MAN: PALACES
The Sultan has two Palaces in the capital area: Seeb Palace, which is where he lives when his is in the north, and Al Alam Palace in Muscat, which he never lives in but which is the seat of Government. Both were built in the seventies, in the early part of his reign. They are very different Seeb Palace being surrounded by gardens and relatively modest in style; Al Alam Palace designed by Indian architects in a flamboyant, colourful and highly decorated style with apartments for visiting foreign leaders and surrounded by the offices of the Diwan. (The Diwan is the Sultan's Private Office, as well as having large departments dealing with the Sultan's farms, palaces, yacht squadron and Royal flight. They are in charge of the detailed arrangements for the programme of the Prince and Princess of Wales). The guest wing of the Al Alam Palace, with its swimming pool, is at the disposal of TRH throughout their stay.
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