Area Code 26 – Al Batinah & Musandam

The +968 26 numbering block is a geographic area code assigned to the northernmost regions of the Sultanate of Oman, specifically covering the Al Batinah North and Al Batinah South governorates, as well as the Musandam Governorate. This expansive region stretches along the Gulf of Oman coast from the border with the United Arab Emirates down to the outskirts of the capital area, and includes the Omani exclave of Musandam, which is separated from the rest of the country by UAE territory.

Cities and towns served by the 26 prefix include Sohar, a major industrial port city; Saham, known for its fishing and agriculture; Shinas, a border town with the UAE; Liwa, a coastal district; and Khasab, the capital of Musandam, famous for its dramatic fjords. The prefix also serves smaller communities such as Barka, Rustaq, and Nakhal in Al Batinah South, though some of these areas may also use other prefixes depending on the specific exchange.

Dialing and Usage

Within Oman, calls to numbers beginning with 26 are dialed as local calls using the full eight-digit number, which starts with 26. For example, to call a landline in Sohar, you would dial 26 XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is the six-digit subscriber number). No trunk prefix (0) is used for domestic calls within Oman; the number is dialed exactly as it appears.

When calling from outside Oman, you must use the international dialing format: +968 26 XXXXXX. This applies whether you are calling from a mobile phone or a landline. For instance, to reach a business in Khasab from the United States, you would dial 011 968 26 XXXXXX (or +968 26 XXXXXX from a mobile).

The 26 prefix is used by both residential and commercial subscribers, including government offices, banks, schools, and businesses. It is a fixed-line prefix, meaning it is primarily associated with landline telephones, although some VoIP services and internet-based calling may also use this numbering range.

Because the region is economically important, with industrial zones and border trade, many companies maintain offices in these areas, and the prefix is widely recognized for its geographic association. If you are planning to contact a business or individual in Al Batinah or Musandam, always verify the full number, as the six digits following the prefix are unique to each subscriber.

For travelers and expatriates, understanding the local dialing rules is essential. When in Oman, simply dial the eight-digit number starting with 26. When calling from abroad, remember to include the country code +968 and drop any leading zero that might appear in local listings (though in Oman, numbers are typically listed without a leading zero).