Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea to the southeast, the Gulf of Oman to the northeast, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the northwest. Oman’s strategic location along the Arabian Sea makes it an important hub for maritime trade. It primarily features sea ports and border crossings:
- Sea Ports: Oman has several major sea ports along its coastline, which are crucial for international trade and maritime transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Port of Salalah: Located in the southern part of Oman, the Port of Salalah is one of the largest and busiest ports in the region. It serves as a key transshipment hub and handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk, and general goods.
- Port Sultan Qaboos: Situated in the capital city of Muscat, Port Sultan Qaboos is the main commercial port in Oman, facilitating trade and passenger traffic.
- Port of Sohar: Located in the northern part of Oman, the Port of Sohar is a rapidly growing port complex that handles containerized cargo, bulk commodities, and petrochemicals.
- River Ports: Oman does not have navigable rivers suitable for river ports due to its arid and mountainous terrain. Therefore, river ports are not prominent in Oman’s transportation network.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Oman play a significant role in facilitating the distribution of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near industrial zones and transportation hubs. Examples include:
- Sohar Dry Port: Connected to the Port of Sohar, the Sohar Dry Port serves as an inland terminal for the efficient handling of containerized cargo, providing connectivity to the hinterland and neighboring countries.
- Salalah Free Zone: Adjacent to the Port of Salalah, the Salalah Free Zone serves as an industrial and logistics hub, featuring facilities for warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution.
- Border Crossings: Oman has border crossings with neighboring countries, primarily the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These border crossings facilitate land-based trade and transportation between Oman and its neighbors. Major border crossings include:
- Al Buraimi Border Crossing: This crossing links Oman with the UAE and serves as an important trade route between the two countries, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
List of Largest Ports in Oman
| Port Name | Types of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Sohar | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Port of Salalah | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Port of Muscat | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Port of Duqm | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Port of Sur | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Al Khaburah | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 180 |
| Port of Raysut | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Al Ashkharah | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Al Suwaiq | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Khasab | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Shinas | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Al Musannah | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Port of Mirbat | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of Al Wajajah | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Port of Al Jazer | Container, Bulk, Oil Tanker, Ro-Ro | 30 |
Major Ports of Oman
1. Port of Salalah
The Port of Salalah is one of the largest and most important ports in Oman, strategically located on the Arabian Sea. It is a key transshipment hub for containerized cargo, serving as a gateway between the East and the West. The port handles large volumes of bulk and containerized cargo, making it a critical center for trade in the region. Salalah’s proximity to major shipping lanes ensures its importance, and it is a significant contributor to Oman’s economy, particularly in terms of port revenues and maritime services.
City Location: Salalah, Oman
Latitude: 17.0215° N
Longitude: 54.0924° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Dhofar | 15 | Route 47 |
| Al Mazyunah | 120 | Route 47 |
| Haima | 300 | Route 47 |
| Muscat | 1000 | Route 32 |
| Mirbat | 60 | Route 31 |
| Thumrait | 115 | Route 31 |
| Nizwa | 800 | Route 31 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Salalah Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Dhofar Railway Station (Oman)
- Mirbat Railway Station (Oman)
- Nizwa Railway Station (Oman)
2. Port Sultan Qaboos
Port Sultan Qaboos is located in Muscat, the capital city of Oman. This port serves as a major commercial and passenger port, handling a variety of goods including containers, bulk cargo, and oil products. It is one of the most important ports for Oman’s trade and serves as a primary entry point for goods coming into the country. The port also supports cruise tourism, with Muscat being a popular destination for cruise ships. Over time, the port has undergone modernization to increase its efficiency and capacity.
City Location: Muscat, Oman
Latitude: 23.6147° N
Longitude: 58.5928° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Seeb | 30 | Route 1 |
| Nizwa | 150 | Route 15 |
| Sohar | 200 | Route 5 |
| Barka | 100 | Route 1 |
| Ibri | 300 | Route 15 |
| Sur | 200 | Route 32 |
| Musandam | 500 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Seeb Railway Station (Oman)
- Nizwa Railway Station (Oman)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Barka Railway Station (Oman)
3. Port of Sohar
Sohar Port is located on the northern coast of Oman, along the Gulf of Oman. The port is considered one of the most modern in the region and is a key player in the country’s industrial and commercial sectors. Sohar Port handles a variety of bulk goods, containers, and oil products, with specialized terminals for petrochemicals and minerals. The port is crucial for Oman’s import and export activities, particularly for industries such as steel and aluminum. It is supported by the adjacent Sohar Free Zone, which boosts industrial growth in the region.
