Muscat, Oman
Ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman
Al Alam Palace, the Palace of the Flag, is the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman in Old Muscat, used for official functions such as welcoming foreign dignitaries and heads of state rather than as a residence. It stands at the head of a natural deep-water harbour, flanked by the Portuguese forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, one of the most striking architectural scenes in the Gulf. An earlier palace, Bayt al-Alam, was built here in the early 1800s by Sultan Said bin Sultan on the foundations of an old sea wall between the two forts. It was damaged in 1895 and not repaired for lack of funds; Sultan Said bin Taimur, who spent most of his time in Salalah, kept it locked, and it was demolished in 1971. Sultan Qaboos bin Said had the present palace built on the same spot, designed by the Indian firm Shapoorji Pallonji and completed in 1972. Its façade features tall columns clad in blue and gold mosaic beneath a broad flat roof, surrounded by green gardens and fountains, approached along a wide avenue lined with palms and old government buildings with carved wooden doors.
The palace is not open to visitors, but you may stop near the main gate and take photographs. Early morning or late afternoon light is kindest to the golden columns, and it is lit in the evening. Combine it with the National Museum opposite, Bait Al Zubair and the Jalali and Mirani forts, all a short walk away.
Hours and prices change — check before you go. Source: en.wikipedia.org
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AttractionMuscat, Oman
