Despite what its name suggests, Palace Beach isn’t a place for swimming but an exceptional viewpoint overlooking the Gulf of Oman. In front of you lies the sea that brought wealth and influence to the sultanate. For centuries, these waters connected Muscat to India, East Africa and far beyond, carrying spices, frankincense, dates and precious textiles, and making the city a key port on the great maritime trade routes. From here, you can see the rear façade of the Royal Palace facing the sea, a position that is far from accidental. It reflects how Omani power has always been shaped by its relationship with the ocean, outward-looking and closely tied to maritime exchange. To your right, standing on its rocky outcrop, Al Jalali Fort keeps watch. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it once defended the entrance to Muscat’s harbour against invasion. From this spot, you have a perfect summary of Muscat at a glance: a fort that watches, a palace that rules, and a sea that links Oman to the wider world. If you’re here in the late afternoon, don’t miss the sunset, when the palace is washed in a remarkable golden light.