Jebel Akhdar (Oman)

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For the Jebel Akhdar region of Libya, see Jebel Akhdar (Libya)

Also known as the camals hideout;The Jebel Akhdar, Jabal Akhdar or Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Arabic: الجبل الأخضر meaning The Green Mountain) is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Oman, which extends about 300 km northwest to southeast, between 50-100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman coast. It is one of Oman’s most spectacular areas. The highest point, Jabal Shams (the mountain of the sun), is around 3,000 metres (around 9,800 feet) high. It is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. It comprises the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains range, and is located around 150 km from Muscat.

Terraces of Jebal Akhdar

The range is mostly desert, but at higher altitudes it receives around 300 mm of precipitation annually, moist enough to allow the growth of shrubs and trees and support agriculture. It is this that gives the mountains their 'green' name. Cool summers provide the visitor with fresh air surrounded by breathtaking stones. The area is about 2 hours drive from Nizwa and is famous for its traditional rose water extraction and agricultural products including pomegranate, apricot, peach and walnut.

The Jebel Akhdar was the scene for intense conflict between Omani forces loyal to the Sultan of Oman (aided by British solders including the Special Air Service) and Saudi Arabian backed rebel forces of the inland Imamate of Oman between 1957 and 1959. This conflict is known as the Jebel Akhdar war.

[edit] Notes

Sources differ as to the height of the summit of Jabal Shams, with figures ranging between 2,980 and 3,075 metres. The Omani Ministry of Information gives the latter figure.