Al Falaj Hotel, a Muscat landmark offers range of conveniences and services for business and leisure clients making it a Muscat hotel of choice of many visitors. Other innovative features of this Oman hotel include oriental, Asian and western dining choices and excellent onsite leisure options for men and women.
Al Alam Palace in Muscat, built on the site of the British Embassy in the older part of Muscat is the ceremonial palace of Oman’s ruler. A striking city land mark with its signature blue and gold soaring pillars that flare out to support the flat roof, it has been one of the best examples of contemporary Islamic architecture in the region since its construction in the 1970s. The design of the palace is based on two long wings spreading out from a three storied central square structure. Two round towers, part of an ancient wall act as a frame for the palace in the distance. It is one of six royal residences spread out in the country.
Whichever way you look at it the Sultans’ Palace in Muscat is an impressive sight. From the sea it is a complex of low rise buildings with mountain in the background. From land, an expansive paved avenue lined with Ashoka trees in the public area and ornate street lamps beyond the palace gate lead to the main building. The huge square in front sets off the building in the distance to perfection. Ponds, fountains and lawns bordered by densely planted hedges and clumps of colourful floral displays are found around the building making it a popular place for visitors to take photos and hang out, especially during the evenings. The interior of the wings on either side of the expansive driveway offer delightful receding vistas. Their white walls, pointed Arabian arches and brown flooring creates impressive light effects during the day and at night, artificial illumination enhanced by HDR processes create a totally different picture even adding subtle touches of colour. Large areas of polished marble around the palace reflect the government buildings around it. Many foreign dignitaries and visiting royalty have been feted here. Although the public is not allowed inside, they can still enjoy the surrounding palace gardens and view the palace from the waterfront of Muscat’s port. Al Alam Palace is also on the list of Muscat by Night tours as it makes a spectacular sight all lit up at night.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
