Rustaq: forts, hot springs and the wadis of South Al Batinah

Rustaq lies on the northern side of the Hajar mountains in South Al Batinah Governorate, about 150 kilometres west of Muscat. Surrounded by palm groves fed by springs and aflaj, it served as Oman's capital under the Ya'rubi dynasty in the 17th and 18th centuries and remains one of the most historic towns in the country.

Rustaq Fort

Rustaq Fort (Qal'at Al Kesra) is one of the largest and oldest forts in Oman, with foundations believed to date to before the Islamic era and major rebuilding under the Ya'rubi imams. It has been extensively restored and is open to visitors, with towers, courtyards, a mosque and an armoury.

What to see

• Ain Al Kasfa: a natural hot spring in the town, channelled into bathing pools and used to irrigate the gardens.
• Al Hazm Castle: an impressive 18th-century fortress about 20 minutes away, built by Imam Sultan bin Saif II.
• Nakhal Fort: perched on a rock above a lush oasis, about 45 minutes towards Muscat, with the Ath Thowarah hot springs nearby.
• Wadi Bani Awf and Wadi Sahtan: spectacular mountain wadis and villages such as Bilad Sayt, reached by four-wheel drive.

Living in Rustaq

Rustaq is a regional centre with a university college, hospital, markets and government offices. Life is traditional and quiet, with a mostly Omani population. The drive to Muscat takes about an hour and a half, and to Barka on the coast less than an hour.

Property

Rustaq has no tourism complexes for foreign buyers and is not a designated area for foreign ownership. It is ideal as a weekend destination from Muscat.

How R2LUX helps

Rustaq and Nakhal are an easy drive from Muscat's western communities. Three current homes in Muscat are listed below.