لا يوجد شئ مستحيل ف Arabic
: ﻣﺴﻘﻂ, Masqaṭ) is the capital
of Oman
. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat
. As of 2010 census, the population of the Muscat about 734,697.[1]
The metropolitan area spans approximately 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi) and includes sixprovinces
called wilayats
. Known since the early 1st century CE
as an important trading port between the west
and the east
, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians
and the Portuguese Empire
at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa
and Zanzibar
. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman
, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, the Balochs
andGujaratis
. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said
as Sultan
of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.