Al Mudayrib
Al Mudayrib

Al Mudayrib

Set midway between the towns of Ibra and Bidiyah, Al Mudayrib (also spelled Al Mudhaireb) is one of Oman’s oldest villages. Once a stop on the ancient Muscat-to-Sur caravan route, this often-overlooked village is ringed by watchtowers and boasts an old quarter of mudbrick mansions and fortifications, all of which lie in ruins.

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Al Mudayrib, Ash Sharqiyah

The basics

Overlooked by a distant line of hilltop towers, Al Mudayrib offers a captivating window into Oman’s trading and tribal past. Having passed through the low-rise suburbs on its outskirts, travelers find themselves in the original village, where crumbling 18th-century buildings and fortifications dot the scrubby lanes, hills, and palm groves. Here, they can delve deeper to admire the once-grand merchant mansions, a crenelated fort, empty turrets, and an old falaj water channel.

Travelers can visit Al Mudayrib independently and explore as they wish; if so, it’s worth renting a 4WD to negotiate any unpaved roads and branch out into the surrounding mountains and wadis. Alternatively, consider taking a customizable private tour to nearby Wadi Bani Khalid or the Wahiba Sands desert—both are located nearby—and ask your driver-guide if they can take you to Al Mudayrib en route.

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Things to know before you go

  • Anyone interested in off-the-beaten-path Oman will enjoy Al Mudayrib.

  • Wear sunscreen and a sun hat, and cover your arms and legs to stave off the sun.

  • The ruins and uneven lanes of the village are challenging for anyone with mobility difficulties.

  • While Al Mudayrib has a supermarket, the nearest restaurants and amenities are in Ibra and Bidiyah, both about a 20-minute drive away.

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How to get there

Al Mudayrib lies in Oman’s Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate, an approximate 2-hour road trip south of Muscat. If you’re not confident renting a car to visit Al Mudayrib alone, an alternative is to book a guided 4WD tour that lets you adjust your itinerary to include a stop at the village.

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Trip ideas

When to get there

The best time to visit Al Mudayrib is in Oman’s peak tourist season between November and April when temperatures are comfortable enough for outdoor sightseeing. Even during this period, it’s still sensible to get to Al Mudayrib as early in the morning as you can—the afternoon temps can still be blazingly hot.

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Highlights at Al Mudayrib

During the 18th century, Al Mudayrib was rife with tribal rivalries but also developed strong trading links with India and East Africa. The watchtowers in its center were built to guard its different quarters against attack, while its old sablas—the crumbling mansions at its heart—were constructed by rich merchants to display their wealth. Be sure to check out their heavy wooden doors, sourced from places like Zanzibar and richly carved.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Al Mudayrib?
A:
Attractions near Al Mudayrib:
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Oman?
A:
As well as visiting the Al Mudayrib, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit:

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