City Location: Sohar, Oman
Latitude: 24.4167° N
Longitude: 56.6800° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 200 | Route 5 |
| Barka | 40 | Route 1 |
| Ibri | 160 | Route 15 |
| Seeb | 190 | Route 5 |
| Nizwa | 230 | Route 15 |
| Sohar | 0 | Route 5 |
| Rustaq | 120 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Barka Railway Station (Oman)
- Seeb Railway Station (Oman)
- Nizwa Railway Station (Oman)
4. Port of Khasab
Khasab is located in the northern part of Oman in the Musandam Peninsula, close to the Strait of Hormuz. While the port is small compared to others in Oman, it plays a crucial role in the region’s shipping activities. Khasab Port primarily handles cargo related to the fishing industry, oil products, and general cargo. Due to its proximity to the United Arab Emirates and Iran, the port also plays a strategic role in regional trade, particularly in terms of re-exporting goods between Oman and neighboring countries.
City Location: Khasab, Oman
Latitude: 26.2289° N
Longitude: 56.2333° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 530 | Route 1 |
| Dubai (UAE) | 180 | E11 |
| Sharjah (UAE) | 150 | E11 |
| Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) | 100 | E11 |
| Sohar | 400 | Route 5 |
| Barka | 420 | Route 1 |
| Seeb | 450 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Khasab Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Dubai Railway Station (UAE)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Seeb Railway Station (Oman)
5. Port of Sur
Sur Port, located along the eastern coastline of Oman, is known for its importance in the fishing and shipbuilding industries. The port plays a key role in the export of seafood, which is a major part of Oman’s export economy. Additionally, Sur Port supports the export of oil and petroleum products, and its location along the Arabian Sea makes it an important trading point. The port also serves as a commercial hub for Oman’s agricultural exports.
City Location: Sur, Oman
Latitude: 22.5667° N
Longitude: 59.5281° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 200 | Route 32 |
| Nizwa | 300 | Route 32 |
| Barka | 230 | Route 1 |
| Sohar | 250 | Route 32 |
| Ibri | 380 | Route 32 |
| Seeb | 210 | Route 32 |
| Dhofar | 600 | Route 47 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Sur Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Seeb Railway Station (Oman)
- Nizwa Railway Station (Oman)
6. Port of Duqm
Duqm Port, located on the central eastern coast of Oman, is a new port that has quickly grown in importance due to its proximity to major shipping routes. Duqm is set to become a major trade hub in the region, with infrastructure being developed to handle a variety of cargo, including bulk goods, containers, and oil-related products. Duqm’s location and its nearby free zone make it an attractive area for international trade and investment.
City Location: Duqm, Oman
Latitude: 19.0061° N
Longitude: 57.6347° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 550 | Route 47 |
| Salalah | 700 | Route 32 |
| Sohar | 450 | Route 5 |
| Nizwa | 550 | Route 32 |
| Sur | 550 | Route 32 |
| Khasab | 800 | Route 1 |
| Barka | 480 | Route 32 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Duqm Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Salalah Railway Station (Oman)
- Sur Railway Station (Oman)
7. Port of Masirah
Masirah Port is located on Masirah Island, off the southeastern coast of Oman. Although it is a smaller port, it serves as an important location for shipping oil products, seafood, and general cargo. The port is primarily used for regional trade and serves as an access point for goods coming from the Arabian Sea. Its location makes it an essential stop for shipping routes in the region.
City Location: Masirah, Oman
Latitude: 12.6121° N
Longitude: 54.4130° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 380 | Route 47 |
| Salalah | 470 | Route 32 |
| Sur | 120 | Route 32 |
| Nizwa | 450 | Route 32 |
| Barka | 550 | Route 1 |
| Khasab | 700 | Route 1 |
| Sohar | 650 | Route 5 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Masirah Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Sur Railway Station (Oman)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Khasab Railway Station (Oman)
8. Port of Khasab
Khasab, located in the Musandam Peninsula, is strategically located close to the Strait of Hormuz. It serves as an important port for both cargo and passenger ferries, linking Oman with nearby countries like the UAE and Iran. Khasab is a critical location for shipping goods such as oil, fishing products, and industrial cargo. The port is well-equipped for handling general cargo and oil-related shipments.
City Location: Khasab, Oman
Latitude: 26.2289° N
Longitude: 56.2333° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | 530 | Route 1 |
| Dubai (UAE) | 180 | E11 |
| Sharjah (UAE) | 150 | E11 |
| Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) | 100 | E11 |
| Sohar | 400 | Route 5 |
| Barka | 420 | Route 1 |
| Seeb | 450 | Route 1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Khasab Railway Station (Oman)
- Muscat Railway Station (Oman)
- Dubai Railway Station (UAE)
- Sohar Railway Station (Oman)
- Seeb Railway Station (Oman)