What geographic features make up northern Oman?

Northern Oman is defined by three primary physiographic zones that shape its landscape:1

• Al-Bāṭinah Coastal Plain: A long, narrow plain that stretches along the Gulf of Oman.1
• Al-Ḥajar Mountains: A high, rugged mountain range that runs parallel to the coast, extending from the Musandam Peninsula southeastward to Cape al-Ḥadd. This range includes the country’s highest point, Mount Shams, and is divided into western and eastern sections by the Wadi Samāʾil. The northernmost tip of the range, known as the Ruʾūs al-Jibāl, occupies the Musandam Peninsula, which is characterized by deeply incised inlets and steep cliffs.123
• Inland Plateau: Located southwest of the mountains, this area transitions into the Rubʿ al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert.1

Beyond these major zones, the region includes various unofficial areas such as the central foothills (Al-Jaww), the semidesert plains of Al-Ẓāhirah, and the sandy plains of Al-Sharqiyyah.1