Nizwa is located in the heart of Oman about 165 km from Muscat the Capital City. Driving is about an hour and a half; the road passes through many Wilayats like Bidbid, Samail, and Izki. Nizwa is an ancient city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of northern Oman and is one of the oldest cities in Oman. It was once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Set amid a verdant spread of date palms, it is strategically located at the crossroads of routes linking the interior with Muscat and the lower reaches of Dhofar thus serving as the link for a large part of the country. Today, Nizwa is a diverse prosperous place with numerous agricultural, historical and recreational aspects. Nizwa is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. The population is estimated at around 700,000 people including the two areas of Burkat Al Mooz and Al Jebel Al Akhdar. Marked by a grand new double-arched gateway, the town forms a natural access point for the historic sites of Bahla and Jabrin, and for excursions up the mountain roads to Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams. Nizwa is now the second-biggest tourist destination in Oman. It was named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2013. The city is known for date cultivation, the most highly prized varieties of which are khalas and khumaizi.