View source for Muscat

{{short description|Capital and largest city of Oman}}
{{about|the capital of Oman|the grape|Muscat (grape)|other uses}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Muscat
| native_name        = {{lang|ar|مَسْقَط}}
| native_name_lang   = ar
| settlement_type    = [[Capital city]] and [[List of cities in Oman|Metropolis]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/1
|border = infobox
|total_width = 300
|image1 = Nábřeží Matry.jpg
|caption1 = [[Muttrah]]
|image2 = Al_Alam_Palace.jpg
|caption2 = [[Al Alam Palace]]
|image3 = Sultan_Qaboos_Grand_Mosque_RB.jpg
|caption3 = [[Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque]]
|image4 = Sultan Qaboos Street in Muscat 2019-11-30.jpg
|caption4 = [[N5 road (Oman)|Sultan Qaboos Street]]
|image5 = Old Muscat City View, Muscat, Oman3.jpg
|caption5 = [[Old Muscat]]

}}
| image_shield       = 
| image_blank_emblem = Emblem of Muscat.png
| image_flag         = 
| blank_emblem_type  = Emblem
| nickname           = The Pearl of Arabia<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ncusar.org/blog/2016/05/oman-pearl-of-arabia/ |title=Oman, the Pearl of Arabia |date=3 May 2016 |access-date=2023-04-13 |archive-date=2023-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413220056/https://ncusar.org/blog/2016/05/oman-pearl-of-arabia/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
| motto              = 
| image_map          = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = Oman#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Muscat in [[Oman]]
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|23|35|20|N|58|24|30|E|region:OM|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|Oman}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Governorates of Oman|Governorate]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Muscat Governorate]]
| government_type    = [[Absolute monarchy]]
| leader_title       = [[Sultan of Oman|Sultan]]
| leader_name        = [[Haitham bin Tariq Al Said]]
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_land_km2      = 3500
| area_metro_km2     = 3797
| population_as_of   = 2023
| population_density_km2 = 491
| population_density_sq_mi = 
| population         = 1,720,000 (urban area)<ref name="National Centre for Statistics and Information"/><br />
31,409 (Old Muscat Wilayat)<ref name="National Centre for Statistics and Information">{{cite web|url=https://data.gov.om/OMPOP2016/population|title=Population|author=National Centre for Statistics and Information|access-date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=April 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423172856/https://data.gov.om/OMPOP2016/population|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_metro   = 1,720,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=OMAN|title=UNdata - country profile - Oman|access-date=2016-06-30|archive-date=2018-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126184914/http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Oman|url-status=live}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|http://www.mm.gov.om/Default.aspx|mm.gov.om}}
| footnotes          = 
| utc_offset         = +04:00
| timezone           = [[Gulf Standard Time|GST]]
| name               = 
}}
'''Muscat''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|ʌ|s|k|æ|t|,_|ˈ|m|ʌ|s|k|ə|t}} {{respell|MUSK|at|,_-|ət}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|ˈ|m|ʌ|s|k|ɑː|t}} {{respell|-|aht}}; {{langx|ar|مَسْقَط|Masqaṭ}}, {{IPA|ar|ˈmasqatˤ|pron|audio=Muscat-ar.wav}}) is the [[Capital (political)|capital]] and most populous city in [[Oman]]. It is the seat of the [[Muscat (governorate)|Governorate of Muscat]]. According to the [[National Centre for Statistics and Information]] (NCSI), the population of the Muscat Governorate in 2022 was 1.72 million.<ref name="ncsi.gov.om">{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsi.gov.om/News/Pages/NewsCT_20150628133452428.aspx|title=The population of the Sultanate by the end of May 2015|access-date=2015-07-05|archive-date=2017-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804014554/https://www.ncsi.gov.om/News/Pages/NewsCT_20150628133452428.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The metropolitan area includes six [[Provinces of Oman|province]]s, called {{Transliteration|ar|[[wilayat]]}}, and spans approximately {{convert|3500|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=الدراسات الاجتماعية|publisher=Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman}}</ref> Known since the early 1st century CE as a leading port for trade between the [[Western world|west]] and the [[Eastern world|east]], Muscat was ruled successively by various indigenous tribes, as well as by foreign powers such as the [[Sassanid Empire|Persian]]s, the [[Portuguese Empire]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]]. In the 18th century, Muscat was a regional military power: its influence extended as far as [[East Africa]] and [[Zanzibar]]. As an important port town in the [[Gulf of Oman]], Muscat attracted foreign traders and settlers such as the Persians, the [[Baloch people|Baloch]]s and the [[Sindhis]]. Beginning in 1970, after the accession of [[Qaboos bin Said]] as the [[Sultan]] of Oman, Muscat experienced rapid infrastructural development; it developed a vibrant economy and became a multi-ethnic society. The [[Globalization and World Cities Research Network]] classifies Muscat as a Beta-level [[Global City]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The World According to GaWC 2020 |url=https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |website=GaWC - Research Network |publisher=Globalization and World Cities |access-date=31 August 2020 |archive-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824031341/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/gawc/world2020t.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Hajar Mountains]] dominate the view from Muscat. The city lies on the [[Arabian Sea]], along the Gulf of Oman, near the strategically important [[Straits of Hormuz]]. Low-lying white buildings are a typical feature of its architecture. The city's [[Mina Qaboos|port district]] of [[Muttrah]], with its [[corniche]] and harbour, are at the north-eastern edge of the city. Muscat's economy is dominated by trade, petroleum, liquified natural gas and porting.{{cn|date=July 2025}}

==Toponymy==
[[Ptolemy]]'s ''Map of Arabia'' identifies the territories of ''Cryptus Portus''<ref name="Foster 1844, p.231">Forster (1844), p.231.</ref> and ''Moscha Portus''.<ref>Forster (1844), p.241.</ref> Scholars are divided in opinion on which of the two is related to the city of ''Muscat''. Similarly, [[Arrian]]us references ''Omana'' and ''Moscha'' in ''Voyage of Nearchus''. Interpretations of Arrianus' work by [[William Vincent (priest)|William Vincent]] and [[Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d'Anville]] conclude that ''Omana'' was a reference to ''Oman'', while ''Moscha'' referred to ''Muscat''.<ref>Forster (1844), p.173.</ref> Similarly, other scholars identify [[Pliny the Elder]]'s reference to ''Amithoscuta'' to be ''Muscat''.<ref name="Foster 1844, p.231"/>

