About
Al Jalali Fort sits on a rocky outcrop in Old Muscat, Oman, looking out over the harbor. It is a 16th-century Portuguese fort, built in the 1580s to guard the entrance to Muscat Bay. It is also known as Ash Sharqiya Fort.
The fort was built alongside Al Mirani Fort, the two together covering the approach to the bay. Standing on the same stretch of coast, they give a clear sense of why this harbor mattered and why it was defended so carefully.
What a visit offers
- The setting: the fort's position on the rock gives wide views over the water and the old harbor below.
- The history: it is a reminder of the Portuguese presence in this part of the Gulf, seen in the strength and placement of its walls.
- The area: Old Muscat is compact, so the fort can be combined with a walk along the waterfront and the other sights nearby.
Al Jalali suits visitors who enjoy old fortifications and coastal views, and who want to understand how the harbor was guarded. Because it is on a rocky height, expect some climbing and bring suitable footwear. The fort is best approached as part of a longer walk through Old Muscat, where its neighbours and the harbor front fill out the picture of the city's past.