List of Oman Govemorates and Capitals

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated On: May 22, 2026

Oman is divided into 11 governorates, also known as muhafazah. Each governorate is further divided into wilayats, which are sub-regions. Here are the governorates of Oman:

Oman is an Arabian Peninsula country in Western Asia bordered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and the Arabian Sea. The country is divided into 11 governorates for administrative governance and regional management. Muscat is the national capital and also the largest city in Oman.

The country includes deserts, mountains, coastal plains, wadis, islands, and long coastlines along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Different governorates are known for oil and gas production, fishing, tourism, ports, agriculture, and maritime trade.

Key Facts

  • National capital: Muscat
  • Total population: 5,400,000 (Official estimate 2025)
  • Total area: 309,500 km² (119,499 sq miles)
  • Currency: Omani Rial (OMR)
  • Bordering countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
  • Total Governorates: 11
  • Total Wilayats: 60+

List of Governorates and Capitals of Oman

Total governorates shown: 11 | Combined population: 5,400,000 | Combined area: 309,500 km²

#Governorate NameCapital CityGeographic RegionArea (km²)Population (Latest Census)
1Ad DakhiliyahNizwaInterior Highlands31,900520,000
2Ad DhahirahIbriWestern Desert37,000320,000
3Al Batinah NorthSoharNorthern Coast12,500820,000
4Al Batinah SouthRustaqNorthern Coast10,000520,000
5Al BuraimiAl BuraimiNorthwestern Borderlands7,000130,000
6Al WustaHaimaCentral Desert79,70055,000
7DhofarSalalahSouthern Coast99,300520,000
8MusandamKhasabNorthern Peninsula1,80050,000
9MuscatMuscatCapital Region3,9001,700,000
10North Ash SharqiyahIbraEastern Oman36,500320,000
11South Ash SharqiyahSurEastern Coast36,800445,000

Largest Governorates by Area

  • Dhofar - 38,340 sq mi (99,300 km²)
  • Al Wusta - 30,772 sq mi (79,700 km²)
  • Ad Dhahirah - 14,286 sq mi (37,000 km²)
  • South Ash Sharqiyah - 14,209 sq mi (36,800 km²)
  • North Ash Sharqiyah - 14,093 sq mi (36,500 km²)
  • Ad Dakhiliyah - 12,317 sq mi (31,900 km²)
  • Al Batinah North - 4,826 sq mi (12,500 km²)
  • Al Batinah South - 3,861 sq mi (10,000 km²)

Most Populous Governorates

  • Muscat - Population: 1,700,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • Al Batinah North - Population: 820,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • Ad Dakhiliyah - Population: 520,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • Al Batinah South - Population: 520,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • Dhofar - Population: 520,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • South Ash Sharqiyah - Population: 445,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • Ad Dhahirah - Population: 320,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
  • North Ash Sharqiyah - Population: 320,000 (Official Estimate 2025)

Smallest Governorates by Area

  • Musandam - 695 sq mi (1,800 km²)
  • Muscat - 1,506 sq mi (3,900 km²)
  • Al Buraimi - 2,703 sq mi (7,000 km²)
  • Al Batinah South - 3,861 sq mi (10,000 km²)
  • Al Batinah North - 4,826 sq mi (12,500 km²)
  • Ad Dakhiliyah - 12,317 sq mi (31,900 km²)

Governorates by Geographic Grouping

  • Capital Region: Muscat
  • Central Desert: Al Wusta
  • Eastern Coast: South Ash Sharqiyah
  • Eastern Oman: North Ash Sharqiyah
  • Interior Highlands: Ad Dakhiliyah
  • Northern Coast: Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South
  • Northern Peninsula: Musandam
  • Northwestern Borderlands: Al Buraimi
  • Southern Coast: Dhofar
  • Western Desert: Ad Dhahirah

Landlocked Governorates

  • Ad Dakhiliyah
  • Ad Dhahirah
  • Al Buraimi
  • North Ash Sharqiyah

Governorates with Coastline

  • Al Batinah North
  • Al Batinah South
  • Al Wusta
  • Dhofar
  • Musandam
  • Muscat
  • South Ash Sharqiyah

Governorates Sharing Borders with Other Countries

  • Saudi Arabia: Ad Dhahirah, Al Wusta, Dhofar
  • United Arab Emirates: Al Buraimi, Musandam
  • Yemen: Dhofar

Major Economic Activities by Governorate

GovernorateMain Economic ActivityKnown For
MuscatGovernment and financeNational capital and ports
DhofarTourism and agricultureMonsoon climate and frankincense
Al Batinah NorthIndustry and shippingSohar Port and manufacturing
Ad DakhiliyahTourism and farmingHistoric forts and mountains
Al WustaEnergy productionOil and gas fields
MusandamTourism and fishingFjords of Arabia

Sources