The capital area Muscat

Urban development in fast motion

The settlement area is bordered to the north by the coastline and to the south by the Hajar Mountains, whose cliffs reach as far as the sea in the east. The historic port city of Muscat, which gave its name to the entire settlement area, was located here in a small bay encircled by rugged cliffs and is now the country's modern administrative centre. Together with the town of Muttrah (Matrah) in the neighbouring bay and a few small, less important oases, it was the only inhabited area within today's capital region until 1970.

However, this changed almost abruptly with the change of power in 1970. In the same year, the English company John R. Harris, Architects, Design and Planning Consultants presented an area utilisation plan for the capital region, which was largely implemented in the following years despite a number of changes to details. Muscat is now regarded as a unique example of modern urban planning and by the end of the 20th century had transformed itself from a medieval harbour city into a modern metropolis with 21st century standards. We particularly recommend attending a performance at the Royal Opera House, visiting the National Museum and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

➤ More pictures from the Muscat Capital Region

➤Hotels in the Muscat Capital Area