The origin of the word ''Muscat'' is disputed. Some authors claim that the word has [[Arabic language|Arabic]] origins &ndash; from ''moscha'', meaning an ''inflated hide'' or ''skin''.<ref>Forster (1844), Vol.2, p.174</ref> Other authors claim that the name ''Muscat'' means ''[[Anchorage (shipping)|anchorage]]'' or ''the place of "letting fall the anchor"''.<ref>Miles (1997), p.468.</ref> Other derivations include ''muscat'' from [[Old Persian]], meaning ''strong-scented'',<ref>Hailman (2006), p.49.</ref> or from [[Arabic language|Arabic]], meaning ''falling-place'',<ref>Philips (1966), p.4.</ref> or ''hidden''.<ref>Room (2003), p.246.</ref> ''Cryptus Portus'' is synonymous with Oman ("hidden land"). But "Ov-man" (Omman), and the old Sumerian name ''Magan (Maa-kan)'', means sea-people in Arabic. An inhabitant is a ''Muscatter'', ''Muscatian'', ''Muscatite'' or ''Muscatan''. In 1793 AD the capital was transferred from [[Rustaq]] to Muscat.

==History==
{{For timeline}}
Evidence of communal activity in the area around Muscat dates back to the 6th millennium BC in Ras al-Hamra, where burial sites of fishermen have been found. The graves appear to be well formed and indicate the existence of burial rituals. South of Muscat, remnants of [[Harappa]]n pottery indicate some level of contact with the [[Indus Valley civilisation]].<ref>Rice (1994), p.255-256</ref> Muscat's notability as a port was acknowledged as early as the 1st century AD by the [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] geographer [[Ptolemy]], who referred to it as ''Cryptus Portus'' (the ''Hidden Port''), and by [[Pliny the Elder]], who called it ''Amithoscuta''.<ref>Forster (1844), p.234.</ref>

The port fell to a [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanid]] invasion in the 3rd century AD, under the rule of [[Shapur I]],<ref>Potter (2002), p.41.</ref> while conversion to Islam occurred during the 7th century. Muscat's importance as a trading port continued to grow in the centuries that followed, under the influence of the [[Azd|Azd dynasty]], a local tribe. The establishment of the First [[Imamate]] in the 9th century was the first step in consolidating disparate Omani tribal factions under the banner of an [[Ibadi]] state. However, tribal skirmishes continued, allowing the [[Abbasid]]s of [[Baghdad]] to conquer Oman. The Abbasids occupied the region until the 11th century, when they were driven out by the local Yahmad tribe. Power over Oman shifted from the Yahmad tribe to the [[Azd]]i Nabahinah clan, during whose rule, the people of coastal ports such as Muscat prospered from maritime trade and close alliances with the [[Indian subcontinent]], at the cost of the alienation of the people of the interior of Oman. The [[Portuguese empire|Portuguese]] admiral [[Afonso de Albuquerque]] sailed to Muscat in 1507, in an attempt to establish trade relations. As he approached the harbour, his ships were fired on. He then decided to conquer Muscat. Most of the city burned to the ground during and after the fighting.
[[File:MASCATE António Bocarro.png|thumb|upright=1.15|Muscat (Mascate) Portuguese Fortress in the 17th century. António Bocarro Book of Fortress.]] The Portuguese maintained a hold on Muscat for over a century, despite challenges from [[Persia]] and a bombardment of the town by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]] in 1546.<ref>Miles (1997), p.167</ref> The Turks twice captured Muscat from the Portuguese, in the [[Capture of Muscat (1552)]] and 1581–88. The election of [[Nasir bin Murshid|Nasir bin Murshid Al-Ya'rubi]] as Imam of Oman in 1624 changed the balance of power again in the region, from the Persians and the Portuguese to local Omanis. Among the most important castles and forts in Muscat, the [[Al Jalali Fort]] and the [[Al-Mirani Fort]] are the most prominent buildings left by the Portuguese. On August 16, 1648, the Imam dispatched an army to Muscat, which captured and demolished the high towers of the Portuguese, weakening their grip over the town. Decisively, in 1650, a small but determined body of the Imam's troops attacked the port at night, forcing an eventual Portuguese surrender on January 23, 1650.<ref>Miles (1997), p. 196.</ref> A civil war and repeated incursions by the Persian king [[Nader Shah]] in the 18th century destabilised the region, and further strained relations between the interior and Muscat. This power vacuum in Oman led to the emergence of the [[Al Bu Sa'id Dynasty|Al Bu Sa‘id dynasty]], which has ruled Oman ever since.<ref>Miles (1997), p.256.</ref>

{{quote box
| width = 23em|"Muscat is a large and very populous town, flanked on both sides with high mountains and the front is close to the water's edge; behind, towards the interior, there is a plain as large as the square of Lisbon, all covered with salt pans. [T]here are orchards, gardens, and palm groves with wells for watering them by means of swipes and other engines. The harbour is small, shaped like a horse-shoe and sheltered from every wind."|—[[Afonso de Albuquerque]], after the fall of Muscat, in 1507.<ref name="Miles 1997, p.147">Miles (1997), p.147.</ref>
}}

Muscat's naval and military supremacy was re-established in the 19th century by [[Said bin Sultan]], who signed a treaty with U.S. President [[Andrew Jackson]]'s representative [[Edmund Roberts (diplomat)|Edmund Roberts]] on September 21, 1833.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Cotheal |first=Alexander I. |date=1854 |title=Treaty between the United States of America and the Sultân of Masḳaṭ: The Arabic Text |journal=[[Journal of the American Oriental Society]] |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/592284 |volume=4 |pages=341, 343–356; here: 341–343 |format=free |jstor=592284 |access-date=2020-09-27 |archive-date=2020-08-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828021312/https://www.jstor.org/stable/592284 |url-status=live }}</ref> Having gained control over [[Zanzibar]], in 1840 Said moved his capital to [[Stone Town]], the ancient quarter of [[Zanzibar City]]; however, after his death in 1856, control over Zanzibar was lost when it became an independent sultanate under his sixth son, [[Majid bin Said]] (1834/5–1870), while the third son, [[Thuwaini bin Said]], became the Sultan of Oman.
[[File:The Persian problem; an examination of the rival positions of Russia and Great Britain in Persia, with some account of the Persian gulf and the Bagdad railway (1903) (14577292147) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.7|A view of Muscat, ca. 1902]]

