Today, it is the capital of the Sultanate and has been restored to its former glory. Muscat's quaint old buildings co-exist with modern new commercial and residential quarters giving the city an ambience of its own. In Ruwi, the commercial centre of the city, are located private sector establishments and business organizations, besides retail shops which market electronic goods, jewellery, garments and other items. Also located in this part of the city are fancy shopping like Sabco, Capital Commercial and Oman Commercial Centres. Not far away is the bustling, old Muttrah souq where the tourist can buy traditional Omani crafts, frankincense and silver jewellery as keepsakes.
Muscat city is a haven for tourists.
Quaint gardens and modern children's parks beckon the tourist, as do the quiet, secluded beaches at Al Bustan, Al Qurum and Qantab. The two imposing forts around Muscat add to the atmosphere. The forts at Jalali and Mirani are steeped in tradition and were built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. The stretch which extends to the desert just below the Jebel Akhdar in the north of the Sultanate, is loosely termed as the ''interior'. The oasis city of Nizwa, the region's most popular town was once the old capital of Oman.