The port is situated in old Muscat, in the Wilayat of Muttrah, part of the Governorate of Muscat.

Sultan Qaboos Port was officially opened in 1974 to serve as the trading centre of the country. In 1976, the Services Corporation came into existence, to manage, run and maintain the port.

Currently there are 9 docks, with depths ranging from 9 to 13m. There are third- generation handling stations for container ships and wharfs to receive Ro-Ro ships, bulk goods ships and multipurpose ships. In addition, there is a wharf dedicated to the handling of grain ships, a tug boat wharf and a secure wharf for government use.

Other facilities are three covered transit sheds, docking stations, open storage yards, a customs inspection station and a passenger station, which houses a passenger terminal, duty free shops, restaurants, traditional goods outlets and recreation facilities.