
Airports and seaports
Shinas province has several ports and airports, some of which are no longer operational, while others continue to function. The following are the primary seaports and airports in Shinas: 1. Shinas Port A Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study commissioned by the Omani government in 2004-05 to develop a strategy for Oman's ports characterised the Shinas port as a significant seaport facilitating local trade among the northern wilayats of Al Batinah and to Iran, particularly in the fishing industry, livestock trade, and agricultural products. Since its establishment in 1996, Shinas Port has witnessed numerous developments following the directives of Sultan Qaboos bin Said to transform it into a commercial port. The port is managed and operated by a local private company (QSM) since 2023. The government's objectives in further expanding the Shinas port include: • Supporting the local economy of the province and creating new job opportunities for the local population by introducing commercial, tourism, and light industries that complement the port's operations. • Creating a competitive and attractive environment to attract investments to the region. • Encouraging and developing the fishing sector and related activities. • Enhancing the role played by the industrial port of Sohar and extending its benefits to North Al Batinah Governorate and other neighboring provinces. • Broadening the social benefits to the local community by encouraging the establishment of projects associated with the development plan, such as tourism and commercial activities. The Shinas Port also is linked by ferry to the three ports of Muscat Governorate (Khasab, Lima, and Dabba). 2. Abu Baqrah Port Also known as Faridat Abu Bakrah, this small port is located in the village of Abu Baqrah in the northern part of Shinas province. It operated until the late 1970s. 3. Sur Al Balush Port Situated in the Sur Al Balush area, in the south-central section of the province, this port ceased operation in the early 1970s. 4. Shinas Airport Located near the coast in the centre of the province, Shinas Airport features a large runway for aircraft. The British Royal Air Force utilised the airport for operations between 1935 and 1977. 5. Aswad Airport Positioned in the northwestern part of the Aswad region, this airport has been inactive for an extended period. == Shinas College of Technology ==
Shinas College of Technology
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Shinas, formerly known as the Shinas College of Technology (ShCT), is located in the province; it is about 69 km away from the city of Sohar, Oman. It is one of the seven technical colleges affiliated to the Ministry of Manpower. The college is a public institution that offers programs for students to obtain a diploma, advanced diploma and bachelor's degree in the fields of engineering, information technology and business studies. The college has three academic departments: Engineering, Information Technology (IT) and Business Studies. The Engineering Department offers three programs: Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering up to bachelor's levels. The IT Department offers specialisations in databases, Internet, electronic security, networks and programs up to bachelor's levels. The Business Studies track offer three programs in the disciplines of accounting and human resources (up to an undergraduate degree) and marketing levels up to the advanced diploma. == Gallery ==
Gallery
File:Shinas 02.jpg| File:Shinas 04.jpg| No. 13. Schinaass from the sea RMG PW4805.jpg|Shinas from the sea in 1810, a pirate stronghold on the Straits of Hormuz, as drawn by Lieut. Richard Temple No. 14. The attack of the enemy's cavalry at Schinaass, 2 January 1810 RMG PAF4806.jpg|The pirate's cavalry attack the British at Shinas, 2 January 1810 File:No. 15. Schinaass from the right of the encampment, on the morning of 3 January 1810 RMG PAF4807.jpg|Shinas, on the morning of 3 January 1810. File:No. 16. The Storming of Schinaass, Jany 3d 1810 RMG PAF4808.jpg|The British subsequently storming Shinas the same day. ==See also==
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