The Local Area

More Local Info

• Dhofar
• Salalah
• Khareef Festival
• Taqah
• Khour Rori
• Sumhamram
• Mirbat
• Teiq Cave
• Wadi Darbat
• Ain Razzat
• Ubar

Tours

• Eastern Salalah
• Western Salalah
• City of Salalah
• 'Empty Quarter' Desert
• Safari Salalah

Ubar

In 1992, an American satellite discovered the remains of a city submerged beneath the sands in Shisr, Wilayat of Thumrait, in the Omani section of the Empty Quarter.

Initial speculation indicated that this was the legendary city of Iram Dhat El-Emad, distinguished by its imposing columns and high walls, which is mentioned in the Quran. The site has been subject of much exploration and study by archaeologists who have dated excavated items at around 100 BC.

It has also been ascertained that the City sank under the sands due to what has been deemed a 'light earthquake'. This could be the 'clamour' which is referred to in the Quran.