Wadi Dayqah Dam

View from the Wadi Dayqah Dam visitor center

Location Coordinates:
23°04'56"N, 58°50'56"E
Wadi Dayqah Dam
Governate of Muscat, Oman

In recent years the Sultanate of Oman has made considerable improvements in their infrastructure and transportation systems. We were able to witness two grand examples of this modernization as we drove eastwardly from the capital city of Muscat along the new Route 17, which is also known as the Muscat-Sur Coastal route. My understanding is that prior to the recent completion of this route the drive from Muscat to Sur was significantly longer time wise, and not without other challenges. But now it is smooth sailing. After negotiating some late-stage construction projects on the

Wadi Dayqah Dam

outskirts of Muscat we sped along the route through some very impressive landscapes, with mountains on one side of the road and, eventually, the Gulf of Oman on the other side. Nearing the town of Quriyat we left the main highway and traveled along a smaller road past herds of wandering goats to the entrance of the Wadi Dayqah Dam, a water supply project completed just within the last few years (2012).

Wadi Dayqah reservoir

In Arabic the word "wadi" refers to a valley, or, a riverbed that is dry, except when it isn't. The "isn't" part is reflective of when rainfall or some other natural or man made event causes water to flow down the watercourse. The Wadi Dayqah Dam was constructed to capture water within the wadi as a means to supply irrigation and drinking water for the local area as well as the city of Muscat.

Grounds overlooking Wadi Dayqah reservoir

One of the most notable things I found during my visit to Oman was how superbly everything was maintained, and Wadi Dayqah Dam provided yet another striking example. True, the dam is new, which may have something to do with that impression. However, I'd be willing to bet that if I visited this place again in twenty years it would look as neat and trimmed as it is now. Just off the parking area is an expansive and nicely landscaped space for taking in the view of the dam's reservoir. You can also stop off at a small restaurant, or seek shelter from the sun at one of the covered benches.

The blue-green color of the water makes for a dramatic contrast to the brown and rugged hills surrounding the reservoir.

Tablets seemingly carved from the stone wall

On one side of the wadi below the dam is an interesting geological feature that sort of looks like two tablets carved and set apart from the stone hillside. On the opposite side is a small village and a palm-filled oasis that I am sure might be a popular place during the really hot months when the temperature routinely climbs to around 120° F (50° C). Thankfully it was only around 80° to 85°F the day we were there.

Village and oasis in the wadi

After seeing the sights outside we found the visitor center. It was a weekday, so the number of visitors was light. In fact, we were the only visitors in the center at the time. After milling about for a few minutes we were approached by a young man sharply dressed in a dishdasha (ankle-length, robe-like garment) and mussar (the formal, or business headdress) worn by Omani men.  He greeted us warmly and asked if he could answer any questions. After answering a couple of our basic questions he was anxious to do more, so he led us on a private mini-tour of the facility, explaining much of the technical aspects of the dam and reservoir. When my wife asked if there was a brochure available in English he seemed genuinely apologetic that there was not. Not willing to let us leave without English language information, he asked us to wait and shortly returned with not one, but two large English hardbound books about the dam from their operational office. These were clearly reference books full of detailed information, and would likely command a hefty price in any gift store in a similar facility. When we attempted to return the books the man refused and said they were our gifts, at no charge. Once again I stood in disbelief at the incredible hospitality of the Omanis. After thanking the man profusely we began making our way toward the exit. The man, along with several of his colleagues, walked with us and thanked us for our visit and encouraged our return visit soon.

Bolstered by yet another example of Omani friendliness and generosity, we hit the road, traveling the same way back to Route 17 and on to our next adventure..