Matrah Fort is made of two watchtowers overlooking the eponymous harbor and coastal settlement. It was likely made into a proper fort by the Ya’aribah (1624-1742) early in their rule over Muscat and Matrah, however its towers may date to 1507 AD and were likely also modified by the Portuguese during their occupation of Oman in the 1560s. While its original intent was defensive, it was used by the Royal Oman Police in the late twentieth century and in 2018 it was opened to visitors, transformed into a setting for arts and cultural events; it now houses a popular cafe.

Sources:

Alhinai, Sharifah. “The Many Lives of Oman’s Forts.” Middle East Institute. Published March 5, 2024. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.mei.edu/publications/many-lives-omans-forts. Archived at: https://perma.cc/P6AX-76MM. 

Peterson, J. E. Historical Muscat : An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer. Leiden ; Brill, 2007, 9; 32; 59-60; 118.

“The importance of Muttrah Fort to modern day Oman.” Published September 23, 2017. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.omanobserver.om/article/72504/Features/the-importance-of-muttrah-fort-to-modern-day-oman. Archived at: https://perma.cc/A5CF-TFWS.