In the mid 1920's the Muscat Municipality was officially inaugurated. It had superseded in function previous organizations set up across the Arabian Gulf to control markets and public buildings, improve trade and pool cultural and civic information. Accordingly, the Muscat Municipality has played different roles as the authority invested in it as well as its territorial jurisdiction grew.

Today the Municipality boasts a streamlined administrative structure that oversees all aspects of its operation. Specialized Committees have been set up were in-depth technical knowledge is needed in planning and execution of urban development.

Muscat is rich in historic sites of interest to the tourist, as well as modern buildings which combine to give the city its distinctive charm. Notable features of the city include its forts and watchtowers, its traditional Arab residences, popular markets, museums and beautiful coastline.

City Walls and Gates
Since medieval times, Muscat was surrounded by walls as well as rocky masses forming natural barriers. The city's walls served as a first line of defense, providing protection against invaders and were traditionally called 'the fortifications' by the inhabitants. Muscat's walls contain three gates:

1- Bab Al Mathaib, lying to the South under Fort Mirani.
2- Bab Al Kabir (Main Gate) situated at the western end of the walls.
3- Bab Al Saghir (Small Gate) in the center of the South Wall, formerly functioning as the Principal Gate.

Muscat's Forts
The forts of Jalali and Mirani, which were constructed in 1587 and 1588 respectively, constitute one of the premier tourist attractions in this part of the world. In the past, these forts, built by the Portuguese, were vital for the defense of the city.

The westernmost fort, known as Mirani, which may have taken its name from the word 'alamiral', was formerly the headquarters of the Portuguese commander and known as Fort Capitan. On the other hand, Fort Jalali may have been named after a famous commander although formerly it was known as San Joao.

Muscat's Traditional Mansions
A large number of the dwellings in Muscat could, until the beginning of the 20th century, be considered an extension of its fortifications since their architecture resembled that of castles and forts in being defensive in nature. Moving from the west to the east of the city, the most important of these are:

1. Bait Jariza
2. Bait Al Sayyid Shihab bin Faisal
3. Bait Al Sayyid Nadir bin Faisal
4. Bait Faransa (Omani- French Museum)
5. Bait Al Sayyid Abbas bin Faisal
6. Bait Ratnisi
7. Bait Al Bir
8. Old Indian Embassy Building
9. Bait Maghib
10. Old American Embassy Building
11. Old British Embassy Building
12. Bait Al Zawawi

Sur Al Lawatlya District
Architecturally, the Sur Al Lawatlya District is one of Mutrah's most traditional and attractive areas, consisting of houses packed closely together surrounding the Al Jami Mosque. The district is bisected by a network of narrow lanes and is accessed by one of the main gates through the old city wall.  

Ruwi Wall
Another well-known landmark in the area is the Ruwi wall, remains of which can still be seen and whose main gate was recently restored.