Rustaq () is a town and Wilayah (District) in Al Batinah Region of northern Oman. The wilayah is in the Western Hajar Mountains, in the south of the Batinah. Rustaq was once the capital of Oman, during the era of Imam Nasir bin Murshid al Ya'arubi. Rustaq Fort, built four centuries prior to the 7th century CE, is an imposing structure built on three levels, containing separate houses, an armoury, a mosque and four towers. The tallest tower stands over high, and has a diameter of .
The Al Hazm Castle is an outstanding example of Omani Islamic architecture and was built in 1711 AD. The fort's roof is built on columns, and contains no wooden supports. Its walls can withstand great impact, at no less than thick at any point.
Rustaq is an area of healing warm springs, the most notable being 'Ain al-Kasafa. Its waters runs at and are regarded as a cure for rheumatism and skin diseases due to its sulphur content.
There are three popular wadis to visit: Wadi Bani Ghafar, Wadi al-Sahtan and Wadi Bani Auf. In addition, the mountains are pitted with caves such as Al Sanaqha Cave with its own subterranean springs. One of the main occupations in Rustaq is beekeeping. Pure Omani honey is a most sought-after commodity and is of the highest quality. Fruits such as pomegranates, apricots, plums and grapes are grown on the foothills of the Akhdar Mountains and brought to Rustaq for sale. There are also historical mosques in Rustaq, including the Al-Bayada Mosque, the Basra Mosque and the Qasra Mosque.
Geography
Rustaq is located amidst the Omani "Hajar Mountains," and the mountains surround the city from all directions except the northern side. This northern side is the direction from which the city opens up to the coastal regions in the Al Batinah area (including Al Masnaah and Al Suwaiq), which is the most active and important vital passage in the region. It is also considered a link connecting the city to the Omani capital, Muscat, which is only 160 km away. Rustaq is also distinguished by its rocky and sandy desert environment in the northeastern direction.
Administrative Division in Rustaq: Al-Hilah: Located to the north of Rustaq Castle and west of Al-Jazeera Sports Team's stadium.
Industrial Area: The industrial area in Rustaq includes various shops and stores for selling car parts, car repair workshops, aluminum shops, and it also hosts activities related to mining, blacksmithing, and lathe work. It contains service facilities like restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores.
Al-Hazm: Situated to the north of Rustaq province, notable landmarks include Al-Hazm Fort and Al-Hazm Sports Team's stadium.
Rustaq Interior, Yaqa', Al-Jazeera, and Bil: Located to the north of Rustaq Castle.
Al-Sarh District: Situated to the west of Rustaq Castle and west of Rustaq province.
Al-Mazahit: Positioned to the north of Rustaq province and to the north of Rustaq Castle.
Jammah: Jammah area is located to the northeast of Rustaq province and northeast of Al-Misfah.
Al-Nahdha.
Al-Murji: Found west of Rustaq Castle and west of Al-Sarh District.
Rustaq: Situated to the north of Rustaq Castle.
Al-Wushail: Located to the north of Rustaq and Rustaq Castle, and to the southwest of Al-Misfah.
Al-Tabaqah.
College of Applied Sciences in Rustaq: Located to the north of Rustaq province in the Al-Wushail area.
Al-Shubaykah: Positioned north of Rustaq, and northwest of Al-Misfah in the south of Al-Hazm.
Al-Ghashb: The area is situated north of Rustaq Castle.
Falaj Al-Shurah: Found to the north of Al-Wushail.
Al-Hawqeen: This area is located to the northwest of Rustaq province, west of Al-Misfah, and to the north of Al-Sarh District.
Administratively
Rustaq is governed today by its own administration, and it is represented by officials in offices affiliated with the province. These include the offices of Al Hawqayn (in the northern part of the province) and Wadi Bani Hani (in the western part of the province). Additionally, the province has two representatives in the Omani Shura Council, who are nominated by the province's residents during the Shura Council elections in the country.
Within the province, there are administrative centers representing various governmental service ministries, including the Primary Court, the General Directorate of Education, and the General Police Directorate. These governmental institutions, along with others, serve the neighboring provinces in the southern part of the Al Batinah region.