Al Alam Palace

The Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos of Oman located in Muscat.

History

"Al Alam" means "The Flag" in Arabic.[1] The palace, one of six royal residences of the ruling monarch, Sultan Qaboos,[2] has a history of over 200 years, built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed the 7th direct grandfather of the current Sultan. The existing palace, which has a facade of gold and blue, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972.[3] Visitors are not allowed inside the palace, though they are permitted to stop near the gates and take photographs.[4] Al Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.[5][6]

The Palace is used for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors and in January 2012, the Sultan received Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at Al Alam Palace during her state visit to Oman.[7]

Architecture

Author Peter J. Ochs wrote: "When you visit the main gates of Al Alam Palace, it is unlike any other capital you will ever visit. The palace itself is elegant but humble in design, unlike the grandiose structures of other capitals".[8] Elegantly designed, it features many highly polished marble surfaces. Government buildings in the vicinity are white, with crenallated rooftops and wooden balconies in the traditional Omani style.[2] Though primarily a ceremonial palace, there is a guest villa at the palace with its own pool, spa and walled gardens.[9]

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ Moosa, Matti (1997). The Origins of Modern Arabic Fiction. Lynne Rienner Publishers. p. 297. ISBN 978-0-89410-684-2.
  2. 1 2 Thomas, Gavin (17 October 2013). The Rough Guide to Oman. Rough Guides Limited. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-4093-5065-1.
  3. ↑ Enchanting Oman by S Kay published by Motivate Publishing 1988, p. 27
  4. ↑ Walker, Jenny; Ham, Anthony (1 August 2016). Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula. Lonely Planet. p. 313. ISBN 978-1-78657-305-6.
  5. ↑ Darke, Diana (14 November 2013). Oman. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 100. ISBN 978-1-84162-471-6.
  6. ↑ Ricasa, Lourdes Odette Aquitania (28 December 2010). Running With Echoes of Desire. Author House. p. 440. ISBN 978-1-4567-0062-1.
  7. ↑ Oman News Agency (11 January 2012). "His Majesty receives Netherlands Queen in Oman". Times of Oman. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  8. ↑ Ochs, Peter J. (1 November 1999). Maverick Guide to Oman. Pelican Publishing. p. 212. ISBN 978-1-56554-687-5.
  9. ↑ Mckenna, Lindsay; Lovelace, Merline (2 June 2015). Course of Action: Crossfire: Hidden Heart Desert Heat. Harlequin. p. 225. ISBN 978-0-373-27923-4.

Coordinates: 23°36′58″N 58°35′41″E / 23.6160°N 58.5947°E / 23.6160; 58.5947

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