Muscat, Oman

Capital City

The population of Muscat is 695,432, but don't let that fool you - this Omani capital is a bureaucratic headache, with a notoriously oppressive climate that can reach 45°C in the summer. Despite its strategic location on the Gulf of Oman, Muscat's economy is dominated by trade, petroleum, and natural gas, with the city's port handling a modest 1.6 million tons annually. Muscat may appeal to those seeking a tranquil, traditional Middle Eastern experience, but the constant paperwork and relentless heat are persistent challenges.