Sur

From Halal Explorer

Dhow Sur Oman - Dhow with Al Ayjah watchtower

Sur is a city in Central Coastal Oman, best known for its dhow shipyards.

Sur Halal Travel Guide

Sur was founded in the 6th century CE as a trading port and has a long history of ship building, continuing to the present day. In addition to being an interesting destination in its own right, it makes a good base for day trips to Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Ras al-Jinz.

{{Climate|

|janhigh = 26.3 |janlow = 17.7 |janprecip = 11 |febhigh = 28.4 |feblow = 18.9 |febprecip = 9.8 |marhigh = 31.7 |marlow = 21.7 |marprecip = 17.2 |aprhigh = 36.5 |aprlow = 25.7 |aprprecip = 7.7 |mayhigh = 41.3 |maylow = 29.8 |mayprecip = 1.7 |junhigh = 41.7 |junlow = 30.7 |junprecip = 13.4 |julhigh = 40.5 |jullow = 29.5 |julprecip = 3.2 |aughigh = 38.9 |auglow = 27.8 |augprecip = 2.5 |sephigh = 38.4 |seplow = 26.9 |sepprecip = 0 |octhigh = 35.7 |octlow = 25 |octprecip = 1.7 |novhigh = 31.1 |novlow = 21.3 |novprecip = 3.3 |dechigh = 27.7 |declow = 18.8 |decprecip = 10.9 |description=Source: Sur,_Oman#Climate|Wikipedia

Read

  • Tim Severin, The Sindbad Voyage. In 1980 Severin and a crew of Omanis – including several from Sur – sailed in a traditional dhow from Muscat to Guangzhou, China, in an effort to recreate the legendary voyages of Sindbad. The dhow was built in Sur by Omani and Indian shipwrights using completely traditional materials and techniques, described at length by the author.

Travel to Sur

22.57011|59.52985

There is no airport in Sur. Although one was in the works several years ago and the project has since been abandoned due to the expected increased frequency of cyclones.

Sur is a 2.5-hour drive south of Muscat, off of Highway 17. A taxi from the Rusayl Roundabout will cost about RO 25 (shared RO 5). Microbuses cost RO 3 and travel inland via Highway 23, passing Ibra.

  • Mwasalat - ONTC | 22.568252, 59.525001 near Sur Souq ☎ +968 25 540019 - Runs daily buses to and from Muscat (4 hrs 15 min) along Highway 23 via Ibra.

Get Around

There is no public transportation in Sur beside taxis, which charge 150 Bzs for any ride within Sur.

What to see in Sur

Sur-Dhow yard (8) - Dhow shipyard Sur, Oman (9) - Sunaysilah Fort Sur-Fish market (3) - Fish market

  • Dhow shipyard - 22.561787, 59.536869 near the suspension bridge to Al Ayjah - Sur-Dhow yard (7).JPG - Sur is where authentic dhows are still built in the traditional fashion. NOTE: the local residents don't call them "dhows" but rather safeena (ship) or suh-fin (ships). If you say "dhow," they'll be perplexed.
  • Fatih Al-Khair - Dhow Museum - 22.561178, 59.531199 - Sur-Dhow (2).JPG - If you are an enthusiast of hand-made wooden boats and ships, this is definitely worth a visit. Several old dhows are on display and the largest of which is the Fatih Al-Khair, built in Sur 150 years ago and now beautifully restored.
  • Sunaysilah Fort - Sinaysla Fort - 22.579402, 59.504065 off of Hwy 23 near Roundabout 3 - Sur, Oman (9) - Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday 8:30am-2:30pm 500 Bzs If the "natour" (guardian) isn't there, just walk up to the fort itself and he'll see you, come sell you a ticket and then sit in the entrance hall while you look around the displays. It is feasible to climb all four towers which offer great views of the town. Don't expect much in the way of history or signs.
  • Bilad Sur Fort - Bilad Sur Castle - 22.55393, 59.488766 off of Hwy 23 near Roundabout 1 - Built 200 years ago and the fortress is closed for renovation.
  • Al Hamooda Fort - Al Ayjah Fort - 22.565176, 59.543165 Al Ayjah Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday 8:30am-2:30pm 500 Bzs
  • Al Ayjah Lighthouse - 22.56902, 59.539685 Al Ayjah - Lighthouse - Al Ayjah, Sur, Oman Built by the Portuguese and now fully restored, this building offers good views of Sur.
  • Al Ayjah Watchtowers - 22.565151, 59.539905 Al Ayjah - Sur, Oman (4).jpg


  • Fish market - Fish souq - 22.567672, 59.52187 - Sur-Fish market (3) - Opening Hours: Daily in the morning Visitors can watch fishermen unload and sell the catch of the day.
  • Corniche - boardwalk - 22.569872, 59.531815 - Corniche Sur Oman - A pleasant seaside promenade.

