Muscat's skyline explained: low-rise rules over skyscrapers

Look at photos of Oman’s capital, Muscat, and one thing jumps out: there are no skyscrapers. No gleaming glass giants, no forests of high‑rises. Everything stays low-slung, white and unhurried. So what’s going on? Why does Muscat look so different from other Gulf cities where buildings race for the sky?

A city that loves the horizon

Muscat bears little resemblance to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Most buildings are modest in height and painted white, the city almost seeming to stretch itself along the ground. That’s by design. It’s how the capital preserves its historic character—ancient forts, narrow lanes, old quarters—without letting them be overshadowed.

Local authorities argue that tall towers would spoil the city’s appearance. Local media echo that Muscat has no desire to become another look‑alike of its neighbors; the aim is to remain distinctive. The restraint feels deliberate rather than nostalgic.

Is there a law that bans skyscrapers in Muscat?

Online you’ll find claims that Muscat prohibits buildings taller than 91 meters. Official confirmation is hard to pin down. There’s no such exact figure on the city’s website or in national regulations.

What is clear: the city has rules that curb rooftop additions. If an owner wants to add another floor or a terrace and it exceeds a set share of the roof, they face an extra tax. It’s not a direct ban, but it does nudge projects away from growing upward.

There’s another rule: rooftop equipment—air‑conditioning units, water tanks and the like—shouldn’t jut out and spoil the view. They must be hidden behind dedicated walls.

What does the government say?

Oman’s government is working on a new nationwide building code. It’s meant to bring together all construction rules—from structural safety to height.

International experts are involved in drafting it. The plan is to account for climate, terrain and even residents’ habits. Until the full text is published, it’s hard to say exactly what height limits it will include.

Judging by official statements, though, skyscrapers are not on Muscat’s agenda—now or later. The city seems intent on keeping growth measured and context‑minded.

Why does Muscat choose low‑rise?

• Historic identity. The city wants to keep its unique atmosphere. High‑rises would puncture its recognizable silhouette.

• Heat and climate. Tall buildings demand heavy air‑conditioning, more energy and complex engineering—costly and not always efficient in desert conditions.

• Terrain. Muscat sits amid mountains, and the area sees rains that can trigger flooding. That, too, limits vertical ambitions.

• Quiet growth. City leaders prefer steady development over abrupt change. New projects undergo strict scrutiny and approvals.

And what if they decide to build higher?

Theoretically, it could happen. Perhaps taller buildings will be allowed in new districts someday. For now, there isn’t a single confirmed project that would qualify as a skyscraper.

Everything points to a city determined to keep its look. Even the in‑progress building code seems unlikely to reverse course. Moderation is prized here, and construction tends to show respect for tradition and landscape.

The takeaway

Muscat shows how a city can grow without trying to conquer the sky. Preserving its spirit matters more than impressing the world with 100‑meter towers. There’s no confirmed blanket ban on height, but the rules in place—and the authorities’ stance—say enough: Muscat doesn’t want to blend in. That’s its quiet advantage.

If you’re drawn to cities that remain true to themselves, Muscat deserves a spot on your list—even if your plans are still on paper.