Tomb of Nabi Ayoub

The shrine of Nabi Ayoub stands in the hills above Salalah at around a thousand metres, a small white building enclosing a long grave venerated as that of the prophet Job, a figure honoured in Islam, Judaism and Christianity, though several places across the Middle East claim the burial and the tradition here is local rather than documented. A mosque adjoins it. The site is visited by pilgrims year round and by large numbers of domestic visitors during the khareef, when the monsoon turns these hills green and the road up is thick with traffic. A footprint in rock nearby is shown as the prophet's. The drive up gives views over the coastal plain and Salalah.

What to look for

• The shrine building - the white structure over the long grave.
• The mosque - the prayer hall adjoining the tomb.
• The rock footprint - the mark shown to visitors near the shrine.
• The Jebel Qara - the hills and the view down to the coastal plain.

When to go

July to September during the khareef, when the hills are green and misty, is the most striking time and also the busiest. October to April is clear and quiet. Fridays and religious holidays bring more pilgrims.

Practical notes

Modest dress is required and shoes are removed; women may be asked to cover. Khareef traffic on the mountain road is heavy and parking difficult. The building is small and the visit brief. Mist during khareef often removes the view entirely.

Nearby

Salalah lies below on the plain; Ayn Razat is east.