The Sultanate of Oman, a country with a rich history and vibrant culture, has an organized administrative division reflecting its progress and modernization. Under Royal Decree No. (114/2011) issued on October 26, 2011, a comprehensive administrative division was adopted to enhance efficiency in managing various regions.
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Administrative Division in the Sultanate of Oman
Oman’s administrative division comprises 11 main governorates, each with its unique features:
- Muscat: The capital and the center of political and economic life.
- Dhofar: Known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
- Musandam: Distinguished by its unique geography and mountainous terrain.
- Al Buraimi: An area rich in heritage and history.
- Ad Dakhiliyah: Considered the historical heart of Oman.
- North Al Batinah: Famous for its agricultural fertility.
- South Al Batinah: An important industrial and commercial area.
- South Ash Sharqiyah: Known for its beautiful beaches and strategic location.
- North Ash Sharqiyah: Hosts many archaeological and historical sites.
- Ad Dhahirah: Characterized by its picturesque landscapes.
- Al Wusta: A quiet and one of the least populated regions.
Development of Local Governance
Governors have been organized to enhance administrative work across all regions. This included elevating certain areas to governorates, such as splitting the Al Batinah region into North and South Al Batinah, and the Ash Sharqiyah region into North and South Ash Sharqiyah. This division remains in effect today, facilitating communication between the government and citizens and improving the effectiveness of services provided.
On October 26, 2011, Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued the Municipal Councils Law, which contributed to the development of administrative and municipal work across all governorates in Oman, simplifying procedures for citizens and enhancing the level of public services.
The administrative division of Oman reflects the state’s vision towards development and progress, aiming to improve the quality of life for its citizens. Understanding this division helps explore the cultural and geographical diversity that the Sultanate offers, making it an ideal destination for visitors and explorers.
Oman’s Division: Governorates and Provinces
Oman is divided into eleven governorates, forming its main administrative structure. Each governorate contains a group of wilayats (provinces), showcasing the cultural and regional diversity of the Sultanate.
The Sultanate is distributed into 11 governorates, which are further divided into 63 wilayats (provinces). Each governorate is managed by one or more administrative centers, with a total of 12 centers. The Ministry of Interior oversees all governorates except Muscat and Dhofar, where governors are appointed by the Sultan. Below is a table of governorates, their centers, and their wilayats (provinces):
| Governorate | Capital | Area (km²) | Population/ Year 2020 | Wilayats (Provinces) |
| Muscat | Muscat | 3,797 | 1,302,440 | 6 wilayats: Muscat, Mutrah, Al Amarat, Bawshar, Seeb, Qurayyat |
| Ad Dakhiliyah | Nizwa | 31,805 | 478,501 | 9 wilayats: Nizwa, Bahla, Manah, Al Hamra, Adam, Izki, Samail, Bidbid, Al Jabal Al Akhdar |
| North Al Batinah | Sohar | 7,899 | 784,681 | 6 wilayats: Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khaburah, Al Suwaiq |
| South Al Batinah | Rustaq | 5,323 | 465,550 | 6 wilayats: Rustaq, Al Awabi, Nakhal, Wadi Al Ma’awil, Barka, Al Musannah |
| Al Wusta | Haima | 82,471 | 52,344 | 4 wilayats: Haima, Mahout, Duqm, Al Jazer |
| North Ash Sharqiyah | Ibra | 21,136 | 271,822 | 7 wilayats: Ibra, Mudhaibi, Bidiya, Al Qabil, Wadi Bani Khalid, Dema Wa Tayeen, Sinaw |
| South Ash Sharqiyah | Sur | 12,039 | 315,445 | 5 wilayats: Sur, Al Kamil Wal Wafi, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Masirah |
| Ad Dhahirah | Ibri | 35,881 | 180,583 | 3 wilayats: Ibri, Yanqul, Dhank |
| Musandam | Khasab | 1,619 | 49,062 | 4 wilayats: Khasab, Diba, Bukha, Madha |
| Dhofar | Salalah | 99,062 | 416,458 | 10 wilayats: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Rakhyut, Thumrait, Dhalkut, Al Mazyona, Muqshin, Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands, Sadah |
| Al Buraimi | Al Buraimi | 7,460 | 121,802 | 3 wilayats: Al Buraimi, Mahdah, As Sunainah |
This administrative division showcases how each governorate and wilayat contributes to Oman’s identity, highlighting its rich geographical and cultural diversity and underscoring the importance of each region in the development and well-being of its citizens.
Oman consists of 11 governorates.
The main cities in Oman include Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Qalhat, Rustaq, and Nizwa.
Dhofar is the largest governorate in terms of area.
Oman is a single country but is divided into several governorates and wilayats (provinces).
The largest city in Oman is Muscat, which is also the capital.
