Muscat is the capital of Oman. Known since the second century AD, it is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East and the largest city in the Sultanate of Oman. It is also the largest city in the governorate of Muscat.
Muscat and Oman was affected by unrest erupted out of the death of the Imam in 1679. The Persians then invaded Muscat in 1737. Later in 1803, the Wahabbis of Saudi Arabia who tried to attack Oman were revolted by Sayyid Said bin Sultan.
In 1853, the Sultan shifted the capital of Oman to Zanzibar. Later in 1913, Sultan Taimur bin Faisal who became the Sultan renamed the territory as “Muscat and Oman”. Muscat’s main income comes from trade with exports on dates, mother of pearl, frankincense and fish. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the prime source of economy of Muscat.
Area & Location: Lies at the edge of Arabian peninsula, Muscat is located at 23.61º Latitude North and 58.54º Longitude East. The city covers a total area of 3500 sq. km. The greater metropolitan area of Muscat covers an area of 1500 sq. km. The city has a population of 650,000.
Tourist Attractions: The greenish city attracts the tourists to it with number of public parks and decorated public areas.
Transportation: Seeb International Airport that operates many international as well as domestic flights serves the city. Oman air is the main airlines operated from the airport. The well-maintained roads and dual carriageway links the most major cities and towns in the country. Though there exists no rail or metro in the city, there are many other public transport facility in Muscat. This includes “Baiza” buses and taxis.
Hotels: Muscat hotels that are often occupied by the tourists visiting the city, offers refurbished rooms and lip smacking dishes to its guests. Having parks and gardens inside, they invite tourists who prefer to enjoy outdoors and hold night party. Lovely paintings and wallpapers decorate the walls of these star hotels like The Chedi Muscat, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, InterContinental Al Bustan Palace, Grand Hyatt Muscat, InterContinental Hotel Muscat, Radisson SAS Hotel and Crowne Plaza Muscat.
Places of Attraction: Bahla Fort, one of the four historic fortresses represents the city. The city also offers many eye capturing sites like The Wahiba Sands-a vast mass of undulating sand dunes that rise up to 200m, Jabel Shams, the highest peak in Oman, Rasal Junaiyz -a sanctuary for green turtles, Al Alam Palace-an example of modern Arab architecture, Batinah coast, Fort Jalali and Fort Mirani and Nakhl Fort which was built in the 17th century. Tourists reach the city to view these interesting spots, which help them to know more about the historical and cultural background of the country.
Facts about Oman