Time Zone |
Asia/Muscat |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+4 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Time Zone |
Africa/Niamey |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Qalhat is an ancient city in the Eastern Province of Oman, about 200 kilometers south of the capital, Muscat, on the coastal plain between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The historic city was an important hub of the Indian Ocean trade in the Middle Ages, reaching its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries as a key point on the "Spice Route" linking Arabia, India and China. The city's famous Maqam of Bibi Maryam, an outstanding example of 13th century Persian architecture, bears witness to the splendor of Qalghat. Today, this quiet town still retains its traditional Omani architecture, with its winding lanes and ancient houses telling the story of a thousand years of civilization, making it a must-visit destination for exploring Oman's history and culture.
Diffa, the capital of the Diffa region in southeastern Niger, is located on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and shares a border with Nigeria, making it one of the most important border cities in Niger. The city is located in the lower Niger River basin around the climate of the tropical desert climate, hot and dry throughout the year, the average annual precipitation is less than 300 millimeters. The economy is based on agriculture and animal husbandry, and the surrounding areas are rich in millet, sorghum and livestock. Diffa, as a regional trade center, undertakes the function of cross-border trade with neighboring countries, such as Nigeria, and is especially famous for the trade of livestock, agricultural products and handicrafts. The city is culturally diverse, with Hausa, Tuareg and Kanuri ethnic groups living in the area, and is unique in its crafts such as traditional leather weaving and silversmithing. Despite infrastructural challenges, Diffa remains an important economic and cultural node in the south-east of the Niger, thanks to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.