Sohar: Oman's industrial port city and its long seafaring past

Sohar, the capital of North Al Batinah Governorate, lies on the coast about 230 kilometres north-west of Muscat, close to the border with the UAE. For centuries it was Oman's greatest port and, according to legend, the home of Sindbad the Sailor. Today it is the country's industrial engine.

History

Sohar was a major port of the Indian Ocean trade from the early Islamic period, described by medieval geographers as one of the richest towns of the region. Copper from the nearby mountains was exported from here in antiquity. The white Sohar Fort, overlooking the corniche, is the symbol of the city and houses a museum on its maritime history.

Sohar Port and Freezone

The modern city has grown around Sohar Port and Freezone, a joint venture with the Port of Rotterdam that hosts an oil refinery, aluminium smelter, steel plants, petrochemicals, logistics companies and a large food cluster. The port and its free zone are among the largest employers in Oman and a magnet for engineers and industrial staff from around the world. Sohar Airport handles domestic and regional flights.

Getting there

The Al Batinah Expressway connects Sohar with Muscat in about two to two and a half hours by car, and with the UAE border at Al Wajajah or Khatmat Malaha in less than an hour. Buses run regularly to Muscat and Dubai.

Living in Sohar

Sohar offers coastal living at lower cost than Muscat, with beaches, a corniche, malls, private hospitals, international schools and a university. Its population is a mix of Omani families and expatriates working in the industrial zone. Summers are hot and humid; winters are pleasant.

What to see

• Sohar Fort and museum.
• The corniche and fish market.
• Sohar souq and the old quarter.
• Wadi Hibi and Wadi Al Jizzi in the mountains inland.
• Liwa and Shinas, historic towns to the north.

Property in Sohar

Most of Sohar's housing is for Omani citizens and rental to expatriates; it is not one of the main areas for foreign freehold ownership, and parts of North Al Batinah's coast are listed among areas where foreign ownership is restricted. Foreign professionals working in Sohar usually rent locally and, if they want to buy, buy in Muscat's tourism complexes, two hours away.

How R2LUX helps

For clients working in Sohar we compare renting locally with owning a home in Muscat that brings residence independent of their employer. Three current options are below.