Hidden deep in the high mountains of the Hajar range the wadi Bani Khalid boasts running water throughout the year. Although today the camel has largely been superseded by the Toyota Landcruiser many Bedouin families still ply their ancient trade. The old village of Mudhyrib is an excellent example of the numerous fortified communities that dot the plains south of the mountains. Famed for its seven watch towers, the village market square and surrounding merchant's homes hark back to a time when inter-village feuds were an all to regular feature of life for Omanis in the interior. In the foreground are access steps to the underground water channels that still feed the village and its surrounding fields.
Rug making is one of the ancient crafts of Oman.
Here we see a Bedouin mother from the Wahiba Sands passing on her skill to the next generation. Made from local wool and colored with natural dyes these tradditional rugs make attractive gifts for visitors to Oman.