List of wadis of Oman facts for kids
A wadi (say "WAH-dee") is like a riverbed that is usually dry. But when it rains a lot, especially during heavy storms, these wadis can quickly fill up with water and become fast-flowing rivers! In Oman, wadis are a really important part of the landscape. They help carry water across the dry land and often create beautiful green oases where plants and animals can thrive. People in Oman also rely on wadis for water, especially for farming.
This article lists the main wadis in Oman, grouped by where their water eventually flows.
Contents
Where Wadis Flow in Oman
Oman is a country with diverse landscapes, from mountains to deserts and long coastlines. Because of this, its wadis drain into different large bodies of water or vast desert areas. Understanding where these wadis flow helps us see how water moves across the country and supports life in various regions.
Wadis Flowing into the Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman is a body of water that connects to the Arabian Sea. Many wadis from the northern mountains of Oman flow towards this gulf. After heavy rains, these wadis carry water down from the mountains, sometimes creating stunning waterfalls and pools before reaching the sea. These areas are often popular spots for hiking and enjoying nature.
- Wadi Hatta
- Wadi Abd ar Rahman
- Wādī Banī ‘Umar al Gharbī
- Wadi Suq
- Wadi Jizzi
- Wadi Sarami
- Wadi al Hawasinah
- Wadi al Abyad
- Wadi Samail
- Wadi Mayh
- Wadi Mijlas
- Wadi Dayqah
- Wadi Hawir
- Wadi al Arabiyin
- Wadi Bimmah
- Wadi Fins
- Wadi Shab
- Wadi Tiwi
- Wadi Hilm
- Wadi Rafsah
Wadis Flowing into the Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea borders Oman's southern coast. Wadis in this region, especially those in the Dhofar Governorate, are influenced by the annual monsoon season known as the khareef. During the khareef, the landscape turns green and lush, and many wadis flow strongly, creating a unique environment compared to the rest of the year.
- Wadi al Batha (Oman) (Batha River)
- Wadi Bani Khalid (This wadi joins the Wadi al Batha, meaning its water flows into the larger Batha River.)
- Wadi Andam
- Wadi Matam
- Wadi al Ithli
- Wadi Mahram
- Wadi Matam
- Wadi Halfayn
- Wadi Quiam
- Wadi Tarban
- Wadi Qilfah
- Wadi Gharm
- Wadi Haytam
- Wadi Ghadun (Arabian Sea)
- Wadi Watif
- Wadi Aynayn (Aynina River)
Wadis Flowing into the Rub' al Khali Desert
The Rub' al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, is one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Some wadis in Oman flow inland towards this vast desert. Instead of reaching a sea, their water usually sinks into the sand or evaporates. These wadis are crucial for the desert's limited plant and animal life, providing rare pockets of moisture.
- Wadi Dhank
- Wadi Khuwaybah
- Umm al Samim (This is a large salt flat where many wadis end.)
- Wadi al Ayn
- Wadi Rafash
- Wadi Aswad
- Wadi Umayri
- Wadi Haniyah
- Wadi Ghul
- Wadi Musallim
- Wadi al Ayn
- Wadi Majhul
- Wadi Bin Khawtar
- Wadi Arah
- Wadi Qitbit
- Wadi Jazal
- Wadi Maharib
- Wadi Umm al Hayt (Wadi Hayta)
- Wadi Dawkah
- Wadi Ghadun (Rub' al Khali)
- Wadi Aydim
- Wadi al Madi
- Wadi Stum
- Wadi al Madi
- Wadi Shihan
- Nukhdat Fasad
- Wadi Mitan
See also
- List of wadis of the United Arab Emirates
- List of wadis of Yemen