Liwa is a province (wilayat) in Al Batinah Region of Oman. It lies north of Sohar and has a lively market place where local produce and fresh fish are sold. Liwa is approximately 277 kilometers from the capital Muscat and the second state way from UAE north border.

Etymology

Liwa in Arabic derives from the word for "swirl," and the province was allegedly named Liwa because the fronds of palm trees swirled around its central fort.

History

Liwa is home to many historical landmarks, especially forts. Liwa Fort is located on a hill in the middle of the province, and contains five towers and a small castle in the middle known as Al-Qasaba. Historically, this fort was regarded as the center of Liwa province, and the headquarters of the mayor and local administration. Fazah Castle which was built during the 19th-century reign of Said bin Sultan, and the castle was built to manage and lead the village of Fazah, as well as provide storage for ammunition, weapons, and dried food.