Dhofar

There are four sites that have been collectively inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, including the ruins of Shisr and Wadi Dawkah Natural Park (listed below), Al Baleed (listed in the Salalah article), and Sumhuram (listed in Taqah).

This ruined fortified settlement was once a watering stop for caravans on the frankincense trail, and discovered in 1992 with the aid of satellite imaging. Scholars disagree as to whether this is indeed the legendary site of Ubar or 'Iram of the Pillars' as described in the Bible; however it has been determined that it was likely destroyed in the aftermath of an earthquake. The site itself is interesting, but not spectacular.

This dry wadi has an estimated 5,000 frankincense trees within a 9 km² area, the oldest of which are estimated to be more than 200 years old. The sap is still harvested here by the Bait Kethir Bedu tribe, with individual trees owned by different clans and families. Visitors can simply park by the road and walk over.