The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a magnificent and iconic monument among the most famous ones in Oman, situated in Muscat, the capital city of Oman. Officially opened in 2001, this magnificent mosque represents the culture of the country and is a vision of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who played an enormous role in modern Oman’s development.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman offers magnificent architecture that displays a beautiful harmony between traditional Islamic designs and modern construction techniques. An enormous, beautifully woven Persian carpet is laid on the grand prayer hall, and a huge chandelier is another decoration adding grandeur to the hall. A nice quiet surrounding gives space for its visitors to admire the beauty of Islamic art and architecture in calm serenity.
It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and serves as a major cultural and religious center in Oman. Its phenomenal structure of white marble and green surrounding gardens and courtyards enjoy serene beauty which becomes a perfect setting for contemplation and exploration. The magnificent minaret that rises to a soaring height of 90 meters is one of the unseen pieces that are taken care of, visible from far away.
Though guided tours of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque inform visitors regarding Omani culture and Islamic traditions. They vary in content but cover Islamic practices, the history of the mosque, and its architectural style. Visitors are allowed to visit the mosque outside prayer times when Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter. Hence, it’s a brilliant cultural experience open to everyone, regardless of their religion or background.
When in Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-visit to have a rare look into Oman.