By the 19th century, a large Hindu merchant community in the port city dominated its commercial life. It is argued that their settlement at least since the fifteenth century; one of the reasons is that the Portuguese relied heavily on them to secure a trade monopoly in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf area. The [[Sindhis]] were amongst the first during this era, followed by the [[Kutchi people|Kutchis]]. The merchant community played an important role in expelling the Europeans in 1650. They were not affected by civil war that established the [[Al Bu Sa'id Dynasty|Al Bu Sa‘id dynasty]] and continued to prosper under [[Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi]]. Important trade existed between the city and [[Thatta]], and later, [[Kutch district|Kutch]], expanding to other parts of India.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Allen |first=Calvin H. |date=1981 |title=The Indian merchant community of Masqaṭ |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0041977X00104392/type/journal_article |journal=Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies |language=en |volume=44 |issue=1 |pages=39–53 |doi=10.1017/S0041977X00104392 |issn=0041-977X|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
[[File:Muscat harbor.jpg|thumb|left|Muscat harbour, ca. 1903. Visible in the background is [[Fort Al Jalali]].]]
During the second half of the 19th century, the fortunes of the Al Bu Sa‘id declined and friction with the Imams of the interior resurfaced. Muscat and [[Muttrah]] were attacked by tribes from the interior in 1895 and again in 1915.<ref>JE Peterson's Britannica entry (1990), p.6.</ref> A tentative ceasefire was brokered by the [[British East India|British]], which gave the interior more autonomy. However, conflicts among the disparate tribes of the interior, and with the Sultan of [[Muscat and Oman]] continued into the 1950s, and eventually escalated into the [[Dhofar Rebellion]] (1962). The rebellion forced the Sultan [[Said bin Taimur]] to seek the assistance of the British in quelling the uprisings from the interior. The failed assassination attempt of April 26, 1966 on Said bin Taimur led to the further isolation of the Sultan, who had moved his residence from Muscat to [[Salalah]], amidst the civilian armed conflict. On July 23, 1970, [[Qaboos bin Said]], son of the Sultan, staged a bloodless<ref>Long (2007), p.188.</ref> ''[[coup d'état]]'' in the Salalah palace with the assistance of the British, and took over as ruler.
[[File:WH1-Effo080a.jpg|thumb|Muscat harbour during [[World War I]]]]
With the assistance of the British, Qaboos bin Said put an end to the Dhofar uprising and consolidated disparate tribal territories. He renamed the country the ''[[Sultanate of Oman]]'' (called ''Muscat and Oman'' hitherto), in an attempt to end to the interior's isolation from Muscat. Qaboos enlisted the services of capable Omanis to fill positions in his new government,<ref>Middle East Policy (2004), p.126.</ref> drawing from such corporations as [[Petroleum Development Oman]]. New ministries for social services such as health and education were established. The construction of [[Mina Qaboos]], a new port conceived initially by Sa‘id bin Taimur, was developed during the early days of Qaboos' rule. Similarly, a [[Muscat International Airport|new international airport]] was developed in Muscat's [[Seeb]] district. A complex of offices, warehouses, shops and homes transformed the old village of [[Ruwi]] in Muttrah into a commercial district.<ref>Middle East Policy (2004), p.128</ref> The first five-year development plan in 1976 emphasised infrastructural development of Muscat, which provided new opportunities for trade and tourism in the 1980s–1990s, attracting migrants from around the region. On June 6, 2007, [[Cyclone Gonu]] hit Muscat causing extensive damage to property, infrastructure and commercial activity.

Early photographs of the city and harbour, taken in the early 20th century by German explorer and photographer, [[Hermann Burchardt]], are now held at the [[Ethnological Museum of Berlin]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ansicht der Stadt & Stadtmauer von der Landseite|publisher=Staatliche Museen zu Berlin|website=Ethnologisches Museum|url=https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/626045|access-date=2023-03-11|language=de|archive-date=2023-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311162729/https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/626045|url-status=live}}{{pb}}{{Cite web
|language=de
|title=Tor nach der Landseite hin
|publisher=Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
|website=Ethnologisches Museum
|url=https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/626041
|access-date=2023-05-31
|archive-date=2023-05-31
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531143823/https://recherche.smb.museum/detail/626041
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

==Geography and geology==
[[File:Road towards Qantab, Muscat.jpg|thumb|Muscat's rugged terrain, with plutonic [[Central Hajar Mountains]] dotting the landscape]]
[[File:Muscat SPOT 1089.jpg|thumb|Muscat by SPOT Satellite]]

Muscat is located in northeast Oman. The [[Tropic of Cancer]] passes south of the area. It is bordered to its west by the plains of the [[Al Batinah Region]] and to its east by [[Ash Sharqiyah Region (Oman)|Ash Sharqiyah Region]]. The interior plains of [[Ad Dakhiliyah Region]] border Muscat to the south, while the [[Gulf of Oman]] forms the northern and western periphery of the city. The water along the coast of Muscat runs deep, forming two natural [[harbour]]s, in [[Muttrah]] and Muscat. The [[Central Hajar Mountains]]<ref name="OmanTourism">{{cite web |title=Mountains in Oman |url=http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot/tourism/oman/home/experiences/nature/mountains |publisher=Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman |access-date=2020-02-06 |archive-date=2011-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715202249/http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot/tourism/oman/home/experiences/nature/mountains |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="BradtOman2010">{{cite book |last=Darke |first=Diane |author-link=Diana Darke |title=Oman: The Brad Travel Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J6QKSXYG5tYC&q=oldest+mosque+oman+sumail&pg=PA189 |publisher=[[Bradt Travel Guides]] |year=2010 |access-date=15 March 2015 |isbn=9781841623320 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630150558/https://books.google.com/books?id=J6QKSXYG5tYC&q=oldest+mosque+oman+sumail&pg=PA189 |url-status=live }}</ref> run through the northern coastline of the city.

