The Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos of Oman located in Old Muscat, Oman.
"Al Alam" means "The Flag" in Arabic. The palace, one of six royal residences of the ruling monarch, Sultan Qaboos, 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.
The inner grounds of the palace remain off-limits but visitors are permitted to stop near the gates and take photographs.
Al Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali Forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
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.
