Muscat: historic and varied

Muscat - also known as Mascate or Masqat - is the capital of the sultanate of Oman. Including its satellite cities of Matrah, Ruwi, Qurum, and Seeb, the city has about 550,000 inhabitants. Its location on the Gulf of Oman puts the city in a position to play an important role in regional trade. The city is characterized by the low white houses, which are rarely more than five floors high. The exceptionally friendly people are also characteristic of Muscat, successfully melding Western influences into their authentic Arabian culture. All in all, it creates a city where you will feel more than welcome.

Exaggerating just a little, it could be said that 1970 was the year in which contemporary Oman was born. That was the year in which Sultan Qaboos bin Sa’id al Sa’id deposed his father and led the country to peace and openness, modernization and economic improvement. Without turning his back on tradition and sentiment, Qaboos helped the country play an important role in the international oil market and brought tourism to life. In 2007, Oman could be considered a wonderful secret that has finally come to light after centuries of concealment.