Al Mirani Fort in Muscat – a window on Oman’s royal palace
Pssst! Want to know one of the best kept secrets of Old Muscat? Most people admire the Sultan’s official residence, Al Alam Palace, from the parade ground. It’s an excellent and much captured view of the gold, turquoise and mosaicked facade. But for a less photographed angle overlooking the palace lawn, private anchorage and the Sea of Oman, you should climb Al Mirani Fort.
In 2024, this 16th Century coastal defence reopened to the public after a long period of restoration.
In this post I want to share my experience of visiting Al Mirani Fort in Muscat – one of the top things to do in the oldest part of the city – as well as why its worth seeing, aside from those more unique palace snaps.
But before the good stuff, I’d like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It’s a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.
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What is the history behind Al Mirani Fort?
There has been a defensive post here for centuries. In 1588, the Portuguese built the version you can visit today to protect one of Oman’s strategic trading ports. The Omani’s regained control of Muscat in 1650 and added extra fortifications to deter the invading Ottomans in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Al Mirani’s location on top of a rocky outcrop gave it a prime view over a natural bay which is not far East of the modern port of Muttrah. On the opposite side of the bay stands its twin, Al Jalali Fort. This was built by the Portuguese in 1587.
Together the forts flank Al Alam Palace. But it doesn’t take a historian’s eye to see that the royal residency is much younger than its protectors. This was built in 1972 to replace an older palace that had fallen into disrepair.
Visiting the fort today
Al Mirani has only recently reopened to visitors after being part of a countrywide programme to restore Oman’s network of more than 500 historic forts on the coast and inland.
Step inside and you can explore a maze of rooms and battlements with panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Oman and a modern naval base to the North. To the South West there’s glistening white government buildings and the Omani and French Museum (the former French Consulate), and right next door, the back of Al Alam Palace.
To be honest, the fort’s views are the main attraction as the rooms inside are quite sparse. Don’t expect recreated historic scenes similar to what you would find at Nizwa Fort, although you can see a few 19th Century rifles and cannons.
Look out for QR codes that you can scan to find out a few more details about these artefacts.
The reason for the blank canvas is because the fort’s vast spaces are designed to host temporary exhibitions and events over the winter season. It’s often a venue for the Muscat Nights month-long cultural festival in January.
When I visited there was an exhibition of local artists’ work.
It’s worth mentioning that you can’t visit Al Jalali Fort. This is a private museum for the Oman royal family and guests of the Sultan.
Got a thing for forts? Read about the other Omani forts we have visited.
The best time to visit Al Mirani Fort
Visiting at the start or end of the day will give you the benefit of cooler temperatures, but some of the indoor spaces are air conditioned to give you respite from the heat of the day.
If you want to see the fort at its liveliest then an evening visit is a must, especially when events are planned. Touring exhibitions can be seen all day, but live entertainment only takes place when the temperatures drop.
Tips for visiting
- Much of the fort is open to the elements, so come preferred with cool, loose clothing, sun cream and hats. Flat shoes are easiest for walking around as there are some uneven surfaces.
- Wear conservative clothing that covers knees and shoulders.
- There are lots of steps. If you are visiting with small children who are unable to walk themselves bring a child carrier rather than a push chair.
- Keep a close eye on children at all times. There are drops with low barriers.
- The fort ticket office and cafe accept card payments.
- There are bathrooms with Western-style toilets just off the fort’s indoor reception area. Bring your own toilet paper (I always carry a small pack of tissues) and dispose of it in the bin.
How to get to Al Mirani Fort
Here is where to find Al Mirani Fort in Muscat:
The easiest way to visit Al Mirani Fort is by car. It has its own limited parking along the sea wall. If this is full you can find free parking beside the National Museum, which is a 12 minute walk away. Check out my tips for finding more free parking in my guide to Muttrah.
If you want to book a taxi, which is the most convenient way to get to the fort without your own vehicle, use the Yango app.
Oman’s public transport system is limited, but if you are traveling from Ruwi, you’ll want the no.4 bus. This service from Ruwi Bus Station takes you to a stop at the National Museum of Oman. The fort entrance is a 12 minute walk from here.
Check bus times on the Moovitapp website.
Places to eat
The Fort Cafe is handy for drinks, cakes and snacks. There’s indoor and outdoor tables with umbrellas. If you are looking for something more filling, here’s some recommendations:
- Anna Cafe back on Muttrah corniche is my favourite place for a sandwich
- For something a bit special, book a table at Mesa Restaurant, right beside Muttrah Fort. It serves a mix of Omani and Portuguese dishes
- Bait Al Luban beyond the fish market is famed for its traditional Omani menu and dining experience.
Where to stay close to Al Mirani Fort in Muscat
- The Fort Guesthouse – a traditional guesthouse at the centre of Muttrah that gets great reviews for its location and hospitality.
- Nassem Hotel – this sea view hotel on Muttrah Corniche is a top choice for visitors, including families, who want somewhere central but not fussy. Cafe Anna below serves excellent coffees, cakes and light meals. Their cookies are one of my guilty pleasures.
- The Sheraton Hotel – a very reasonably priced 5 star international hotel with pool, restaurant and bars a short drive from Muttrah. It is in an urban location but we have stayed a few times and enjoyed the stunning lobby, mountain views and excellent dining facilities
- Hilton Muscat Al Bandar Resort – this 5 star beach resort is home to three Hilton hotels including the family-friendly DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat and Al Husn adults-only hotel. The resort is located about 20 minutes to the East of Muttrah. It has its own private beach and a range of restaurants.
FAQs about Al Mirani Fort
Al Mirani is one of the more accessible forts in Oman with some areas even open to people in wheelchairs. There is a lift to take you up to the Fort Cafe from where you can enjoy the views. However not all levels or rooms in the fort are step free.
The fort is open daily from 8am until 11am in the week and until midnight on Oman’s weekends. Expect opening times to vary over Ramadan and other public holidays.
Tickets for tourists and non-Omani residents cost 5.50 OMR for adults and 2.75 OMR for children. There is a discount for GCC citizens. If you are an Omani citizen the price is 3.30 OMR for adults and 1.65 OMR for children.
The easiest way to get tickets is to visit the ticket office at the fort entrance.
You can also buy tickets in advance. Omani citizens and GCC citizens can get the discounted rate on Platinumlist. Tourists and non-Omani residents can buy tickets in advance from Get Your Guide.
Where next?
For more ideas for things to do Oman’s capital see my full guide to Muscat or my suggested three day itinerary.