[[Volcanic rock]]s, predominantly serpentinite and [[diorite]] are apparent in the Muscat area and extend along the Gulf of Oman coast for ten or twelve {{convert|16|km|mi}} from the district of Darsait to Yiti.<ref>Miles (1997), p. 399.</ref> [[Pluton]]ic rocks constitute the hills and mountains of Muscat and span approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} from Darsait to Ras Jissah. These [[igneous rock]]s consists of [[serpentinite]], [[Greenschist|greenstone]], and [[basalt]], typical of rocks in southeastern regions of the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. South of Muscat, the volcanic rock strata are broken up and distorted, rising to a maximum height of {{convert|6000|ft|m}} in [[Ad Dakhiliyah Region|Al-Dakhiliyah]], a region which includes [[Jebel Akhdar (Oman)|Jebel Akhdar]], the country's highest range. The hills in Muscat are mostly devoid of vegetation but are rich in [[iron]].{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

The [[halophytic]] ''[[sabkha]]'' type desert vegetation is predominant in Muscat.<ref>Ghazanfar (1998), p. 80.</ref> The [[Qurum]] Nature Reserve contains plants such as the ''Arthrocnemum Macrostachyum'' and ''[[halophyte|Halopeplis Perfoliata]]''. [[Coral reef]]s are common in Muscat. ''[[Acropora]]'' reefs exist in the sheltered bays of the satellite towns of Jussah and Khairan.<ref>Salm (1993), p. 52</ref> Additionally, smaller ''[[Porites]]'' reef colonies exist in Khairan, which have fused to form a flat-top pavement that is visible at low tide. [[Crab]]s and [[crayfish|spiny crayfish]] are found in the waters of the Muscat area, as are [[sardine]]s and [[bonito]].<ref>Miles (1997), p. 410.</ref> [[Asiatic glassfish|Glassfish]] are common in freshwater [[estuary|estuaries]], such as the Qurum Nature Reserve.<ref>Barth (2002), p. 292.</ref>

The [[N5 road (Oman)|Sultan Qaboos Street]] forms the main artery of Muscat, running west-to-east through the city. The street eventually becomes Al Nahdah Street near Al Wattayah. Several inter-city roads such as Nizwa Road and Al Amrat Road, intersect with Al Sultan Qaboos Road (in Rusail and [[Ruwi]], respectively). [[Muttrah]], with the Muscat Harbour, [[Corniche]], and [[Mina Qaboos]], is located in the north-eastern coastline of the city, adjacent to the Gulf of Oman. Other coastal districts of Muscat include [[Darsait]], [[Mina Al Fahal]], Ras Al Hamar, [[Al Qurum]] Heights, Al Khuwair, and [[Seeb, Oman|Al Seeb]]. Residential and commercial districts further inland include [[Al Hamriyah]], [[Wadi Kabir|Al Wadi Al Kabir]], [[Ruwi]], Al Wattayah, [[Madinat Qaboos]], Al Azaiba and [[Al Ghubra]].

===Climate===
{{Main|Climate of Muscat}}

Muscat features a hot, [[arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh'') with long, sweltering summers and warm winters. Annual [[rainfall]] in Muscat is about {{convert|10|cm|in|0|disp=or}}, falling mostly from December to April. In general, precipitation is scarce in Muscat, with the months May to November typically receiving only a trace of rainfall. However, in recent years, heavy precipitation events from tropical systems originating in the Arabian Sea have struck the city. [[Cyclone Gonu]] in June 2007 and [[Cyclone Phet]] in June 2010 affected the city with damaging winds and rainfall amounts exceeding {{convert|100|mm|in|0|disp=or}} in just a single day. The climate generally is very hot and also very humid in the summer, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as {{convert|45|°C|°F|disp=or}}.

{{Weather box|width=auto
| location = Muscat ([[Muscat International Airport]]) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1961–1990)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| collapsed = yes
| Jan record high C = 34.6
| Feb record high C = 38.2
| Mar record high C = 41.5
| Apr record high C = 44.9
| May record high C = 48.3
| Jun record high C = 48.5
| Jul record high C = 49.1
| Aug record high C = 49.2
| Sep record high C = 47.2
| Oct record high C = 43.6
| Nov record high C = 39.4
| Dec record high C = 37.8
| Jan high C = 25.1
| Feb high C = 26.3
| Mar high C = 29.4
| Apr high C = 34.6
| May high C = 39.5
| Jun high C = 39.4
| Jul high C = 37.3
| Aug high C = 35.9
| Sep high C = 35.5
| Oct high C = 34.6
| Nov high C = 29.9
| Dec high C = 26.6
| Jan mean C = 21.1
| Feb mean C = 22.2
| Mar mean C = 24.9
| Apr mean C = 29.5
| May mean C = 34.2
| Jun mean C = 34.8
| Jul mean C = 33.2
| Aug mean C = 31.6
| Sep mean C = 30.8
| Oct mean C = 29.4
| Nov mean C = 25.7
| Dec mean C = 22.5
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C = 16.7
| Feb low C = 17.8
| Mar low C = 20.3
| Apr low C = 24.7
| May low C = 29.1
| Jun low C = 30.4
| Jul low C = 30.0
| Aug low C = 28.4
| Sep low C = 27.1
| Oct low C = 24.7
| Nov low C = 21.0
| Dec low C = 17.9
| Jan record low C = 1.6
| Feb record low C = 2.3
| Mar record low C = 7.0
| Apr record low C = 10.3
| May record low C = 17.2
| Jun record low C = 21.6
| Jul record low C = 23.5
| Aug record low C = 21.3
| Sep record low C = 19.0
| Oct record low C = 14.3
| Nov record low C = 9.4
| Dec record low C = 4.5
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 14.3
| Feb precipitation mm = 6.5
| Mar precipitation mm = 11.5
| Apr precipitation mm = 11.4
| May precipitation mm = 2.5
| Jun precipitation mm = 7.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 1.7
| Aug precipitation mm = 0.7
| Sep precipitation mm = 0.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 0.9
| Nov precipitation mm = 6.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 9.8
| Jan humidity = 63
| Feb humidity = 64
| Mar humidity = 58
| Apr humidity = 45
| May humidity = 42
| Jun humidity = 49
| Jul humidity = 60
| Aug humidity = 67
| Sep humidity = 63
| Oct humidity = 55
| Nov humidity = 60
| Dec humidity = 65
| Jan sun = 268.6
| Feb sun = 244.8
| Mar sun = 278.3
| Apr sun = 292.5
| May sun = 347.4
| Jun sun = 325.7
| Jul sun = 277.7
| Aug sun = 278.6
| Sep sun = 303.9
| Oct sun = 316.9
| Nov sun = 291.9
| Dec sun = 267.0
| source 1 = NOAA (humidity and sun 1991–1960)<ref name=NOAA>{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://dossier.ogp.noaa.gov/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/OM/41256.TXT |server=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |url-status=dead |title=Seeb Climate Normals 1961–1990 |access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref><ref name="WMONormals">{{cite web |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Oman/CSV/Muscat_Int_41256.csv |title=World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=January 4, 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = Starlings Roost Weather<ref>{{cite web |url=http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/worldclimate/graphs.php?climate=9120&code=41256
|title= MUSCAT INT'L AIRPORT Climate: 1991–2020
|publisher=Starlings Roost Weather
|access-date= 25 December 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Economy==
[[File:Land Rover and Extreme Sailing Series™ enjoy thrill of Stadium Racing in Muscat (13346080234).jpg|thumb|Offshore Sailing in Muscat]]

