Al-Jalali (Ash Sharqiya Fort) is a restored 16th-century fort that looks out over the Gulf of Oman. Built during Portuguese occupation in the 1580s, the fort once served to protect the Mutrah Harbour’s eastern side from any threat coming by sea. The fort was used as a prison for most of the 20th century but has since been restored and converted into a private museum of Omani heritage and culture.
Seeking to monopolize trade on silk and spices, the Portuguese made Muscat their base for their Omani conquest in the mid-1500s. They soon came under threat from Ottoman, English and Dutch forces. In a bid to ward off enemies, the Portuguese built several fortifications around the Old Muscat harbour, including Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani forts.
Al-Jalali Fort’s strategic location on a rocky outcrop to the east of the harbour gives it a panoramic view of the gulf. See the historic fort from the Old Muscat road that approaches from the south and then winds around the fortification walls to the east. The fort’s interior and the private museum are not accessible to the general public, but the site offers some of the best harbour views in Old Muscat. Stand at the base of the fort and look out to sea.
Get closer to the fort via a steep and winding flight of steps, visible on the cliff’s western face. Visit the fort during military celebrations to see bagpipers playing from the ramparts and the harbour lit up by fireworks displays.
Al-Jalali Fort is located on the coastal edge of Old Muscat, to the east of Al Alam Palace. The local bus system and a variety of hop-on hop-off bus tours make stops in this area of Old Muscat. You can visit the fort for free any day of the year.
