Mirbāṭ

Mirbat stands on the Dhofar coast between the Arabian Sea and the steep heights of Jebel Samhan. Medieval writers knew it as a port associated with merchants from Siraf and the trade of southern Arabia. Frankincense from the region and horses were among the goods sent through its harbour; accounts also mention pearls and ambergris. One explanation of the town's name connects it with a place where horses were tethered. Its position gave merchants access to the products of Dhofar and to ships crossing the Indian Ocean.