Al Alam Sovereign Palace & Twin Forts
Set at the head of a picturesque natural cove between steep volcanic cliffs in Old Muscat, Al Alam Palace (Flag Palace) is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman. Rebuilt in 1972 on a historic royal residence site dating back over 200 years, the palace features a distinctive modernist-Islamic facade defined by striking gold and turquoise blue fluted columns and polished marble esplanades lined with manicured royal palms. Flanking the palace from the craggy headlands are the imposing twin fortresses of Al Mirani and Al Jalali, constructed by the Portuguese during their occupation of Muscat in the late 16th century. These cliffside strongholds defended the entrance to Muscat harbor with cannon batteries and labyrinthine watch corridors. Today, the precinct embodies the seamless transition between historic defensive grit and contemporary sovereign Omani elegance.
“The ceremonial state palace of the Sultan of Oman, framed by the dramatic 16th-century Portuguese coastal fortresses of Al Mirani and Al Jalali.”
— Tourism Compass Heritage Committee