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Governorate
of Muscat
Overview
Muscat is the heart of the Sultanate,
the political and administrative
hub of the nation, providing its
main source of economy, tourism
and commercial activities.
Sayyed Hamad bin Said Al-Busaidi
took Muscat as Oman's capital from
Rustaq between 1779–1792, and this
has never since been contested.
Today, under the wise leadership
of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin
Said, 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.
Muscat was known as the "Governorate
of the Capital" from 1960–1970,
before it was declared in 1988 as
the Governorate of Muscat, uniting
Wilayats of Muscat, Muttrah, Bausher,
Seeb, Qurayyat and Al-Amerat.
The Governorate which is the most
populated in the Sultanate, confines
between Gulf of Oman and Eastern
Hajar mountains, bordering Al-Batinah
and Al-Dakhiliyah to the West and
Al-Sharqiyah to the South.
Muscat Governorate is home to many
luxury hotels, upmarket restaurants
and a multitude of service companies,
in addition to an array of magnificent
beaches and breathtaking creeks
such as Qurum Beach, Al-Jissah,
Yitti, Al-Khairan and Al-Bustan.
A number of forts, museums and traditional
Souqs are popular attractions not
to be missed.
Muscat
The Wilayat of Muscat which was
established some 900 years ago,
runs along the Gulf of Oman across
a mountain range, stretching from
Bandar Najih to the village of Sifa
on the borders of Qurayyat.
The Wilayat was once walled, with
three gates that still in existence
to date: Al-Muthai’b, Al-Bab Al-Kabeer
and Al-Bab Al-Sagheir, and is connected
to the sea by its famous harbour,
spectacularly entrenched into a
naturally formed U-shaped bay, between
two mountains to the East and West.
On the top of each mountain stands
a formidable fort dating back to
the Portuguese era flanking the
old harbour known as the Twin Forts:
Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani, which currently
watch over the much revered Al-Alam
Palace.
Muscat has long been a favoured
destination for the explorers and
the sailors but indomitable to pirates
and mercenaries. Prior to the construction
of road network, the most widely
used mode of transport was by sea.
The Twin Forts, in conjunction with
the veritable defences of the Fort
of Muttrah and a host of fortified
structures and watchtowers along
the rocky ridges of the bay, made
Muscat virtually impregnable.
Muttrah
The Great Wilayat of Muttrah comprises
The Capital Area, City of Muttrah;
the twin city of Muscat and Ruwi;
the Business Centre of the Govenrorate.
The Wilayat is home to Oman's ancient
and busiest trading port and its
modern counterpart; Sultan Qaboos
Port. Its veteran inhabitants are
highly skilled in both trade and
money exchange.
Muttrah is distinguished by the
country’s most prominent traditional
Souq; Muttrah Souq or Souq Al-Dhalam,
which extends along the seafront
to Soor (wall) Al-Lawatiah; a group
of closely adjoined houses built
five centuries ago, embellished
with spectacular antique arabesque
works. The wall's main gates open
into stone alleys leading into houses
and ancient neighbourhoods. Aside
from Soor Al-lawatiah, Muttrah was
surrounded by a number of walls,
such as Soor Ruwi, which is believed
to be Muscat's first access gate
on the northern interior side.
The city of Muttrah is noted for
its wide beaches, where a plethora
of fishing vessels cast anchor.
The cornice offers a safe and visually
pleasing ambiance for joggers and
pedestrians alike, along the local
shore, between the fish market and
Muttrah Fort, firmly topping a high
mountain on the eastern side of
the city, overlooking the peripheral
zones and the harbour.
Yet another option for inhabitants
and visitors to the area are the
beautifully maintained parks of
Riyam, with its stunning sea view
backdrop, and Kalboo.
Boushar
The Wilayat of Bousher is situated
southwest of Muttrah between the
Gulf of Oman to the North and the
boundaries of Al-Dakhiliyah Region
to the South, where farming constitutes
the main source of income for local
residents. The abundance of aflaj
contributes to the variety of agricultural
produce, such as citrus fruits and
palm trees.
