Located in the centre of Oman’s east coast, in the Al Wusta Governorate, 500 kilometres south of Muscat, lies a large stretch of land called Barr Al Hikman. This mainland peninsula on the Arabian Sea of approximately 900 km² seems relatively dull at first glance. It is, however, a nature lover’s paradise. In fact, Barr Al Hikman remains one of the last large pristine wetlands in the Middle-East and a nursery and feeding area for shrimps, fishes, crabs and green turtles. It is also the most important wetland for shorebirds in the Middle-East.
Barr Al Hikman also lies within one of the five large upwelling systems in the world. Upwelling is basically the process by which displaced surface waters are replaced by cold, nutrient-rich water that “wells up” from below. This water motion in Oman is primarily driven by wind, in particular the yearly southwest monsoon winds that occur between June and October.
Every time the water comes in, the mudflats are nourished with nutrients. As a result, life thrives here, in particular, seagrasses and creatures such as benthic molluscs and polychaetes that feed on it. These in turn, are also the major food source for turtles and shorebird. The latter in particular are a major attraction for visitors to the peninsula.
Well over a quarter of a million birds of approximately 80 different species, especially those migrating from Europe and East Asia, make their way to the wetlands as a resting place and for feeding during their annual migration. It is for this reason alone that Barr al Hikman is considered to be a site of international importance.
In addition to being a sanctuary for birds and fish of all kinds, the existence of coral reefs off its shores make it a favourite destination for divers. There are also about 50 species of crabs in the area, an exceptionally high number for any single area.
Should you be planning a trip to Barr Al Hikman beware that the peninsula is largely a vast desolate area made up of sabkha and rocky ridges. Sabkha is a mixture of sand, salt, and mud that is extremely soft, with patches of slushy wet sand. There are also a very limited number of tarmac roads or facilities, most of which are confined to the coast, and the same is true for cell phone coverage. It is for this reason that, any journey across the peninsula be undertaken in a bare minimum of two well-equipped SUVs and an experienced guide.
Undertake the trip during the winter season however, and you will be treated to some truly spectacular aforementioned bird life comprising flocks of flamingo, herons and other wetland birds. The shore presents you with endless sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Camp on the beach and you will bear witness to a breath-taking sunrise as well and a shoreline that retreats to over a kilometre out when the tide is low. Step out over the wet sand towards the edge and you will be once again treated to spectacular views of coral, stingrays, cuttlefish, sponges and more. Regardless, of your love for nature, Barr Al Hikman is definitely worth a visit, if for the scenery alone.