Al Alam Palace

Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman, standing on Al Alam Street in Old Muscat between the Portuguese-built Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. The present palace was built in 1972 under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who came to power in 1970, on the site of an earlier palace, and it became the setting for state ceremonies, the reception of foreign dignitaries and official events. Al Alam means flag or banner in Arabic. The Sultan's working residences are elsewhere, so the palace is used mainly for ceremonial functions. Architecturally, the building is a modern interpretation of Arabian and Islamic design, with a facade of gold and blue columns, arches and a flat roof, set behind a wide plaza and iron gates and facing the harbour. The two forts on either side frame the palace and create one of the most photographed scenes in Muscat. The palace interior is closed to the public, so the visit consists of walking the plaza and viewing the facade from the gates. Security staff may restrict how close visitors can approach, and photography is generally acceptable from the plaza but respect for instructions is expected. The area around the palace is landscaped with paved walkways, flowerbeds and a small waterfront, and it is quiet and clean compared with the busier Muttrah district. The palace is a short walk from the National Museum of Oman, the Omani French Museum and Bait Al Zubair, so it is commonly included in a half-day walking route through Old Muscat. The palace has no ticket office, and access to the plaza is free. Evening lighting highlights the colours of the facade, while the early morning is the best time for photographs without crowds. Since the plaza has little shade, a hat and water are advisable in warm months.