Al-Alam Royal Palace (Sultan's Palace), Muscat

Situated in Old Muscat, the Al Alam Palace served as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. The palace, which has a facade adorned with gold and blue, has a rich history of over two centuries, having been built under the supervision of Imam Sultan bin Ahmed, the 7th direct great-grandfather of Sultan Haitham.

In 1972, the palace was reconstructed to serve as a royal residence. While the palace's inner grounds remain off-limits to the public, visitors are permitted to take photographs near the gates. The Mirani and Jalali Forts, constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, surround the Al Alam Palace.

The palace is used for official events and plays host to notable guests. During her state visit to Oman in January 2012, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was received by the sultan at the Al Alam Palace.

Renowned author Peter J. Ochs described the palace as "elegant but humble in design, unlike the grandiose structures of other capitals," when visitors approach the palace gates. The palace's highly polished marble surfaces add to its elegance. Government buildings nearby follow the traditional Omani style with white exteriors, crenelated rooftops, and wooden balconies. Although primarily a ceremonial palace, a guest villa within the palace's grounds features its own pool, spa, and walled gardens.