The Governorate of Buraimi

The Governorate of Buraimi was established under Royal Decree No. 108/2006, issued on 15th October 2006. It has been accorded priority status under the Seventh Five-year Plan (2006-2010) for development programmes in a range of fields, including roads, electricity and other services, as well as a project to upgrade its existing industrial estate.

Buraimi’s importance stems from its strategic location in the north west of the Sultanate. Historically, because of its height above sea level and its abundant water supplies from wadis and aflaj (irrigation channels), it became an important station on a major trade route as well as a significant producer of wheat, dates and other fruit. It remains an important trading center.

Khandaq Fort, Buraimi governorate. Sometimes known as the Trench Fort because a 3 meter deep ditch once surrounded it

There are several forts and castles in Buraimi, including al Khandaq, al Hillah, Bait al Nadd and al Khabib. It has 3 wilayats – Buraimi, Mahdha and al Sinainah. The latter, previously a niyabat (sub-wilayat) became a wilayat under Royal Decree No. 107/2006, issued on 15th October 2006. According to 2007 estimates, the Governorate of Buraimi has a population of 97,974.