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Beyond Sharqiya lies the province of Al Wusta (literally, “The Central Region”), a great expanse of gravel desert known as the Jiddat al Harasis which stretches southwest all the way to Dhofar. Economically, the area is one of Oman’s main oil-producing regions, but few tourists make it here, unless passing through while tackling the long drive to Salalah, and even fewer stop. The only mainstream attraction is the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, although the long off-road journey down the coast south of Duqm offers a classic slice of wild Omani at its most unspoiled.
