Ibra, the gateway to the Sharqiya Region, enjoyed great prosperity during Oman’s colonial period as the aristocratic locals set sail for Zanzibar and sent money home for plantations and luxury residences, still in evidence in the old quarter of town. The tradition of farming is continued today, with rich plots producing vegetables, bananas, mangos and, of course, dates. A watchtower punctuates the top of each surrounding hill, indicating the prior importance of the town – an importance it is beginning to enjoy again with the arrival of a university and large regional hospital. Ibra makes a pleasant stop-off for those heading to Sharqiya Sands.