Guide to Bahla in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman - Area Guide

Bahla is a district in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate of Oman and is considered one of the important and famous cities in the country. It is an oasis rich in aflaj (traditional irrigation systems) and beautiful natural springs, characterized by a blend of multiple environmental elements and diverse natural terrains. This setting has provided Omani citizens the opportunity to live and engage in various activities. Bahla is also one of the oldest cities in Oman, having served as its capital during the Nabhanid dynasty. Historical monuments still stand in the city, affirming the age of this wonderful place to its visitors.

The population of Bahla is approximately 83,323, according to the final results of the general population census in 2016. It is noteworthy that this district is famous for its traditional crafts, which include various industries such as pottery, ceramics, brass products, silver daggers, and much more. Additionally, Bahla features numerous essential and recreational facilities that make it a comprehensive and integrated area, with many activities available in the city. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes, along with various apartments available for rent and sale in Bahla, offering different sizes and options.

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Key Highlights

Bahla is an oasis rich in beautiful natural springs and aflaj.
Bahla is a city of many magical legends, earning it the nickname “City of Magic.”
The area is known for its markets and beautiful traditional arts that express Oman’s history and culture.
Abundance of essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, and hotels.
Apartments for sale in various sizes and options.

Location of Bahla

Bahla is located in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, approximately 200 kilometers southwest of the capital, Muscat. To reach Bahla, one must pass near the Wilayat of Nizwa, a city that was once the capital of Oman and features a fortress and market. The district has several gates, with the main ones being Bab Al-Saili, Bab Al-Badi, Bab Al-Khurmazan, and Bab Al-Bathaa. Bahla is also rich in aflaj and natural springs, including Al-Mitha, Al-Jazbin, Al-Muhadith, Abu Ghaida, Al-Ma’b, Al-Masraij, Dan, Al-Tufail, and Al-Ajrid. Furthermore, it has many fertile valleys, such as Wadi Al-Muntaq, Wadi Sayfem, and Wadi Quriyat. The road to Bahla passes through towering mountains that rise over 3,000 meters, along with a chain of volcanic mountains.

Bahla Location on The Map

Surrounding Areas of Bahla

Bahla is bordered by several important cities, including the Wilayat of Nizwa to the east, which is the regional and political center of Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate; the Wilayat of Al-Hamra to the north; the Wilayat of Adam to the south; and the Wilayat of Ibri to the west. It is also surrounded by several significant valleys in Oman, such as Wadi Bahla and Wadi Al-Quriyat, which is one of the most important valleys in the country, as it is part of the Great Desert.

Notable Attractions Near Bahla

There are many wonderful places to visit near Bahla, including various malls and prominent landmarks, such as:

Bahla Fort: 1.9 km
Jibreen Castle: 7.9 km
Bahla Mall: 5.5 km
Bahla Pottery Factory: 5.5 km

Transportation in Bahla

Various means of transportation are available in Bahla, including bus stops and taxi stands scattered throughout the area to facilitate movement for residents. Here is an overview of the stations and their locations:

Bus Stop 1: Bahla Market 2
Bus Stop 2: Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Bahla
Bus Stop 3: Al-Ghafat 1
Bus Stop 4: Bahla Jibreen 2
Bus Stop 5: Bahla Jibreen 1
Bus Stop 6: Bahla Market 1

About Bahla

History of Bahla

Bahla is one of the oldest cities and districts in Oman, with a history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological findings in the area indicate the existence of circular defensive structures built from stone since the third millennium BC. They also revealed defensive constructions dating back to the first millennium BC. Additionally, the site of “Saloot” has remained continuously inhabited from the first millennium BC until the 12th century AH / 18th century AD.

Bahla is surrounded by a wall approximately 12 km long, which was historically used as a defense against enemies. It is equipped with towers, soldier rooms, and arrow or gun slots. The wall’s construction date is unknown, and it has several main gates: Bab Al-Saili, Bab Al-Badi, Bab Al-Khurmazan, and Bab Al-Bathaa.

Features of Living in Bahla

Bahla is distinguished by numerous features that make it an exceptional place to live. Among these are its stunning nature and authentic heritage, which render it a fantastic tourist destination. The area is known for its markets and beautiful traditional arts that reflect Oman’s history and culture, making it an ideal destination for family and youth vacations.

