MuscatMunicipality Completes Its Most Comprehensive Traffic Study to DeliverSustainable Solutions Through 2045
Muscat, 1 March 2026: Muscat Municipalitycontinues its dedicated efforts to develop sustainable traffic solutions thatenhance the efficiency of the road network and improve the quality of lifeacross the Governorate through the implementation of the Muscat GovernorateComprehensive Traffic Study 2025. This study represents the third edition ofthis strategic initiative.The study forms part of the government’s ongoingcommitment to strengthening the efficiency of the road network, creating newaccess points wherever feasible, and supporting public transport systems toprovide practical and viable alternatives to private vehicle use in terms ofcost, time, and accessibility.Notably, Muscat ranks among the least congestedArab cities in the 2024 and 2025 Numbeo Traffic Indexes. In addition, theSultanate of Oman secured first place regionally and eighth place globally inroad quality, according to the World Economic Forum’s rankings, for threeconsecutive years (2023-2025). These achievements reflect the tangible impactof sustained efforts in this vital sector – particularly given the uniquegeographical characteristics of Muscat Governorate, which extendslongitudinally from east to west, with the Al Hajar mountain range to thesouth. This terrain presents technical and financial challenges in constructingalternative routes or expanding existing roads, as well as higherinfrastructure costs associated with engineering works such as mountaincutting, slope stabilisation, wadi protection measures, and bridge and tunnelconstruction.The study aims to assess 2025 congestionhotspots, analyse travel patterns and traffic-generating areas, and develop anintegrated digital simulation model. This model will serve as a strategic toolfor monitoring and evaluating traffic movement through 2035 and 2045. It alsoexamines available solutions and alternatives, measuring their technical andeconomic impact on the Governorate’s road network.Recognising that traffic solutions extend beyondroad widening or the opening of new routes, the study also explores parallelsustainable measures. These include enhancing various modes of public transportand proposing supportive regulatory and administrative measures, culminating ina comprehensive, integrated action plan spanning the short-, medium-, andlong-term.The data collection phase included the mostextensive field surveys conducted to date. These covered 88 intersections androundabouts, automated traffic counts at 54 locations, 21 bridges, and sevenpublic parking sites. Additionally, 250,000 travel destination surveys weredistributed via SMS in four languages, and in-person interviews were conductedat more than 19 key locations across the Governorate.The findings revealed that 97% of road usersrely on private vehicles for daily mobility, and 70% of trips are made insingle-occupancy vehicles. This underscores the urgent need to promote aculture of shared mobility and to expand the effective use of publictransportation services.His Excellency Eng Ahmed bin Said Al Amri,Chairman of Muscat Municipality, commented, saying, “The 2025 ComprehensiveTraffic Study represents a strategic step toward sustainable urban planninggrounded in data and rigorous scientific analysis. We do not approach trafficcongestion as a short-term challenge; rather, we address it within a long-termvision spanning 20 years, balancing technical and economic feasibility whileaccounting for population growth, urban expansion, and economic activity acrossthe Governorate.“We highly value the positive engagement ofcitizens and residents in the success of this study through their broadparticipation in surveys and field assessments. Traffic congestion is a sharedresponsibility, and sustainable solutions begin with evolving mobilitypatterns, strengthening the culture of shared transport, and making effectiveuse of public transportation systems for the benefit of the wider community.”Muscat Municipality affirms its continuedcoordination with relevant authorities to implement advanced analytical systemsand forecasting methodologies, leading to the development of an integratedstructural plan that addresses the Governorate’s long-term needs, supportssustainable development objectives, and enhances quality of life across Muscat.– End –