Which Omani Sultan moved the capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in the 19th century?

Sa’id bin Sultan moved the Omani capital to Zanzibar around 1840. Zanzibar had better access to East African trade routes. The island was perfect for controlling the lucrative ivory and slave trades.

Other sultans ruled at different times but didn’t make this move. Sa’id saw Zanzibar’s economic potential. He even preferred living there over Muscat in Arabia.

This decision made Zanzibar a major trading center. It connected East Africa, Arabia, and Asia through commerce.