Nizwa was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries. With its deep connection to the root of Islam, Nizwa possesses a number of renowned mosques, such as Sultan Qaboos Jama (Friday mosque), So'al Mosque built in the 2nd century AH (9th century AD), Ash-Shawathinah Mosque in Uqr and Ash-Sharja Mosque. There are also Al-Ain Mosque, Ash-Sheikh Mosque and Shuraij Mosque in Tanuf built in 377 AH (around 1,000 AD).

In the early 1950s the large round tower of the ancient fort built around 400 years ago in the center of the town was bombed and rocketed by the British Royal Air Force who were called in to assist the then reigning Sultan, Said bin Taymour in suppressing a revolt by leaders of the interior Imamate of Oman. The conflict was driven by a struggle for shares in the newly discovered oil wealth.

Nizwa has become a more modern city since 1970 under the reign of Sultan Qaboos. Improvements include connections to Muscat via a two-lane highway which has increased tourism. Communications have been improved to include broadband access and there is a substantial hospital. It is also a hub for education including a Technical College, College of Applied Sciences, a private University, and the Training academy for the Royal Oman Police. Dhakhiliya region (Nizwa) was historically important as many trade routes between the coast and the interior passed through the region. The Sumail Gap is a valley that divides the Eastern and Western Hajars. It is the home of Jabal Akhdar. Also in this region is the the ancient town of Nizwa which was once Oman’s capital and a popular destination for exploring.

The ancient walled city of Bahla is only two hours’ drive away from Muscat, and just 40km from Nizwa. It has a small population of around 60,000, and contains 46 separate villages. While it is not yet on the mainstream tourist map (although efforts are being made to attract more tourists to the area), archaeology buffs and history enthusiasts will find that it is well worth a visit. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited regions in Oman, and archaeologists have found artefacts dating back to the third century BC here. It was historically a strategic stopover on the old trading route from Muscat to other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Apart from the historical buildings and the traditional way of life, Bahla also has a rich and diverse ecology – a balanced mixture of fertile land, mountains, wadis and desert. The productive soil, fed by a continuous supply of water from Jabal Akhdar, has in the past yielded crops of wheat, barley, cotton and sugar cane, and today it is still home to many viable date plantations.