Muscat's economy, like that of Oman, is dominated by trade. The more traditional exports of the city included [[Date (fruit)|dates]], [[mother of pearl]], and fish. Many of the [[souk]]s of Muttrah sell these items and traditional [[Omani]] artefacts. [[Petroleum Development Oman]] has been central to Muscat's economy since at least 1962 and is the country's second largest employer, after the government. Its major shareholders include [[Shell plc|Shell]], Total, and Partex and its production is estimated to be about {{convert|720000|oilbbl/d|m3/d}}. Muscat also has major trading companies such as the Suhail Bahwan Group, which is a trading partner for corporations such as [[Toshiba]], [[Subaru]], [[Seiko]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]], [[RAK Ceramics]]; Saud Bahwan Group whose trading partners are [[Toyota]], [[Daihatsu]], KIA and [[Hertz Rent-a-Car]]; Zubair Automotive whose trading partners include [[Mitsubishi]], and [[Chrysler]] brands such as Dodge; and [[Moosa AbdulRahman Hassan]] which operates as one of the oldest automotive agencies in the entire region having been established in 1927.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} The private Health Care sector of Muscat, Oman has numerous hospitals and clinics.

The [[Muscat Securities Market]] is the principal stock exchange of Oman. It is located in Central Business District of Muscat and it was established in 1988, and has since distinguished itself as a pioneer among its regional peers in terms of transparency and disclosure regulations and requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) – Arab Federation of Capital Markets |url=https://arab-exchanges.org/member/muscat-securities-market-msm/ |access-date=2022-09-13 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913195907/https://arab-exchanges.org/member/muscat-securities-market-msm/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Ruwi quarter in Mascat, Oman.jpg|thumb|Ruwi, the main business district of Muscat]]
Mina'a Sultan Qaboos, Muscat's main trading port, is a trading hub between the [[Persian Gulf]], the [[Indian subcontinent]] and the Far East with an annual volume of about 1.6 million tons. However, the emergence of the [[Jebel Ali Free Zone]] in neighboring [[Dubai]], [[United Arab Emirates]], has made that port the premier maritime trading port of the region with about 44 million tons traded in cargo annually. Many infrastructural facilities are owned and operated by the government of Oman. [[Omantel]] is the major telecommunications organization in Oman and provides local, long-distance and international dialing facilities and operates as the country's only [[Internet Service Provider|ISP]]. Recent liberalization of the mobile telephone market has seen the establishment of a second provider, [[Ooredoo]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}

Muscat is home to multibillion-dollar conglomerate CK Industries with their headquarters located in [[Ruwi]].<ref name="amtek.ae">{{cite web |url=http://amtek.ae/about.html |title=Amtek |publisher=Amtek.ae |access-date=2014-02-18 |archive-date=2013-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113205259/http://www.amtek.ae/about.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Ajman]] based Amtek Industries also have a couple of offices around the city.<ref name="amtek.ae" /> It is also home to Galfar Engineering,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://galfar.com/contact |title=Contact |publisher=Galfar.com |access-date=2014-02-18 |archive-date=2014-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207064055/http://galfar.com/contact |url-status=dead }}</ref> headed by P. Mohammed Ali.

The airline [[Oman Air]] has its head office on the grounds of [[Muscat International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omanair.com/wy/about-us/global-offices |title=Contact Us |publisher=Omanair.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120074026/http://www.omanair.com/wy/about-us/global-offices |archive-date=2012-11-20 }}</ref>

==Demographics==
According to the 2003 [[census]] conducted by the Oman Ministry of National Economy, the population of Muscat is over 630,000, which included 370,000 males and 260,000 females.<ref name="Oman Census 2003, p.6">Oman Census (2003), p.6.</ref> Muscat formed the second largest governorate in the country, after [[Al Batinah Region|Al Batinah]], accounting for 27% of the total population of Oman. As of 2003, [[Omani]]s constituted 60% of the total population of Muscat, while expatriates accounted for about 40%.<ref>Oman Census (2003), p.9.</ref> The [[population density]] of the city was 162.1 per km{{sup|2}}.{{Citation needed|date=October 2014}}
[[File:Shangri La resort in Muscat.jpg|thumb|218x218px|Shangri la in Muscat]]
The governorate of Muscat comprises six {{Transliteration|ar|[[wilayat]]}}: [[Muttrah]], Bawshar, [[Seeb]], Al Amrat, Muscat and [[Qurayyat, Oman|Qurayyat]]. Seeb, located in the western section of the governorate, was the most populous (with over 220,000 residents), while Muttrah had the highest number of expatriates (with over 100,000).<ref name="Oman Census 2003, p.6" /> Approximately 71% of the population was within the 15–64 age group, with the average Omani age being 23 years.<ref>Oman Census(2003), Data and Other Indicators</ref> About 10% of the population is [[literacy rate|illiterate]], an improvement when compared to the 18% illiteracy rate recorded during the 1993 census. Expatriates accounted for over 60% of the [[labour force]], dominated by males, who accounted for 80% of the city's total labour. A majority of expatriates (34%) was in engineering-related occupations, while most Omanis worked in engineering, clerical, scientific or technical fields. The [[Royal Army of Oman|defense]] sector was the largest employer for Omanis, while construction, [[wholesale]] and [[retail]] trade employed the largest number of expatriates.

