Oman - Ras al Had Turtle Reserve and the Heritage Site of Ras al Jinz

"Ras al Had Turtle Reserve is situated at South al Sharqiyya Governorate (East of Oman), Wilayat Sur (see the attached map) and was designated as a nature reserve on 23/4/1996. It covers an area of 120 square kilometres of beaches, coastal lands, seabed and two Khaurs or lagoons (Khaur al Hajar and Khaur Jarama). It extends for 45 km along the coast from khaur Jarama in the north to the village of Ras Ruwais in the south. It is rocky in some parts, but has several steep sandy beaches, where, at certain times of the year, thousands of Green Turtles come to nest.

Within the reserve there are some archaeological sites of historical importance, requiring special investigation with the aim of protection and use of these sites for sustainable tourism. Khaurs (the mouths of wadis which flood occasionally) and rocky highlands along the beaches of the reserve provide important habitat for birds. Khaur Jarama supports scattered mangrove bushes which, along with the coral reefs in the area, provide breeding grounds for fish. All these fragile resources are sensitive to human interference and require protection.

Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List


Green turtles leaving the their nesting beaches of Ras Al-Had. Thanks to Cresalde for mailing from Oman.