The Muttrah Cable Car project is poised to significantly reshape the tourism landscape in Muscat’s Muttrah wilayat by connecting the port area with the mountainous heights and Hay Al Ward Park through a 3-kilometre aerial route. The initiative aims to offer visitors an integrated experience combining adventure, cultural enrichment, entertainment, and dining, while providing unique views of the waterfront and historic landmarks.
Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, emphasized that the project is viewed as a strategic enhancement to the region’s tourism portfolio rather than a standalone attraction. He highlighted its potential to increase the area’s competitiveness, extend visitor stays, and boost expenditures across hospitality and related tourism services. The cable car takes advantage of Muttrah’s distinctive geographical setting, where sea, mountains, and the historic urban fabric converge, making it particularly appealing to cruise ship passengers and short-term international visitors seeking richer itineraries.
According to Khalid bin Said al Nabhani, Chairman of Muttrah Cable Car Company, the system consists of 18 cabins, including two VIP cabins, each accommodating eight passengers for a maximum capacity of 800 passengers per hour. The cable car begins at the Port Station, located near the Muttrah Fish Market, Muttrah Souq, and the cruise ship terminal, serving as the primary boarding point complete with ticketing, reception, cafés, and visitor amenities.
The route then ascends to the Summit Station positioned between Muttrah Fort and Al Riyam Park. This mid-point hub offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city and the waterfront, alongside an array of cultural and entertainment facilities. Features at the Summit Station include an open-air amphitheatre with a capacity for over 1,000 spectators designed to host concerts, national celebrations, and evening events. Visitors will also find restaurants, cafés, and shops introducing international brands operating in Oman for the first time.
Additional attractions at the Summit Station include the “Miniature Oman” exhibition, presenting scale models of the country’s historical and modern landmarks, and the “Digital Muttrah House,” an immersive indoor experience featuring digital storytelling and artificial intelligence elements that celebrate the local heritage and engage families through interactive activities.
The third station is situated within Hay Al Ward Park near Muscat Gate and is designed as a tranquil area with sea views, landscaped outdoor plazas, fountains, retail spaces, restaurants, and shaded seating. This station provides an alternative embarkation point, enhancing visitor flexibility in planning routes through Muttrah.
Preserving Muttrah’s historic and cultural identity remains a core consideration in the project’s development. Al Busaidi underlined the importance of integrating the cable car experience with the wilayat’s diverse architectural, historical, and cultural assets, aiming to create a cohesive tourism offering that respects the area’s unique character.
The project also anticipates broader economic benefits by stimulating local businesses across multiple sectors, including dining, retail, tour operations, craftsmanship, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, several initiatives have been launched to support SME participation and localize specialized professions linked to the cable car development.
Comprising 23 commercial units distributed among the stations, the project is currently undergoing operational testing with technical expertise provided by a Swiss company and a European organization specializing in cable car systems and certification. These tests, conducted under close supervision, are critical steps ahead of the cable car’s official launch.