The ethnic makeup of Muscat has historically been influenced by people not native to the Arabian Peninsula. [[British Parliament]]ary papers dating back to the 19th century indicate the presence of a significant [[Hindu people|Hindu]] [[Gujarat]]i [[merchant]]s in the city.<ref>British Parliamentary Papers (1876), p. 189.</ref> Indeed, four [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[Hindu temple|temples]] existed in Muscat ca. 1760.<ref>Kechichian (1995), p. 215.</ref> [[Christianity]] flourished in Oman (Bēṯ Mazūnāyē "land of the Maganites"; a name deriving from its Sumerian designation) from the late 4th century to the 7th century. Missionary activity by the [[Assyrian People|Assyrians]] of the [[Church of the East]] resulted in a significant Christian population living in the region, with a bishop being attested by 424 AD under the Metropolitan of Fars and Arabia. The rise of Islam saw the [[Syriac language|Syriac]] and Arabic-speaking Christian population eventually disappear. It is thought to have been brought back in by the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] in 1507.<ref>Fahlbusch (1999), p. 829.</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=September 2022}} [[Protestant]] [[missionaries]] established a hospital in Muscat in the 19th century.

Like the rest of Oman, [[Arabic (language)|Arabic]] is the predominant language of the city. In addition, [[English (language)|English]], [[Balochi language|Balochi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], [[Swahili language|Swahili]] and [[India]]n languages such as [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Hindi]], [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Malayalam]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Urdu]]<ref>Peterson (2004), p. 34.</ref> are spoken by the residents of Muscat.

[[Islam]] is the predominant religion in the city, with most followers being [[Ibadi]] [[Muslim]]s. Non-Muslims are allowed to practise their religion, but may not [[proselytize]] publicly or distribute religious literature. In 2017 the Sultanate of Oman unveiled the ''Mushaf Muscat'', an [[Interactive computing|interactive]] [[Calligraphy#Islamic world|calligraphic]] Quran following a brief from the [[Omani Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs]].<ref>[[Martin Lejeune]], 15 June 2017, [https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/oman-unveils-world-s-1st-interactive-calligraphic-quran/842512 Oman unveils world’s 1st interactive calligraphic Quran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523075112/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/oman-unveils-world-s-1st-interactive-calligraphic-quran/842512 |date=2021-05-23 }}</ref>

==Notable landmarks==
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2021}}
[[File:Riyam Park with incense burner Mabkhara (47954080007).jpg|thumb|Riyam Park with Incense Burner]]
The city has numerous mosques including the [[Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque]], Ruwi Mosque, Saeed bin Taimoor and [[Zawawi Mosque]]. A few Shi'ite mosques also exist here. Muscat has a number of museums. These include [[Museum of Omani Heritage]], [[National Museum of Oman]], [[Oman Children's Museum]], [[Bait Al Zubair]], [[Oman Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre]], [[Omani French Museum]], [[Sultan's Armed Forces Museum]] and the [[Omani Aquarium and Marine Science and Fisheries Centre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omanet.om/english/tourism/entert/museums.asp?cat=tour&subcat=entert1 |title=Museums |publisher=Omanet.om |access-date=January 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201084319/http://www.omanet.om/english/tourism/entert/museums.asp?cat=tour&subcat=entert1 |archive-date=February 1, 2009 }}</ref> The Bait Al Falaj Fort played an important role in Muscat's military history.

[[File:Oman State Audit Institution with Oman Al Bustan Palace Roundabout in foreground.jpg|thumb|Oman State Audit Institution Building near Al Bustan Palace Roundabout]]

Recent projects include an [[Royal Opera House Muscat|opera house]] which opened on October 14, 2011. One of the most notable new projects is the Oman National Museum. It is expected to be an architectural jewel along with the [[Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque]]. Visitors are also encouraged{{who|date=April 2019}} to visit [[Old Muscat]] and the Old Palace. The main shopping district is situated in [[Al Qurum]] Commercial Area. However, shopping malls are found throughout the city. One of the largest malls in Oman is [[Oman Avenues Mall]], located in Ghubra. The fourth largest mall is in [[Seeb]], near the international airport, called [[City Centre Muscat]], housing all major international brands and the largest [[Carrefour]] hypermarket. Two new megamalls opened during 2019 and 2020: in the Mabela area of Muscat are Al Araimi Boulevard and Mall of Muscat.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}} The Mall of Muscat is also home to the Oman Aquarium. [[Mall Of Oman]], the largest shopping mall in Oman was opened in Summer 2021 housing over 100+ stores including [[Snow Oman]],<ref>{{Cite web | title=Your Full Guide of Snow Oman - Information & Tickets {{!}} Snow Oman | url=https://www.skidxb.com/en-om/snow-oman/plan-your-visit/your-guide | access-date=2025-07-18 | website=www.skidxb.com}}</ref> [[Vox Cinemas]], an arcade (Magic Planet) and various food chains.
The Al Khuwair Square Flagpole, which was inaugurated on 22 May 2025, is [[List of flagpoles by height|the 13th tallest flagpole in the world]], standing at 126 metres into the sky, the equivalent of a 40-storey building.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thearabianstories.com/2025/05/22/oman-unveils-tallest-flagpole-in-landmark-moment-at-al-khuwair-square/|title=Oman unveils tallest flagpole in landmark moment at Al Khuwair Square|date=22 May 2025|website=thearabianstories.com|access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref> This monumental structure now stands as the highest man-made feature in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://omannews.gov.om/topics/en/79/show/122484|title=Al-Khuwair Square Project Inaugurated in Muscat's Ministries Project|date=22 May 2025|website=omannews.gov.om|access-date=22 May 2025}}</ref>

==Transport==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2021}}
;Waterways
[[File:Costa Victoria in Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman 20120408 1.jpg|thumb|The Port Sultan Qaboos]]
Sultan Qaboos Port serves as one of the most important ports of [[Muscat Governorate]], which is well known for being sailing of many commercial ships and boats. Here also, the traditional boats of Arabian Peninsula named [[Dhow]]s can be also seen. This port since many centuries have been a main commercial and financial centre in terms of its international maritime trade.

