Muscat
Muscat is the heart of the Sultanate, the political and administrative hub of the nation, the center of tourism and commercial activities. It was known as the ‘Governorate of the Capital’ from 1960–1970, before it was dubbed in 1988 the ‘Governorate of Muscat’, uniting the Wilayats of Muscat, Muttrah, Bausher, Seeb, Qurayat and Al-Amerat.
The Governorate, which is the most populous in the Sultanate, is situated between the Sea of Oman and the Eastern Hajar mountains, with Al-Batinah and Al-Dakhiliyah to the west and Al-Sharqiyah to the south.
Since the late eighteenth century Muscat has been the uncontested capital of Oman. Today, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Greater Muscat has renewed beyond recognition, but has never lost its pride in its heritage and culture. The capital area is a prime example of intelligent and aesthetic development, amalgamating modernity with tradition.
Modern Muscat is home to a range of luxury hotels, up market restaurants and a multitude of service companies. Among its attractions are a number of magnificent beaches and breathtaking creeks such as Qurum Beach, Al-Jissah, Yitti, Al-Khairan and Al-Bustan. Several restored forts, folk museums and traditional souqs are popular attractions not to be missed.
General Information
| Area | 309,500 Km2. |
| Population (February 2019) | 4.679 Million. |
| Language | Arabic (official), English (widely spoken), German & French (most hotel staff). |
| Capital | City of Muscat. |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Fishery, Agriculture. |
| Local Time | GMT +4. |
| Currency | Omani Rial (OMR), which equates to USD 2.58. |
| Business Hours | Government: 07:30 - 14:30. |
| Private Sector | 08:00 - 13:00 then 16:00 to 19:00. |
| Shopping Hours | 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 24:00. |
| Electricity | 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles. |
| Weather | - Winter: cool & pleasant
- Summer: hot & humid
* Hottest months are June through August. |
