Oman Mountains

The Al-Ḥajar mountain range, also known as the Oman Mountains, is located in northern Oman and stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. This range includes the Ruʾūs al-Jibāl, Al-Ḥajar al-Gharbī (Western Hajar), and Al-Ḥajar al-Sharqī (Eastern Hajar). The highest peak is Mount Shams, reaching 9,777 feet (2,980 meters).1

Geologically, the mountains are formed from superimposed sheets called nappes, including slices of ocean floor from the Cretaceous Period. The range is drained by numerous wadis and supports wildlife such as leopards and the Arabian tahr. While generally arid, Jabal Al-Akhḍar receives more rainfall, allowing for some vegetation like date palms and fruit trees. The inhabitants are primarily Ibāḍī Muslims. The formation of these mountains is linked to the Arabian plate moving northeastward and accumulating oceanic crust.12