Updated 11:31 AM,Aug 28,2022
Governorates of Oman
Oman has eleven governorates: Al Dakhiliyah, Al Buraimi, Al Wusta, Al Dhahirah, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, Muscat, South Al Sharqiyah, Masirah, North Al Sharqiyah, and Dhofar. Oman is located in Asia and covers an area of 309,500 square kilometers, making it the seventy-first largest country by land area. The country shares its land borders with three nations: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates.[1]
Muscat Governorate
Muscat Governorate lies along the Gulf of Oman and serves as the national capital, government headquarters, and administrative center. It holds a significant commercial and financial role due to its strategic location. The governorate is the most densely populated in Oman and consists of the following districts:[2]
- Muscat District: One of Oman's most important cities, dating back to the third millennium BCE. It features well-developed infrastructure and notable landmarks such as Sultan Qaboos Port and Mutrah Souq—a traditional market renowned for being one of the oldest markets in Oman, with a history spanning over two centuries.
- Busooh District: Contains several towns, including Al Khawr, which serves as the administrative capital housing ministries, government agencies, and embassies.
- Al Seeb District: The largest district within Muscat Governorate, situated along the Gulf of Oman with a coastal location known for fishing.
- Al Ghabra District: Blends historical and modern heritage, featuring old houses and ancient irrigation channels made of clay known locally as 'saqiya' or 'suroj'.
- Qurayat District: A coastal district located about 100 kilometers from Muscat. Its name reflects the large number of villages it contains.
- Muscat District: Located on the Gulf and surrounded by volcanic mountains. It was once under Portuguese control in 1508 CE and expelled them in 1650. Muscat is renowned for its unique architectural style that reflects influences from Arab, Portuguese, Persian, Indian, African, and modern Western cultures.[3]
Oman's Governorates and Their Districts
The table below outlines the governorates of Oman, their locations, and the number of districts they comprise:[4]
| Province Name |
Location |
Number of Districts |
| Dhofar Governorate |
Located in the southern part of Oman. |
Comprises nine districts: Shalim, Al Hulaniyat Islands, Mughsan, Tahaqa, Thumrait, Salalah, Rakhyut, Dlakot, Al Maziyunah, and Murbat. |
| Maskat Governorate |
Located at the northernmost tip of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. |
Consists of four districts: Shakha, Bukha, Dibaa, and Madhah. |
| Al Buraimi Governorate |
Located along the border between Oman and the United Arab Emirates. |
Includes three districts: Mahdah, Al Buraimi, and As Saneena. |
| Al Dakhiliyah Governorate |
Strategically positioned in the central region of Oman. |
Composed of eight districts: Bahla, Samail, Adam, Izki, Minqab, Bidid, Al Hamra, and Nizwa. |
| North Al Batinah Governorate |
Located along the northern coastline of Oman, facing the Gulf of Oman, stretching from Al Luma al Naja to Ras al Hamra. |
Consists of six districts: Luwai, Al Suwaiq, Suhaym, Shanas, Sahar, and Al Khaboura. |
| South Al Batinah Governorate |
Features a vital geographical position on the northern coast of Oman, overlooking the Gulf of Oman. |
Comprised of six districts: Nakhil, Barka, Ar Rustaq, Al Awabi, Al Muzayna, and Wadi Al Muwalah. |
| North Al Sharqiyah Governorate |
Characterized by vast sand dunes, reflecting the quiet essence of Bedouin life. |
Includes six districts: Ibri, Al Mudaybi, Badia, Al Qabil, Wadi Bani Khalid, and Damia and At Taiyin. |
| South Al Sharqiyah Governorate |
Serves as Oman’s southeastern frontier. |
Consists of five districts: Sur, Al Kamil and Al Waafi, Jalan Bin Bu Hasan, Jalan Bin Bu Ali, and Masirah. |
| Al Dhahirah Governorate |
Located in the northwestern part of Oman. |
Composed of three districts: Al Ubayri, Yenqal, and Dink. |
| Al Wusta Governorate |
Occupies a large area in the central region of Oman, connecting northern and southern parts of the country. |
Includes four districts: Himma, Al Dakhiliyah, Mahout, and Al Jazir. |
References
- ↑ "Where Is Oman?", www.worldatlas.com, October 2, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2019. Edited.
- ↑ "Districts in Muscat and Their Representatives", Muscat Municipal Council, Accessed August 28, 2022. Adapted.
- ↑ The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Muscat", www.britannica.com, Retrieved April 1, 2019. Edited.
- ↑ "Regions of Oman", Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Accessed August 28, 2022. Adapted.
