Sur

صور

A historic coastal city renowned for its dhow-building heritage, lagoon, and the iconic Al Ayjah lighthouse. Visitors explore the traditional shipyards, watch craftsmen build wooden dhows and stroll the picturesque corniche.

Things to do

• Visit the Dhow Shipyard — Watch craftsmen hand-build traditional wooden dhows using techniques passed down through generations at Sur's working shipyards.
• Al Ayjah Lighthouse — Cross to the old quarter of Al Ayjah to see the iconic white-and-blue lighthouse guarding the lagoon entrance.
• Stroll the Corniche — Walk along Sur's waterfront promenade for views of the lagoon, moored dhows and pastel-colored houses.
• Maritime Museum — Explore exhibits on Sur's seafaring past, model dhows and the city's trading links with East Africa and India.
• Bilad Sur Castle — Visit the restored 18th-century fort with its distinctive towers built to defend the town from inland tribes.
• Sur Lagoon and Al Ayjah Suspension Bridge — Cross the pedestrian suspension bridge over Khor Al Batah for scenic views across the lagoon.
• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve — Take an evening or dawn tour to watch endangered green turtles nesting on the beach, about 40km southeast.
• Wadi Shab day trip — Drive west to hike through a lush canyon of turquoise pools and a hidden waterfall cave.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled kingfish — Sur's coastal location means the day's catch, often kingfish or hammour, is grilled simply with lime and spices.
• Omani shuwa — Marinated meat slow-cooked underground for a day, traditionally served during festivals and special occasions.
• Harees — A comforting porridge of wheat and slow-cooked meat, popular during Ramadan and family gatherings.
• Omani halwa — A sticky sweet made from sugar, rosewater, saffron and nuts, offered with kahwa as a gesture of hospitality.
• Kahwa and dates — Cardamom-scented Omani coffee served in small cups alongside fresh dates as a welcome ritual.
• Mishkak — Skewers of marinated grilled meat sold at evening street stalls along the corniche.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Sur is a conservative town, so cover shoulders and knees, and women may carry a scarf when visiting mosques or forts.
• Ask before photographing people — Always seek permission before taking photos of locals, particularly women and craftsmen at work.
• Respect prayer times — Shops and some sites close briefly during the five daily prayers, so plan visits around them.
• Time turtle visits with tours — Ras Al Jinz nesting can only be seen with a guided tour to protect the turtles, so book in advance.

Nearby

• Ras Al Jinz — 35 km
• Wadi Shab — 42 km
• Jebel Bani Jabir & Majlis al Jinn — 43 km
• Wadi Bani Khalid — 44 km