A modern day masterpiece, the Sultan
Qaboos Grand Mosque stands proud
as one of the eye catching splendours
of the Wilayat, alongside other
notable landmarks including Sultan
Qaboos Sports Complex and Qurum
Natural Park.
A number of distinctive shopping
malls, cafes and beaches adorn this
area, with Qurum Beach beaing the
most popular, along which several
luxurious hotels were established
such as Muscat-InterContinental,
Muscat Grand Hayat and Chedi-Muscat.
Archaeological findings indicated
that Boushar has a history dating
back to 2000 BC, with such ancient
monuments as Al-Bait Al-Kabeer (The
Manor House) or the Home of Al-Sayyedah
Thuraya, Al-Fateh Fort, Pigeon Towers,
the old Souq and Al-Najjar mosque,
built in the 13th century (H).
As-Seeb
The Wilayat of Seeb occupies a narrow
strip of coastline along the Gulf
of Oman for a distance of 50 Km.
Seeb is famous for its artistic
monuments stationed on the large
highway roundabouts, with Burj Al-Sahwah
being the most popular, symbolising
the dawn of modern renaissance.
In addition, the Wilayat boasts
a number of significant and vital
establishments such as Seeb International
Airport, Sultan Qaboos Univeristy
and Rusayal Industrial Estate.
More recently, the prestigious Wave
Integrated Tourism Complex has made
its home along the coastal road;
a luxurious seafront development.
Next to the Wave project, lies Seeb
Beach Park which is connected to
city centre via the coastal road.
Many fishermen can be spotted in
this area catching and selling fish.
About 20 Kms away is Naseem Public
Park facing the Dymaniyyat isles.
Several historical sites can be
found in the Wilayat including the
renowned Al-Khodh Fort and the towers
of Jifnin, Rusail, A- Kharas and
Al-Saleel, along with Wadi Al-Haya.
Qurayyat
Representing the Eastern gate of
the Governorate of Muscat, Qurayat
is characterised by its lengthy,
undulating coastline, extending
from the village of Sifah along
the periphery of Muscat to the village
of Fins at the farthermost South
East boundaries of the Al-Sharqiyah
Region.
The Wilayat boasts a verity of natural
beauty spots, both on the coast
and inland. Bimma, Fans and Dhabbab
are some of the pristine sandy beaches
to visit. The journey into Wadi
Dayqah starts from Qurayyat. Every
variety of date palm grown in the
Sultanate is found in Qurayyat,
together with groves of mango, papayas,
citrus fruits and guavas.
Qurayyat is famed for its numerous
villages, the most noted of which
is Al-Mazare'a, distinguished by
the continuous flow of water running
through the area, making it a must
see tourist attraction all year
round. Another equally renowned
village is that of Hail Al-Ghaf,
noted for its Mango groves and an
assortment of Palm trees, all thanks
to the 52 aflaj scattered throughout
the Wilayat.
Archaeological discoveries suggested
that the first settlers arrived
in Qurayyat before the emergence
of Islam in Oman. Many of its inhabitants
retain traditional customs, and
pursue ancient crafts such as blacksmithing,
saddle-work, boat building, camel
rearing and repairing firearms.
The Wilayat incorporates a number
of landmarks, the most notable are
Qurayyat Fort, Wadi Dayqah, Wadi
Al-Arabeen and Qurayyat Lake Park.
Al-Amirat
The Wilayat of Al-Amirat is located
at approximately the centre of the
Governorate of Muscat.
Al-Amirat is of great significance
to the economy of the Sultanate,
stemming from its rich lead deposits
and the red ochre quarry.
The Wilayat features a number of
attractions worth visiting, such
as Wadi Sireen, Wadi Al-Meeh, Ghar
Hadhadha Cave, and Jabal Saqif.
Date plantations and mango groves
are grown in Al-Amirat and watered
by the 61 aflaj. Local livelihoods
include goat herding, weaving and
red ochre quarrying.
Construction of a major highway
linking the Wilayats of Al- Amirat
and Boushar is underway, which will
serve to ease traffic flow within
the Governorate of Muscat and reduce
traffic congestion overall.
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