DHOFAR

also spelled Dhufar, Arabic Zufar, historical region in southern Oman, extending from Cape Ash-Sharbatat on the coast of the Arabian Sea southwestward to the Oman-Yemen border. The region's northern boundary has never been defined, but generally included in the territory is the Wadi Mughshin, located about 150 miles (240 km) inland. To the northeast of Dhofar is a large desert of stony plains and sand dunes that contribute to the region's isolation from northern Oman. The Salalah coastal plain (about 40 miles long and ranging from 1 to 6 miles [1.5 to 9.5 km] wide), facing the Arabian Sea, is considered one of the most beautiful in Arabia, particularly in its southwestern part, because of its monsoon climate and temperate vegetation and bird life; the region has constantly flowing streams, making it Oman's most fertile area. About 10 miles (16 km) inland the rugged al-Qara' Mountains rise to heights of between 3,000 and 4,000 feet (900 and 1,200 m). Farther north the al-Qara' Mountains give way to a pebbly desert, beyond which lies the Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter) of Saudi Arabia. Dhofar is one of the locations suggested for the Ophir of the Bible; the earliest known settlement in the region dates back to the 12th century BC. By the close of the 12th century AD the region was ruled as a tributary of Oman by Ahmad ibn-Mohammad al-Manjawa. In the early 19th century it was governed by Mohammad ibn-Agil al-Ajaibi. In 1965, Ohotari tribesmen, supported by neighbouring Yemen (Aden), rebelled against Sultan Sa'id ibn Taymur's restrictive policies; they were defeated in 1975. Major crops in Dhofar include coconuts, alfalfa, sorghum, bananas, and vegetables. The region is the world's leading source of frankincense. Dhofar is Oman's cattle-raising area, primarily for milk. There are oil fields in the northeast. The coastal town of Salalah, sprawled along a sandy beach, was the permanent residence of the former sultan of Oman. Other major towns, all situated on the plain, include Mirb at, Taqah, Raysut, and Rakhyut. A road from Salalah crosses the al-Qara' Mountains north to Thamril, where a graded road continues northward. The mountain sector is inhabited almost exclusively by the Qara, Sheva, and Mahra peoples; the majority of the peoples on the Salalah plain are Najd and Kathier.