Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn: Oman's Third-Millennium BC Tombs

Heritage · History, heritage and archaeology · Ad Dhahirah, Oman · 2 min read · Researched guide · Last updated 2026-10-23

In short: The archaeological sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn in Ad Dhahirah date to the Hafit period, the third millennium BC, and were inscribed by UNESCO in 1988. Bat has about 100 graves and circular buildings, Al-Khutm preserves a stone tower, and Al-Ayn is the best-preserved necropolis.

Quick facts

What survives

• Bat: a necropolis with circular buildings about 20 m across and no outside openings; their purpose is unknown.
• Al-Khutm: ruins with a rock tower about 20 m across, 2 km west of Bat, thought to be a stone fort.
• Al-Ayn: a small necropolis, the best preserved of the three.

Fragility

The sites were not restored before UNESCO protection, isolation was their main safeguard, and locals have removed building material in the past. Do not climb, move or remove stones.

Visiting

Access details were not found, so confirm with the ministry and a local guide. For how to read ancient claims see interpreting historical claims.

What could not be verified

UNESCO listings, opening hours, fees, permits and trail grades were taken from encyclopaedic and press sources and were not checked against Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Confirm everything with the ministry or a licensed local guide before you go.

Check before you go

This is a researched guide, not legal, medical or safety advice. UAE rules, permits, fees, opening hours and closures change and can differ by emirate, so confirm with the official tourism authority, municipality or police before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

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Rules, closures, fees and conditions change. Confirm with the relevant authority before you travel, and treat this guide as planning help, not a substitute for local advice.