What to Do

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sur

  • Souq - 22.569708, 59.523914 - Visitors may find the souq disappointing, as it is filled with everyday Chinese-made goods and Indian-made khangars (daggers).
  • Dhow models - in a shed at the shipyard Opening Hours: Erratic opening hours Dhow models of various sizes, made by the shipwrights, are for sale.

Halal Restaurants in Sur

Sur has several decent restaurants but no five-star menus.

  • Bawadi Al Ayga - in the souq, near Nadi Sur Sports Club - Indian restaurant. A lot of the local residents know it but everyone knows where Nadi Sur is so just take a taxi there. Prices are low. about RO 1-1.5 for a Vegetarian dish with Rice while anything with Meat, depending on the type, runs from RO 1.3-1.8. They also have "Chinese" food. Friendly staff, largely English speaking from Kerala, very non-intrusive. Male and family sections available.
  • Zaki Restaurant - Hwy 23 22.576019, 59.52143 near the desalination plant ☎ +968 9946 2367 - Indian restaurant, with food about the same quality as Bawadi but slightly more expensive. They also have "Chinese" food. The ambiance is extremely noisy. Staff are friendly, and a couple of them speak English. Many Omanis come here with their families and there is a family section in the back of the restaurant.
  • Sur Beach Hotel Restaurant - Al Murtefeh 22.595177, 59.493943 near the beach - Food is okay, not great and a touch more expensive than Spicy Village.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sur

Sur - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sur, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sur. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sur and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sur. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sur. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSur: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sur.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sur: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sur, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sur.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sur, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sur, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sur and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sur, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sur, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sur without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sur is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sur.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sur is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sur, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sur Media: info@ehalal.io


Muslim Friendly Hotels

  • Al Ayjah Plaza Hotel - Al Ayjah 22.561168, 59.540989 ☎ +968 25 544433 - Sur's newest hotel, with restaurant next door.
  • Sur Beach Hotel - 411 Sur, Sherkiya 22.595776, 59.493214 ☎ +968 25 542031 +968 25 542228 Check-in: 1pm / Check-out: 1pm RO 35+/night
  • Sur Hotel - 22.568361, 59.526484 ☎ +968 25 544856,+968 25 540090 +968 25 543798 Price RO 24+/night - Basic, with free wi-fi and breakfast, within walking distance of the souq and bus stop.
  • Sur Plaza Hotel - Al Aise Street 22.566236, 59.496143 ☎ +968 25 543777 +968 25 542626 Price RO 25+/night - Has wi-fi, pool, and onsite restaurant.

Nearby

  • Wadi Tiwi. A series of villages and hamlets about a 40 minutes taxi ride from Sur (RO 5-6 from the center of Sur). No restaurants, bring a lunch. There's a Thursday morning market where affordable Chinese made kitchen goods can be purchased from Bengalis and Omanis. No restaurant, bring a lunch.
  • Wadi Shab. Right next to Wadi Tiwi, a long wadi, much more spectacular geography than Tiwi and great for a day trip. Bring swimming wear and sandals because the rocks at the bottom of the water are painful on bare feet.
  • Wadi Bani Khalid. Further from Sur than Tiwi and Shab, great spot, tons of tourists; no restaurants, bring a lunch.
  • Old Castle Museum - Al Kamil Waal Wafi 40 min from Sur ☎ +968 25557773 or +968 93200166 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 6PM daily RO 2 (tourist), RO 1 (local residents).200 Bzs (under 18's). An old fort, renovated as a museum. Fourteen thousand artefacts and antiques date back to the 15th century. Accommodates groups (with lunch) on three days notice. Coffee and dates are included after the tour.

News & References Sur


Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Sur

  • Muscat
  • Ibra


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