Watchtowers of Muscat

There are many watchtowers in Muscat.  Just take a drive and see how many you can spot, perched up on rocky outcrops surveying the surrounds.

This particular watchtower (restored Portuguese) isn’t particularly large or exciting, containing all of two cannons and nothing else, but the steep climb is worth the spectacular views both back towards Mutrah and out across the next bay towards Old Muscat.  A bonus is that it affords a good view of the giant incense burner in Al Riyam Park at the same time.

If you have time, walk here from the Corniche along the water heading south, south-east and take in the harbour, bays, musical fountain, flowerbeds and statues of fish along the way.  Al Riyam park provides an entertaining diversion in the late afternoon and into the evenings when children run riot around the various rides and games available (check opening times).

You can’t access the stairs to the giant incense burner from Al Riyam park.  Go around the point to the carpark on the other side of the park and start your climb from there.

Would I Return?

Yes, but not specifically for the watchtowers.  I visited during Eid al Fitr when the majority of shops and the museums were closed.  In addition to this all the cafes and restaurants were closed during the day up until sunset when iftar (breakfast) began after the days’ fast.

Choose a time outside of Eid and preferably outside of Ramadan when sites and attractions are more likely to be open and it is not only acceptable but possible to eat and drink in public during the day.  This is especially the case when Ramadan falls in the hot Summer months.