Ad Duqm, Sultanate Oman 

It is located in the south eastern corner of Al Wusta, neighbouring the Wilayat of Mahut in the north, the Wilayat of Jazur in the south, the Wilayat of Haima in the west and in the east the Arabian Sea. There are more than 4,276 inhabitants living in about 23 villages.

Despite the preference of the people of Duqm to emigrate north, to the Wilayats of the Dakhaliya, during the period they call "the Flood" the weather in the Wilayat of Duqm during the 3 months from June to September is wonderful summer weather. There is no need to use air conditioning during this period. This unique weather is very like the autumn season in Dhofar. There are a number of beaches on the Arabian Sea. The wonderful beaches of Duqm are characterized by their cleanness, the blueness of the unpolluted water, the purity of the soft sand and the winds which have a tendency to be cool. There is the beach of Al Shu'ir, which is about 20 kilometres from the centre of the Wilayat. Scattered about are the empty houses of the fishermen which await the return of their families from the north. Another beach is called the "tourist camps" by the people who arrive by car from the neighbouring Gulf countries, coming from the Wilayat of Ibri in Al Dahira to spend some time among their brother Omanis in the agreeable weather of this Governorate, which being triangular in shape thrusts into the waters of the Arabian Sea with beaches on all sides. Ras Madruka beach is about 80 kilometres from the centre of the Wilayat.

In addition there are some areas which have natural scenery and rare geological formations making an artistic tableau drawn by skillful fingertips able to embody dreams. The Ashtaan area is a vast low area covered with green trees and surrounded by Rocky Mountains. It is about 20 km from the centre of the Wilayat of Duqm in the direction of Sanaw.

The most outstanding wadis of Duqm are Wadi Naqaw, Wadi Al Dabak and Wadi Saai which is about 2 kilometres from the centre of the Wilayat on the paved road to Sanaw in the Sharqiya.

The unique climate in the Wilayats of Al Wusta and its subsidiary areas is obvious when going from the Wilayat of Haima towards Wadi Jalouni, where Jiddat Al Harasis is located. Here the temperature rises remarkably during the summer months, however, on arrival at the Al 'Ajaaiz region which begins at the Wilayat of Duqm, the temperature drops accompanied by a cold wind and it remains thus until the Dhahira Governorate. It continues low during the descent from that raised area to the centre of the coastal Wilayat which is a few kilometres from Dhahar.

The beaches of the Wilayat of Duqm are characterized by caves which were previously used as a refuge from the rains and various climatic fluctuations.