UNESCO World Heritage Sites (4WD only)

The four elements of the Land of Frankincense vividly depict the centuries-long frankincense commerce that thrived in this region. They are a remarkable testament to the civilizations that have existed in southern Arabia since the Neolithic period. The frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkha, as well as the ruins of the caravan oasis of Ubar in Shisr and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed, vividly depict the frankincense trade that thrived in this region for many centuries as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world. The frankincense tree (Boswellia Sacra) can still be found in Wadi Dawkha, and frankincense is still gathered there. The Wadi drains the north-south Mountains seasonally, disappearing into the Rub al Khali desert in the ‘Empty Quarter.’ Under the severe heat of this region, trees flourish in the alluvial bed of the Wadi. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Baleed and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. It exhibits the historical and archaeological heritage also the exceptional maritime tradition of the region. Al Baleed site opens Sun -Thu 08:30 – 20:00 and Fri – Sat 15:00 – 20:00. After visiting the historical site, lunch in a local restaurant, and Continue to Khor Rori Creek, the site of the ruined city Sumhuram, and the capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Sumhuram Museum / Archaeological Park is one of the components of the Land of Frankincense considered by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the ancient city of Khor Rori, where the frankincense and copper trade flourished. Continue to drive to Wadi Dawka (UNESCO World Heritage site), also known as the “Frankincense trees,” which has the largest collection of naturally grown Frankincense trees in the region. Discover the history of Frankincense as well as its applications in the modern world. Proceed to the “The Lost City of Ubar” (UNESCO World Heritage site), one of the ancient sites in the Dhofar region where archaeologists using remote sensing equipment discovered the city’s remains in 1992. Ubar is thought to have been inhabited from approximately 2800 B.C. to approximately 300 A.D. and was an important trading center for frankincense before being buried in the rising dunes. At the site, there is a small museum displaying archaeological discoveries. The bleak, arid desert of Rub al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, stretches from the mountain’s foothills to an enormous sandy plain that covers the majority of the area. The area is well-known for its archaeological sites. Enjoy the exciting and thrilling driving tactics in the fine sand of the Arabian Desert in Rub al Khali. Take in a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. End of the trip.

• Highlights: Al Baleed Archaeological site & Museum of the Frankincense Land | Sumhuram (Khor Rori) | Wadi Dawka & Frankincense trees | Ubar