How to experience the visit to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

A gift to his country by the late Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said bin Said, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat is a magnificent piece of Islamic Architecture of modern times exuding an understated elegance despite its stature and grandeur. Constructed with meticulous planning and attention to detail over a period of six years and opened in 2001 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sultan’s reign, this iconic mosque also signifies the immense transformation of the country during his reign.

Image by Sharon Ang from Pixabay 

Be mindful of visiting a religious place

When you plan things to do in Nizwa on your visit to Muscat, a must-visit attraction should be the Grand Mosque Muscat and be prepared to make it a rewarding experience.

• Dress modestly covering the arms and legs, females above 7 years of age must cover their hair.
• If needed the mosque café will provide abayas and scarves at a fee.
• This mosque is open to visitors (non-Muslims) between 8 am to 11 am daily except on Fridays.
• On Fridays only Muslims are permitted to enter.
• No footwear is permitted inside the mosque, they can be left on the shelves near the entrances.
• Children under 10 years of age are not permitted within the main prayer hall.
• Maintain decorum as is deserved at a place of worship.

Fun Facts to Know and look out for 

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the tallest structure in Oman with a 90 m tall Minaret. This is often a surprising fact to visitors such as those at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. 
• Spread over 102 acres (416,000 sq m) this is the largest mosque in Oman.
• Offers space for 20,000 worshippers at a time.
• Special women’s prayer hall for 750 females at a time. (Included in 20,000 above)
• 30,000 tonnes of pink sandstone from India have been used in the construction apart from local granite and marble.
• The 24-carat-gold plated Italian grand chandelier with Swarovski crystals and 1,122 bulbs was the largest chandelier in the world at a height of 14 m at the time this mosque was built. 34 smaller versions can be spotted at various sections in the mosque.
• Similarly, the prayer carpet in the main hall was the world’s largest single-piece carpet at the time the mosque was built, weighing 21 tonnes. It has a record 1.7 million knots and was hand-loomed by 600 Iranian women over 4 years.

A cultural landmark and a beacon of knowledge 

Apart from the well-planned facilities for worshippers, this mosque serves steadfastly to showcase Omani culture and religion whilst acting as a beacon of knowledge across the Islamic world.

The tallest Minaret makes the Mosque the tallest structure in Oman. This tallest minaret and 04 other minarets remind the worshippers of the five pillars of Islam, Faith, Prayers, Giving Alms, Fasting and Pilgrimage.

The interior of this Grand Mosque is adorned with lovely mosaic patterns in a kaleidoscope of colours. A stroll down the halls will be a rewarding sight to see these handcrafted details whilst the timber panels showcase the designs of traditional Omani ceilings thus embodying the Omani culture.

The library of the Mosque consisting of 02 floors is home to over 20,000 books on topics related to Islamic culture, fine arts, natural science, psychology, and philosophy. Separated into six different sections with one section catering to children it acts as a beacon of light enabling students, visitors and researchers to gather information from the many resources available.

Making your visit comfortable 

• Arrive soon after 8 am to have a thorough look surrounded by serenity before crowds arrive in buses.
• The mosque is geared to handle visitors on wheelchairs.
• Free parking facilities are available.
• Having food and drink within the mosque premises will not be permitted.
• Audio-Guides of the mosque can be hired, or a dedicated Omani guide.
• Restrooms, a gift shop, and café facilities are available on the mosque grounds.