Al Alam Palace (قصر العلم) is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan. The palace is located in the heart of the Old Muscat, it is surrounded by the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts and will soon be facing the upcoming National Museum of Oman. Former Sultan’s used to live in a house called Bait Al Alam which was demolished in the early 70s to build this new Palace in its place to be the official residence of the Sultan of Oman.
Sultan Qaboos rarely ever stays in Al Alam Palace as he seems to prefer his other residences in Al Seeb or Manah. However, this palace is the one used the most to receive high ranking official guests and has hosted in the past the likes of the Queen of England and the Queen of the Netherlands. The palace is not open to the public, but tourists can walk around the yard and garders infront of the palace at any time.
The Palace is neighboured by a number of other interesting government buildings such as the Ministry of Finance which has a nice gate that should not be missed by visitors to the palace. You can see the gate of the Ministry of Finance by walking along the right side arches of the palace and going through one of the two exists there.
Al Alam Palace is surrounded by Al Jalali and Mirani forts, both of which are unfortunately not open to the public. Both forts were built in the 16th century around the time of the Portuguese invasion of Muscat. You can get a closer look of both forts and get a breathtaking view of the back of the palace by driving through the Al Alam road near the Omani French Museum where you can almost literally park your car behind the palace.
Other attractions close to Al Alam Palace include Al Zubair Museum, Al Bustan Palace, and the new buildings of the Council of Oman and the National Museum.
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One reply on “Al Alam Palace”
Dear all,
what does mean ” flag palace”?
thank you.
Susan