Sohar Fort dates from the late thirteenth to early fourteenth century according to archaeological excavations, built while the city was under rule of the Kingdom of Ormus, the land of which, like Sohar in the early sixteenth century, eventually came to be controlled by the Portuguese. In Sohar, even while under foreign rule, the city was under the control of the Bani Nabhan or “Sultans of Sohar” who ruled from 1154-1634. The fort was modified and used by the Portuguese and was the site of the Siege of Sohar from 1633-1643 when the Portuguese fell to Omani forces led by Imam Nasir bin Murshid. The fort now houses a museum, which opened in 1993. 

Sources:

“Sohar Castle.” Castles.nl. https://www.castles.nl/sohar-castle. Accessed July 26, 2025. Archived at: https://perma.cc/7223-8LQC. 

Viswanathan, Gautam. “Travel Oman: Sohar Fort, An Eminent Historic Landmark.” Times of Oman. Published October 14, 2019. Accessed July 26, 2025. https://www.zawya.com/en/life/travel-oman-sohar-fort-an-eminent-historic-landmark-surtnveb.