Governorates of Oman

Oman is divided into 11 governorates (muhafazat). Below is a reference map with capitals, area and a short summary of each. Useful for planning regional itineraries and as a primary search destination for school projects.

Overview

Northern coastal

Muscat (capital Muscat), Al Batinah North (Sohar), Al Batinah South (Rustaq), Musandam (Khasab — the exclave separated from mainland Oman by the UAE).

Interior

Ad Dakhiliyah (Nizwa), Ad Dhahirah (Ibri), Al Buraimi (Al Buraimi, on the UAE border).

Eastern and southern

Ash Sharqiyah North (Ibra), Ash Sharqiyah South (Sur), Al Wusta (Haima — the empty middle), Dhofar (Salalah, the southern monsoon zone).

Practical tips

Muscat governorate is a single metropolitan area, not a region.
Al Wusta is enormous and almost empty — most of the Wahiba and the Jiddat al-Harasis steppe lie inside it.
Musandam is geographically separated from mainland Oman by UAE territory; reach it by road through the UAE or by Oman Air domestic flight.

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Frequently asked questions

How many governorates does Oman have?

Eleven, since the 2011 reorganization that split Sharqiyah and Batinah each into north and south governorates.

What is the capital of Dhofar?

Salalah.

Is Musandam part of Oman?

Yes — it is an Omani exclave on the Strait of Hormuz, separated from the mainland by the UAE.

Which is the largest governorate?

Al Wusta by area, with most of the Empty Quarter edge and the Jiddat al-Harasis. Muscat is the smallest by area but largest by population.