Al Wusta region (pop. 52,344) sits in the middle of the country, between Dhofar to the south and Adh-Dhahira, Ad-Dakhliya, and Ash-Sharqiya to the north. Al Wusta (الوسطى) means "central" in Arabic. The regional capital is Haima, situated along the main highway running north to south. This area is sparsely populated but contains the majority of Oman's oil and gas reserves and a new industrial port at Duqm. It is also home to the nomadic Harasi people, with their own distinct language (Harsusi). 

The ‘Jiddat Al–Harasis’ stone desert covers the majority of the land here, but there is surprising ecological diversity. There are over 130 different species of birds, including migratory birds from as far away as Europe. The Barr Al Hikman peninsula is especially known for visiting flocks of flamingos. Further inland, the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was established to protect this native breed of antelope that lives in the desert areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Other animals that can be found at the sanctuary include Nubian ibex, Arabian wolves, and Arabian gazelle. Truly, there is life in this seemingly desolate wasteland— may this be true spiritually as well!

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.” (Isaiah 43:19-20) May the people of Al Wusta receive Your streams of living water!

• There has been very limited Gospel witness in this area. Pray for open doors for jobs and visas for believers to be able to live in this area.
• Pray for focused outreach to the Harsusi people. Pray for translation projects and cultural understanding, to be able to present the Message clearly and understandably.

Worship with us!: Streams in the Wasteland by Freedom Church Worship. Let Your streams flow in Al-Wusta!

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Shah Aun, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 473

Shaqfinut, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 441

As-San, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 415

Hiyam, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 400

Shahab, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 371

Nujar Aqid, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 347

Aybut 2, Salalah district, Dhofar region. Population: 331