Oman today_ According to newly released data from the global platform Numbeo Traffic Index, Muscat has been recognized as the calmest and least congested capital in the Arab world during the first half of 2025. This achievement reflects significant improvements in urban management, the development of transportation networks and road infrastructure, and the promotion of a strong driving culture in Oman’s capital.
The Numbeo report, which monitors urban traffic conditions in cities around the world, provides a comprehensive index based on factors such as vehicle congestion, average travel times, citizen satisfaction with traffic flow, carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles, and the efficiency of public transportation systems. According to this index, Muscat scored 118.7, earning the title of the least congested Arab capital and registering the lowest traffic density among 15 major regional capitals.
In contrast, Sharjah in the UAE ranked as the most congested Arab city with an index of 302.8, followed by Cairo and Alexandria in Egypt with scores of 241.1 and 199.4, respectively. Other high-traffic cities in the region include Beirut, Amman (Jordan), Rabat (Morocco), and Dubai.
Urban experts point out that Muscat’s success is largely due to its organized and extensive highway network, adherence to traffic regulations, and lower population density compared to other Arab capitals. They believe that if this trend continues, Muscat could serve as a model for effective urban traffic management across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Moreover, this achievement aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritize improving quality of life, enhancing urban efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability. According to officials, effective traffic management not only ensures smoother vehicle flow and reduces pollution, but also contributes to the well-being and satisfaction of the city’s residents.
The findings of the report demonstrate that Oman’s continuous efforts in infrastructure development, public awareness, and adoption of modern transportation technologies have positioned Muscat as a leading city in terms of urban traffic management, potentially serving as a benchmark for other capitals in the region.