Close-up of a brown and white speckled cow with one eye closed, focusing on the face and ear.

Bulls of Batina in Oman

Bulls of Batina in Oman

Written by: Philip Eichkorn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

The Batina plain in the Sultanate of Oman is a 250 km long coastal section in the north of Oman. The region borders the Emirate of Fujairah to the north and the Governorate of Muscat to the south. The Batina plain is the agricultural center of Oman, as citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes grow here. Additionally, it is the second most populous region of the country with about 1.2 million inhabitants. Together with the adjacent capital region of Muscat, approximately 3.7 million people live here. The regional capital is Sohar, known for its beautiful mosque and deep-sea port.

Al-Batina is well known for its bullfights. However, these are different from what one might think. In bullfights, as known from Spain, it is a bloody contest between human and animal. In Oman, on the other hand, two similarly strong bulls compete against each other. The fight is bloodless and ends when one bull manages to push the other away with its horns.

The capital of bullfighting in Oman is Barka. There is even a specially built stadium for this purpose. It is also possible for tourists to attend such an event. However, it is difficult to plan such a visit, as the event dates are only announced shortly beforehand and usually take place on Fridays. But once you are there, you can experience Oman and its people up close. The audience mainly consists of male Omanis who like to dress nicely for this event and present their polished khanjar dagger. Thus, the bullfights in Oman are more about social status than prize money.Bulls of Batina in Oman - Canvas Club Oman präsentieren. Bei den Stierkämpfen in Oman geht es somit mehr um das gesellschaftliche Ansehen als um Preisgelder.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A barren desert landscape with distant mountains under a clear sky.

Ancient times

1 min read

Already in the third century, the eastern Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by the Umm an-Nar culture, whose territory extended from present-day UAE to the northern part of Oman. Important trading partners for this early culture were the Sumerians as well as the Indus Valley culture in present-day Pakistan. The land was then referred to as Magan and was limited to the present northern part of the sultanate. Little is known about the organization of this culture, aside from a mention by Naram-Sin of Akkad (2200 BC) about a victory over King Manium of Magan. Due to the existing copper deposits in...

A quiet, sandy beach with mountains in the background under a clear sky.

Best time of travel

8 min read

Oman is a country of striking contrasts, where breathtaking deserts, fertile oases, and dramatic coastlines come together. But when is the best time to explore this fascinating destination? Oman’s climate varies significantly by region and season, with each period offering its own highlights and experiences. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous desert safari, or the unique natural phenomenon of the Khareef monsoon, careful planning will help you make the most of Oman year-round. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Oman’s climate, the ideal tra...

People shopping at an indoor seafood market with long refrigerated display counters.

International Trade

2 min read

Oman's foreign trade in the first half of the last century was limited exclusively to agricultural products. Oman’s top exports early on were dates and regionally produced vegetables, fish, and frankincense resins. Trade during this time was primarily a domestic affair, with virtually no exchange with other states. Even rice, a staple of Omani food, was imported. Other types of goods were rarely imported nor considered necessary. There were no major trading ports in Oman, no serviceable airports, no infrastructure, and no modern communications technology. Oman was a dead country economically, ...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!