Why visit
Muscat is the Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche and souq, Royal Opera House, and a base for wadi and Nizwa fort day-trips along the Batinah coast.
Muscat at a glance
City population
1.7 million
Elevation
8 m
26 ft
Time zone
UTC+4
Asia/Muscat
Airport
MCT
Muscat International
Founded
6th century CE
Getting around
Buses (Mwasalat) + taxis; rental car recommended for exploration
Signature dish
Shuwa (24-hour roast), majboos, harees, halwa, kahwa
Neighborhoods for travelers
Mutrah (old port)Old MuscatQurumShatti Al QurumAl Mouj
Oman at a glance
Country center
21.0°, 57.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
309,500 km²
119,499 mi²
Country population
4.6 million
15/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Omani rial (ر.ع.)
OMR
Dial
+968
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Omani
Internet
.om
UN
Member state
ISO code
OM / OMN
Where in the world
21.0° · 57.0°
Oman
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Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Muscat means "anchorage" in Arabic: the name refers to the deep natural harbor the city surrounds.
- Oman is the only country in the world where buildings cannot exceed the dome of the Grand Mosque.
- Omani frankincense from the Dhofar region has been traded for 5,000 years and is still considered the world's finest.
- Oman has the oldest continuously independent Arab state: no colonial period.
- The country contains the empty quarter (Rub al-Khali): the largest continuous sand desert on earth.
Bordering Oman
Traveler notes
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Mutrah Souk at dusk
- Wadi Shab + Bimmah Sinkhole day-trip
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Muscat
What currency is used in Muscat?
Muscat uses the Omani rial (ر.ع.), ISO code OMR.
What languages are spoken in Oman?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Oman?
The calling code is +968.
What airport serves Muscat?
Muscat International (IATA: MCT).
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