Muscat, Oman

Muscat is the capital of Oman. The Governorate consists of six wilayats: Muscat, Muttrah, Bowshar, A'Seeb, Al Amerat and Quriyat. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity of the strategic Straits of Hormuz.

Muscat is distinguished by the presence of citadels, forts, towers, walls, gates and historical houses. The city has numerous mosques including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Ruwi Mosque and Zawawi Mosque. There are also a number of museums of interest in Muscat, including the Museum of Omani Heritage and the National Museum of Oman.

Things to See & Do

* City walls
* Historical houses
* Al Mirani Fort
* The Museum of Omani Heritage
* Kalbou Beach Park

General Information

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - Rial (OMR)
Language - Arabic
Land Area - 1,500 km²
Population - 734,700 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT plus four hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 968

Port Location - The port is located in Muttrah in the north-eastern periphery of the city.

Travel Links - Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport are the two main airports in Oman. Muscat International Airport around 25 km (16 mi) from the city's business district of Ruwi and 15 to 20 km from the main residential localities.

The Oman Ferries Company maintains the two diesel-powered, high-speed, car ferries - Shinas and Hormouz. The ferries are used for travel between Muscat and Khasab. Khasab is strategically located in Musandam on the southern tip of the Strait of Hormuz and is controlled by Oman. Mainland Oman is separated by a small strip of UAE territory from Musandam.