;Airport
The main [[airport]] is [[Muscat International Airport]] (formerly known as Seeb International Airport) around {{convert|25|km|abbr=on}} from the city's business district of Ruwi and 15 to 20&nbsp;km from the main residential localities of Al-Khuwair, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Shati Al-Qurm and Al-Qurm. Muscat is the headquarters for the local [[Oman Air]], which flies to several destinations within the [[Middle East]], the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and Europe.
[[File:New terminal under construction at Muscat Airport.jpg|left|thumb|[[Muscat International Airport]]]]

;Road transportation
The Muscat area is well serviced by paved roads and [[dual-carriageway]] connects most major cities and towns in the country. 
[[File:Oman-Muscat-Muttrah-21-Marina.JPG|thumb|Mutrah]]
Since November 2015, Public transportation in Muscat has been revamped with a bus network connecting most important parts of the city with a fleet of modern Mwasalat (earlier Oman National Transport Company buses. 
Mwasalat buses procured from VDL of the Netherlands and MAN of Germany have several hi-tech features, including free Wi-Fi. 
* Route 1 (Ruwi-Mabela) serves people travelling major shopping destinations (Oman Avenues Mall, Muscat Grand Mall, Qurum City Centre, Muscat City Centre, Markaz al Bhaja) and Muscat Airport.
* Route 2 (Ruwi-Wadi Kabir) serves the residential and industrial district of [[Wadi Kabir]].
* Route 3 (Ruwi-Wadi Adei) serves the downmarket residential belt of Wadi Adei.
* Route 4 (Ruwi-Mattrah) serves the tourist destination of Muttrah Corniche, Al Alam Palace, Muttrah Fort, National Museum and Port Sultan Qaboos and churches/temples.
* Route 5 (Ruwi-Amerat) serves the rapidly developing Amerat suburb.
* Route 6 (Ruwi-SQU&KOM) serves the student community of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the office commuters of Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM).
* Route 7 serves the three major malls in Muscat – Al Araimi Boulevard, Mall of Muscat and Markaz al Bhaja and Muscat City Centre.
* Route 8 serves Al Khuwair and Al Mouj Integrated Complex
* Route 9 serves Ansab and Misfah industrial area.
* Route 10 serves Seeb Souq and Mawelah Vegetable Market.
* Route 12 serves Oman Convention and Exhibition, Ghala areas.
* Route 14 serves Petroleum Development Oman, Qurm Natural Park, Qurm City Centre, Khoula Hospital.
* Routes 1b and 1A are special buses to Muscat International Airport.

Several forms of public transport are popular in Oman. Most popular are the "Baiza" buses, so named for the lower denomination of the [[Omani rial]], the baiza (an adaptation of the [[India]]n lower denomination [[paisa]]). These are relatively inexpensive and service all major roadways, as well as a wide and loose network of smaller byways in the greater Muscat metropolitan area, opportunistically dropping off and picking up passengers at any location. Less popular and slightly more expensive are large public buses, coloured red and green, whose service is limited to major roadways and point-to-point travel routes between Oman's major cities and towns. Taxis, also colour-coded orange and white, provide semi-personal transportation in the form of both individual hire and the same opportunistic roadway service as Baiza buses.

Baiza buses and colour-coded orange-and-white taxis are unmetered, after several government initiatives to introduce meters were rejected. The fare is set by way of [[negotiation]], although taxi drivers usually adhere to certain unwritten rules for fares within the city. In many countries, one is advised to negotiate a fare with the driver before getting into a taxi. However, in Oman, asking for the fare beforehand often demonstrates a passenger's newness and unfamiliarity with the area. One should always find out the normally accepted fare for one's journey from one's hotel or host before looking for a taxi. Taxis also generally take passengers to locations out of the city, including [[Sohar]], [[Buraimi]] and [[Dubai]].

==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Oman}}

[[File:DhowMuscat.jpg|thumb|The traditional [[Dhow]], an enduring symbol of Oman<ref name="coosoo">{{cite web|title=Culture of Oman|url=http://www.omansultanate.com/culture.htm|publisher=Sultanate of Oman|access-date=2018-09-12|archive-date=2022-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206045024/http://www.omansultanate.com/culture.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Outwardly, Oman shares many of the cultural characteristics of its Arab neighbours, particularly those in the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]].<ref name="kcom" /> Despite these similarities, important factors make Oman unique in the Middle East.<ref name="kcom" /> These result as much from geography and history as from culture and economics.<ref name="kcom">{{cite web|last=Common|first=Richard K.|title=Barriers To Developing 'Leadership' In The Sultanate Of Oman|url=http://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/ijls/new/vol6iss2/3_Common_pp215-229_jm.pdf|publisher=International Journal of Leadership Studies|access-date=2018-09-12|archive-date=2018-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409204103/https://www.regent.edu/acad/global/publications/ijls/new/vol6iss2/3_Common_pp215-229_jm.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The relatively recent and artificial nature of the [[state (polity)|state]] of Oman makes it difficult to describe a national culture;<ref name="kcom" /> however, sufficient cultural heterogeneity exists within its national boundaries to make Oman distinct from other Arab States of the Persian Gulf.<ref name="kcom" /> Oman's cultural diversity is greater than that of its Arab neighbours, given its historical expansion to the Swahili Coast and the Indian Ocean.<ref name="kcom" />

Oman has a long tradition of shipbuilding, as maritime travel played a major role in the Omanis' ability to stay in contact with the civilisations of the ancient world. [[Sur, Oman|Sur]] was one of the most famous shipbuilding cities of the Indian Ocean. The Al Ghanja ship takes one whole year to build. Other types of Omani ship include As Sunbouq and Al Badan.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ship Building Industry|url=http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot/tourism/oman/detailsp/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3j_oMBgNz9XEwODED9zA09PE3MTLxdjYzcnE_2CbEdFANHQ-q8!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/mot_english_lib/mot/experience/culture/crafts/ship+building|publisher=Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman|access-date=2018-09-12|archive-date=2021-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301092624/https://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot/tourism/oman/detailsp/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3j_oMBgNz9XEwODED9zA09PE3MTLxdjYzcnE_2CbEdFANHQ-q8!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/mot_english_lib/mot/experience/culture/crafts/ship+building|url-status=dead}}</ref>[[File:Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace (4).JPG|thumb|Oman Council building in Muscat]]In March 2016, archaeologists working off Al-Hallaniyah Island identified a shipwreck believed to be that of the ''Esmeralda'' from [[Vasco da Gama]]'s 1502–1503 fleet. The wreck was initially discovered in 1998. Later underwater excavations took place between 2013 and 2015 through a partnership between the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Culture and [[Blue Water Recoveries]] Ltd., a shipwreck recovery company. The vessel was identified through such artifacts as a "Portuguese coin minted for trade with India (one of only two coins of this type known to exist) and stone cannonballs engraved with what appear to be the initials of Vincente Sodré, da Gama's maternal uncle and the commander of the ''Esmeralda''".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Romey|first1=Kristin|title=Shipwreck Discovered from Explorer Vasco da Gama's Fleet|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/20160314-oman-shipwreck-explorer-vasco-da-gama-age-of-exploration-india-route/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316022757/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/20160314-oman-shipwreck-explorer-vasco-da-gama-age-of-exploration-india-route/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 16, 2016|access-date=15 March 2016|magazine=National Geographic|date=14 March 2016}}</ref>

