Muscat Governorate (Geographical Location)
The capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and its political and economic centre, history throughout its various eras has evidenced its distinctive commercial status in the Gulf region and the Indian Ocean, thanks to its strategic location, which has made it an important hub that has contributed to boosting commercial activity. It is located on the Gulf of Oman and is bordered to the east by the Eastern Hajar Mountains and the South and North Al Sharqiyah Governorates, to the west by the South Al Batinah Governorate, and to the south by the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Its geographical location also enabled it to become the political, economic and administrative centre of the state during the prosperous era of the founder of modern Oman’s renaissance, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, May Allah have mercy on him.
The Muscat Governorate, which covers approximately 4,000 square kilometres, is one of the most significant of the Sultanate’s eleven governorates and is classified as having the highest population density amongst them. Throughout its glorious history, it has formed strategic importance due to its unique geographical location and its historical and cultural role; it is the lively heart of Oman, with activity in various political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural fields. It comprises six wilayats, namely: Muscat, Mutrah, Bawshar, Seeb, Al-Amerat and Quriyat.
The governorate represents a vital hub for economic, commercial and tourist activity, both locally and in the Sultanate’s relations with other countries (abroad), because of numerous factories, banks and international hotels, and various commercial shopping centres, natural parks, scientific centres, historical museums and environmental landmarks.
Muscat Governorate (Government Institution)
Muscat became known as the ‘Capital Governorate’ since 1960 AD; during that time, this designation encompassed the city of Muscat and the village of Sidab, passing through Yiti, Qantab and Haramel, and ending at Al-Saifa Village. Meanwhile, the Wilayat of Mutrah had administrative independence from Muscat, and the Wali of Mutrah during that period supervised the Wilayats of Al Batinah, or the coastal region from Seeb to Shinas directly. Meanwhile, Bawshar, Quriyat and Al-Amerat belonged to the supervision of the Head of Al Dakhiliyah, Sayyid Ahmad bin Ibrahim. This administrative affiliation was attributed to the difficulty of communication and transportation means at that time. The first Governor of the Capital was Sayyid Shihab bin Faisal. The name ‘Capital Governorate’ remained in use until 1988, when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said – may Allah have mercy on him – issued Royal Decree No. (88/30) on 2 April, changing ‘Capital’ to ‘Muscat’ ’ “in accordance with His Majesty’s wish to preserve the historical significance of ‘Muscat’, which is considered a symbol of Omani heritage and civilisation.
Following the issuance of Royal Decree No. (91/6) and its amendments, which approved the administrative division of the State, the governorate consist of Muscat, Mutrah, Seeb, Bawshar, Al-Amerat and Quriyat within its administrative boundaries. This this division incorporated Quriyat – which was previously supervised by the Ministry of the Interior – into the governorate’s wilayats and designated Muscat as a wilayat belonging to the Muscat Governorate. Moreover, Royal Decree No. (91/87), as amended in the appendix to Royal Decree No. (91/6), changed Muscat name to Muscat Governorate as one of the governorates within the administrative division of the Sultanate. On 10 December 1991, the Governor of Muscat was appointed with the rank of Minister of State and granted membership of the Council of Ministers pursuant to Royal Decree No. (91/108).
The Muscat Governorate is one of the State’s administrative bodies, which performs numerous specialised functions; it serves citizens and residents within its administrative boundaries, looks after their interests, and conveys their requests for services to government entities, to be incorporated into the nation’s future plans, whilst reconciling groups and individuals using amicable means peacefully. Thereby contributing to preserving social cohesion amongst society members. It provides plentiful essential services within its administrative divisions, whether through the Governorate General Office or the Walis’ Offices. Furthermore, the Governorate effectively participates in copious committees formed by various State agencies to serve citizens. It oversights the Maritime Affairs Committee, established to serve fishermen and develop their profession. This committee considers their disputes in accordance with the regulations and customs applicable to fishing methods. It is a permanent committee with historical depth, constituted by a decision of the Minister of State and the Governor of Muscat, and its membership consists of several officials representing various government entities, such such as the Police and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and fishermen`s representatives.
The Governorate contributes prominently to numerous advance and social studies carried out by the state`s competent authorities, besides its continuous involvement in national and religious events, occasions and celebrations. The Walis’ Offices contribute meaningfully to driving progress in the wilayats, protecting citizens’ interests and conveying their demands to the relevant organisations; this is accomplished through continuous coordination and cooperation with various government bodies, to achieve the public interest and serve citizens. The Walis’ Offices watch over a range of committees chaired by Their Excellencies the walis. These committees` membership comprises heads of government departments and representatives from the local citizens and the private sector. They identify the wilayat’s requirements, present suggestions regarding services and development projects, and report them to the State’s competent officials to consider their possible inclusion as part of the plans of ministries and units within the State’s administrative apparatus.