Muscat is the heart of the Sultanate, the political and administrative hub of the nation, the centre 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 Gulf 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 improved 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.

Explore Khasab

Khasab is the administrative hub of Musandam and is the most northerly wilayat, 480 km from Muscat. It overlooks the Arabian Gulf in the north-west and the Gulf of Oman in the east. The landscape is dramatic, with towering, craggy cliffs and a fjord-like coastline. The City of Khasab at the heart of the Wilayat has been modernised with essential amenities such as roads, squares, parks and hotels.

The wilayat comprises a number of attractions, with Khasab Fort, dating back to the era of Al Bu-Said, being the most prominent. There are also a number of towers: Al-Siba; Kabas Al-Kasr; and the tower of Said Bin Ahmad Al-Malik which is the remains of what was once a colossal fort.

In the Harat Al-Kumzari, around the back of Khasab Fort to the east, are the plantations and seasonal homes of the Kumzari tribe. Further east is the souq, with busy shops selling many items found elsewhere in Oman together with local pottery and Musandam's distinctive axe or Jirz.

The bustling port of Khasab is vibrant with commercial activity, including a number of tourist cruise operators. The principal occupation in Khasab is fishing, followed by animal husbandry and agriculture. The area is fertile and many fruit and vegetable crops are grown here. Khasab is rapidly evolving into a tourist hotspot. Diving in the area is well known for its challenges. Mountain safaris are popular, as are the dhow cruises to the nearby fjords.