Шинас: Тарихы мен мәдениеті бар теңіз жағалауы

Shinas (شناص in Arabic), population 53,949, is one of the six coastal Wilayas in Northern Batinah, Oman, near its border with the United Arab Emirates. Shinas has a distinctive collection of traditional buildings, ancient forts, and bustling traditional markets, allowing visitors and cultural enthusiasts to embark on a journey through time. It also offers many water sport activities from sailing and fishing to snorkeling. Shinas has a fertile agricultural plains that testify its irrigation prowess, utilizing the flowing aflajs to produce a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. The Wilaya also has a seafaring legacy much like the other coastal Wilayas in Oman, with thriving trade in fish, livestock, and many fresh produce. At the heart of this maritime heritage lies the port of Shinas, where traditional dhows still sail the waters bringing a rich catch of seafood, destined for the neighboring city's.

Shinas is located in the northernmost part of the plains of Al Batinah region. It is bordered to the north by the United Arab Emirates, overlooking the Sultanate's most important land crossings which are Khatmat Milaha, Al Wajajah, and Umm Al Ghaff. To the south, it is bordered by the Wilayat of Liwa, and to the east lies the Sea of Oman, while to the west is the Wilayat of Mahdah. The area of the Shinas province is approximately , and it is situated approximately away from the Muscat Governorate, needing a 3 hour drive to reach it.

Given the extensive expanse of Shinas province, spanning between lands, coastal beaches, hills, plains, and mountains, with its diverse terrains, important artisanal economic activities have been carried out by the province's residents. One of the most crucial activities is agriculture, taking advantage of the flat lands, plains, and valley plateaus for cultivating various seasonal crops like watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and all types of vegetables. The province has also become renowned for its citrus cultivation, particularly Omani lemons, which were exported to numerous friendly and sister countries, generating lucrative income and financial returns for farmers and traders alike.

The name of Shinas province has long been closely associated with the sea, as it has been a source of income for many of its residents, not only in recent times but also in ancient history. The sea served as their means of transportation between countries and for the movement of goods and necessities, establishing trade relationships with many countries worldwide, particularly Bombay, Zanzibar, Mumbai, Basra, Kuwait, and Malaysia. During that period, mutual trade involved exporting the province's products such as dates, lemons, palm fronds, and handicrafts, while importing woods, dates, kerosene, salt, and spices. Throughout different historical eras, many local traders and their ships gained fame, becoming well known in various countries. The remnants of these ships can still be found on the shores, though only a few traces remain of what once used to sail the vast seas and dock in the region's ports, carrying the sons of this province. While shipbuilding was not among the industries in the province, ship maintenance and the construction of regular boats flourished during that period due to the traders' demand for these industries and the abundance of merchant ships.

The commercial activity in Shinas province is vibrant, promising, and continuously growing day by day. Local establishments play a significant role in stimulating economic activity in the province, as various commercial stores are abundant. Additionally, the province hosts branches of several banks operating in the country, such as Oman International Bank, National Bank of Oman, Bank Muscat, Bank Dhofar, and Bank Sohar.

Israr Bani Saad, Sur Al Abri, Mirayr Al Matareesh, Mirar Al Daramikah,Bu Baqarah, Khadrawayn, Al Bulaydah, A' Sayfiyyah, Aswad, Tameet, Ajeeb, Al Aqr, Al Omani, Al Tareef, Al Widyat, Sur Al Baloosh, Sur Al Mazarei, Al Marrah, Sur Bani Khuzaymah, and other towns and villages.

Shinas province has several ports and airports, some of which are no longer operational, while others continue to function to this day. Examples of Shinas' ports and airports include:

Also known as Faridat Abu Bakrah, this small port is located in the village of Abu Bakrah in the northern part of Shinas province. It operated until the late 1970s.

Situated in the Sur Al Balush area, south of the center of the province, this port ceased operation in the early 1970s.

Located near the coast in the center of the province, Shinas Airport features a large runway for aircraft. It is said that this airport was used by the Allied forces to facilitate their movements and refuel during a specific period.

Shinas College of Technology is located in the state of Shinas in Al Batinah Province; it is about 69 km away from the city of Sohar, Oman. It is one of the seven technical colleges affiliated to the Ministry of Manpower. The College is a public institution that meets the needs of higher education for Omani youth and offers programs leading to obtaining the diploma, advanced diploma and bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology and business studies. The College has three academic departments: Engineering, Information Technology and Business Studies, where the Engineering Department offers three programs: Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering up to bachelor's levels, while the IT Department offers specializations in databases, Internet, electronic security, networks and programs up to bachelor's levels, and the Business studies offer three programs and the disciplines currently offered are accounting and human resources up to undergraduate and marketing levels up to the advanced diploma.