Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
Port Sultan Qaboos (Mina Sultan Qaboos) is Muscat's harbour at Mutrah. Opened in 1974, it handled most of Oman's imports for four decades; since 2014 it has been a cruise and tourism port, with commercial cargo moved to Sohar.
Where is Port Sultan Qaboos?
| Location | Mutrah, Muscat governorate |
|---|---|
| Approx. coordinates | 23.63° N, 58.57° E |
| Sea | Gulf of Oman |
| Walking distance | Mutrah corniche and Mutrah Souq are next to the port gate |
| From Muscat International Airport | About 35 km (30–45 minutes by road) |
| From Old Muscat | About 4 km along the coast road |
History
The port opened in 1974 as Mina Qaboos and was for decades Oman's main commercial gateway. To ease congestion in the capital, commercial cargo operations ended on 31 August 2014 and moved to Sohar Port. The harbour is now used by cruise ships, tourist boats and the royal yachts, and is the subject of a long-term waterfront redevelopment plan.
For cruise passengers
From the cruise berths it is a short walk or shuttle to the port gate on the Mutrah corniche. Mutrah Souq, the fish market and the corniche promenade are right outside; Old Muscat, Al Alam Palace and the harbour forts are a short taxi ride east, and the Grand Mosque about 20 km west. See the Muscat map page.
Practical notes
- Commercial port areas are secure zones; access is for authorised staff, drivers and visitors with permits only.
- Coordinates on this page are approximate (from OpenStreetMap) and intended for orientation, not navigation or shipping use.
- For current terminal information, tariffs and schedules, use the port operator's official channels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Sultan Qaboos still a cargo port?
No. Commercial cargo operations ended in 2014 and moved to Sohar Port. Port Sultan Qaboos now serves cruise ships, tourism and the royal yachts.
Where do cruise ships dock in Muscat?
At Port Sultan Qaboos in Mutrah, next to the Mutrah corniche and souq.
Is Port Sultan Qaboos the same as Muscat port?
Yes — it is the main harbour of Muscat, also called Mina Qaboos or Mina Sultan Qaboos.
Should I fly into Muscat or go via Sohar port?
For passengers, Muscat International Airport is the gateway; Sohar is an industrial cargo port without passenger services.