==Notable people==
*[[Mohammed Al Barwani]] (born 1952), billionaire and founder of [[MB Holding]]
*[[Avicii]] (1989–2018), Swedish music producer and DJ, died in Muscat Hills
*[[Mahesh Bhupathi]] (born 1974), Indian tennis player. He studied at the Indian School, Muscat.
*[[Sarah-Jane Dias]] (born 1974), Indian actress. She studied at the Indian School, Muscat.
*[[Isla Fisher]] (born 1976), Australian actress, born to Scottish parents and lived in Australia
*[[Tate McRae]] (born 2003), Canadian singer-songwriter, studied at The American International School Muscat
*[[Ali Al-Habsi]] (born 1981), professional footballer, captain of the Oman national and goalkeeper for Saudi club [[Al-Hilal FC|Al Hilal]]
*[[Amad Al-Hosni]] (born 1984), professional footballer
*[[Ahmad Al Harthy]] (born 1981), racecar driver
*[[Fatma Al-Nabhani]] (born 1991), tennis player
*[[Shamaa Mohammed]] (1958–2022), television actress
*[[Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy]] (born 1964), former Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry
*[[Sneha Ullal]] (born 1987), Indian Bollywood Actress. She studied at the Indian School, Muscat.
*[[Nitya Vidyasagar]] (born 1985), American actress
*[[Al Faisal Al Zubair]] (born 1998), racecar driver
*[[Hamed Al-Wahaibi]] (born 1968), rally driver
*[[Muzna Al Musafer]] (born 1987) first female film director in Oman.

==See also==
{{portal|Oman}}
* [[Old Muscat]]
* [[Sultan Haitham City]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
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*{{Cite book|author=Fahlbusch, Erwin|author2=Geoffrey William Bromiley |author3=David B. Barrett |title=The Encyclopedia of Christianity|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing|year=1999|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ly4DgtT3LkC&pg=PA829|isbn=978-0-8028-2415-8}}
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* [https://archive.org/details/ForsterCTheHistoricalGeographyOfArabiaOrThePatriarchalEvidencesOfRevealedReligionVol21844  Forster, Charles, ''The Historical Geography of Arabia: Or, The Patriarchal Evidences of Revealed Religion: a Memoir,'' Duncan and Malcolm, 1844, Vol.2]
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*{{Cite book|author=Miles, Samuel Barrett|author-link=Samuel Barrett Miles|author2=Robin Bidwell |author-link2=Robin Leonard Bidwell |title=The Countries and Tribes of the Persian Gulf|publisher=Garnet & Ithaca Press}}
* {{cite book|author=Peterson, J. E.|title=Historical Muscat |year=2007|publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-15266-3 |chapter=Chronology |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=gNu4_uHo7CQC |page=117+ 
|ref= {{harvid|Peterson|2007}}
}}
*{{Cite book|author=Phillips, Wendell|title=Unknown Oman|publisher=D. McKay Co.|year=1966|page=4}}
*{{Cite book|author=Potter, Lawrence|author2=Sick, Gary|title=Security in the Persian Gulf|publisher=Macmillan|year=2002|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nYphS6AV8OwC|isbn=978-0-312-23950-3}}
*{{Cite book|author=Rice, Michael|title=The Archeology of the Arabian Gulf|publisher=[[Routledge]]|year=1994|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kWRfe7AdVaYC|isbn=978-0-415-03268-1}}
*{{Cite book|author=Room, Adrian|title=Placenames of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for Over 5000 Natural Features, Countries, Capitals, Territories, Cities and Historic Sites|publisher=McFarland|year=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PzIer-wYbnQC&pg=PA246|isbn=978-0-7864-1814-5}}
*{{Cite book|author=Salm, Rodney V.|author2=Rolf A.C. Jensen |author3=Vassili Papastavrou |title=Marine Fauna of Oman|publisher=IUCN|year=1993|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OPniyjxTu-UC|isbn=978-2-8317-0180-6}}

==Further reading==
{{See also|Timeline of Muscat, Oman#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of Muscat, Oman}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110304135525/http://www.omancensus.net/new/images/stories/docs/2010_Preliminary_Results.pdf omancensus.net] (PDF)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110304135525/http://www.omancensus.net/new/images/stories/docs/2010_Preliminary_Results.pdf 2010 Preliminary Results] (PDF)
*{{cite web|url=http://www.omancensus.net/english/pdf_files/final_results.pdf |title=Final Results of the Census 2003 |access-date=2008-09-17 |author=Census Administration |publisher=Ministry of the National Economy, Government of Oman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003062038/http://www.omancensus.net/english/pdf_files/final_results.pdf |archive-date=October 3, 2008 }} 
*{{cite web|url=http://www.omancensus.net/english/selected_data_population_muscat.asp|title=Data & Indicators of the Population|access-date=2008-09-17|author=Census Administration|publisher=Ministry of the National Economy, Government of Oman |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080613154426/http://www.omancensus.net/english/selected_data_population_muscat.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-06-13}}
*{{Cite book|publisher=United Kingdom Parliament|title=Parliamentary Papers|year=1876|location=London|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-UMTAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA181}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikivoyage|Muscat}}
*[http://www.mofa.gov.om Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
*[http://www.omantourism.gov.om/ Official Ministry Of Tourism site]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110304135525/http://www.omancensus.net/new/images/stories/docs/2010_Preliminary_Results.pdf omancensus.net] (PDF; archived)

{{List of Asian capitals by region}}
{{Capitals of Arab countries}}
{{Arab Capital of Culture}}
{{Muscat Governorate}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Muscat| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Muscat Governorate]]
[[Category:Capitals in Asia]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Oman]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 2nd century]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in the Arabian Peninsula]]
[[Category:Gulf of Oman]]