The region includes numerous essential and recreational facilities, allowing residents access to various services, shops, and restaurants, all contributing to a vibrant and beautiful lifestyle. It is also characterized by diverse tourist attractions, including many archaeological sites of significant historical value, such as Bahla Fort, the ancient wall, the Grand Mosque, the popular Bahla market, the old Al-Nadwa neighborhood, the heritage village, and historical forts like Bahla, Jibreen, Saloot Fort, Al-Athir Fort – also known as “The Fasting Castle,” and the two towers, along with Al-Hubi Fort. Many beautiful valleys, aflaj, and natural springs make it an attractive location for nature lovers.

Essential and Recreational Facilities in Bahla

Bahla is known for its diverse facilities that cater to all residents’ needs, whether essential, secondary, or recreational. Some of the key nearby facilities include:

Restaurants and Cafes

Restaurants

Bahla Mandi Restaurant
Dinner on the Fly Restaurant
Burger and Juice Restaurant
Al-Haytham Restaurant for Consultation
Al-Waha Al-Tayyiba Restaurant
Fanous Bahla Restaurant
Turkish Al-Hod Coffee Shop
Al-Waduh Restaurant
Al-Suwalif Restaurant and Café
Taranim Restaurant
Taste Path Restaurant
Delicious Restaurant
Kunafa Restaurant
Al-Zahal Restaurant
Al-Shallal Restaurant

Cafes

Octavio Cafe
H Cafe
Bab Al-Hara Tea Cafe
Fun Time Tea Cafe
Bun Al-Madr Coffee
Kadam Cafe
Al-Bareeq Cafe
Green Breezes Cafe
Netflix Cafe
Sama Bahla Cafe

Malls and Markets

Malls

Bahla Mall, Grand Hypermarket
Nizwa Grand Mall
Nizwa Mall

Markets

Dubai Markets
Al-Houriya Jewelry
Nizwa Plaza
Bahla Market 1
Bahla Market 2
Bahla Tribes Gifts Market
Al-Amin Markets and Bakeries
Faydh Al-Ata for Flowers
Kayan Rose
Makkah Hypermarket Branch in Bahla
Al-Baymani Shopping Center
Bilad Al-Sit Market
Khayrat Al-Khalij Grocery Store
Al-Olawees Refrigerators
Riyadh Bahla Supermarket
Atraf Al-Mamoura Trading
Makkah Oasis Refrigerators

Parks and Recreational Areas

Bahla Public Park
Al-Ghubra Park
Al-Naseem Park
Al-Kawthar Neighborhood Park
Saleh Al-Qasabi Farm
Bahja Bahla Park
Al-Hamra Park
Wadi Al-Masla Park
Al-Ghawy Flaj Park

Schools and Universities

Schools

Salih Neighborhood School for Quran Teaching
Northern Social Housing School for Quran Teaching
Al-Flanjah School for Quran Teaching
Al-Mithaq School for Quran Teaching
Al-Taqwa School, attached to Al-Mamoura Mosque
Al-Noor School
Bahla Basic Education School
Al-Sahabiya School for Quran Teaching
Abu Al-Muathir School, attached to Al-Mamoura Mosque
Biman Neighborhood School for Quran Teaching
Bahla Basic Education School
Al-Mamoura School, attached to the mosque
Basiya School for Basic Education for Girls (Grades 5-12)

Universities and Colleges

Nizwa University
Technical University and Applied Sciences in Nizwa

Hospitals and Clinics

Bahla Hospital
Al-Ghafat Health Center
Sheikh Nader Al-Atabi Hospital
Al-Shaki Medical Center
Al-Nile Medical Complex
Nizwa Referral Hospital
Basiya Hospital
Badr Al-Sama Hospital
Al-Ghafat Hospital
Basiya Health Center
Dars Medical Center
International Life Medical Center
Al-Ghada Medical Complex
Bahla Health Complex
Basmat Al-Amal Medical Complex
Basira Center for Rehabilitation and Integrative Treatment
Ikhlas Dental Clinic
Duroob Al-Shifa Dental Clinic
Dental Care Clinic

Hotels

Majan Rest House
Nizwa Hotel Apartments
Bahla House of Hospitality
Bahla Hotel Apartments
Al-Hamra House of Hospitality
Al-Jabal House of Hospitality
Dar Al-Nakheel
Valley Guest Villa
Jabreen Hotel
Al-Misfah Heritage House
Basmati Al-Misfah Guest House
Bahla Jewel Hotel Apartments
Al-Fath Rest House
Al-Hamra House for Hotel Apartments and Rooms

Real Estate in Bahla

Many listings related to the sale and rental of properties, including residential apartments, land, commercial shops, and more, are continually displayed in the Wilayat of Bahla. The prices of these properties vary according to their sizes, locations, and proximity to public services. The listings for apartments for rent in Bahla on the OpenSooq market are as follows: