Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Muscat (Full Guide!)
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a city full of treasures for travelers. One of its most stunning landmarks, and not to be missed, is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. As the third-largest mosque in the world, it was built in honor of Sultan Qaboos and has become a major tourist attraction. Spanning 416,000 square meters, this grand mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers.
You won’t have to search for long as the towering main minaret of the mosque, standing at 90 meters, serves as a beacon, drawing visitors to admire not only the impressive exterior but also to explore the interior. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by luxurious decorative elements, stunning prayer halls, elegant corridors, and intricate wall carvings. Be sure not to miss the giant carpet and the massive chandelier weighing over 8 tons. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is truly a breathtaking example of Arabic architecture with an exquisite interior.
In this guide, I will provide detailed information about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, highlight some must-see sights, and share what impressed me the most about this extraordinary structure.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque History
In 1992, Sultan Qaboos decided that Muscat needed an impressive mosque. A competition was held to select both the project design and the contractor. Construction began two years later and took just over six years to complete. It is said that as many as 300,000 sandstones from India were placed in the walls of this impressive structure! The mosque opened its doors to worshipers in 2001.
What To See In Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
First, take a moment to admire the exterior of the mosque as its structure is truly impressive. The main prayer hall measures 75 meters in both length and width, with a dome rising 50 meters above. The dome is only overshadowed by the main minaret, which soars 90 meters into the sky.
Once you step inside, you’ll understand why a visit here is so worthwhile. The luxury and brilliance seem to radiate from every wall and detail. At your feet will be a massive handmade Persian carpet, which ranks second in the world for its size and weighs 21 tons! The carpet was woven by 600 women and the process took four years.
After admiring the carpet and other interior details, be sure to look up: the mosque features a massive chandelier that stands 14 meters high, spans 8 meters in diameter, and weighs over 8 tons. It contains 1,122 light bulbs and is adorned with 600,000 crystals, making it a truly spectacular sight.
In addition to the main prayer hall, there are smaller prayer rooms worth noting. For instance, the women’s prayer hall accommodates only up to 750 worshipers at a time because many women pray at home. It is simpler than the main hall but still very beautiful.
As you walk through the mosque, you’ll find numerous corridors with stunning arches. These arches create a beautiful and sophisticated atmosphere, offering plenty of chances to take amazing photos.
How To Reach Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Since the mosque is located in Muscat, the capital of Oman, getting there is quite easy. You can explore Muscat by renting a car, taking a taxi, or using public transport. If you arrive by car, there is a spacious parking lot next to the mosque.
Several bus routes, including A1, 1, 8, and 12, conveniently stop near the mosque. For the latest schedules, route maps, and fare information, be sure to check this link.
If you book a tour of the mosque, you won’t need to worry about transportation. In fact, a guided tour offers additional benefits: you’ll learn fascinating information about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and won’t miss its most beautiful and noteworthy features.
Best Time To Visit Qaboos Mosque
A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque will be one of the highlights of your trip to Oman. To make the most of your visit, it is best to travel there during the cooler months from September to March when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are more comfortable. Avoid visiting during the summer, as temperatures in Muscat often exceed 40°C, which can make your trip to the mosque less enjoyable.
It is also better to visit the mosque on weekdays rather than weekends to avoid larger tourist crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Where To Stay Near Mosque
Below, I’ve listed a few interesting hotel options to suit different budgets. I hope you’ll find the perfect place to stay if you want to be near the mosque.
Budget Hotel
- Farah Hotel Apartment: situated about 3 kilometers from the mosque. This hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Mid-Range Hotel
- Citadines Al Ghubrah Muscat: the closest hotel to the mosque, just a 10-minute walk away. It offers modern rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and private bathrooms.
Luxury Hotel
- Fraser Suites Muscat: a luxury 5-star hotel located 3 kilometers from the mosque. It offers first-class rooms and various services as well as warm hospitality. It has an outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, fitness center, and an exclusive restaurant serving delicious international cuisine.
Practical Information & Advice
- Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the prayer halls during prayer times. Additionally, eating, sleeping, or using mobile phones is not permitted in the prayer halls.
- Both men and women must dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, so avoid wearing shorts or short dresses. Women are also required to cover their heads with a headscarf. If you are concerned that your attire might not meet the requirements, don’t worry as headscarves and abayas are available at the entrance to the mosque.
- Visitors entering the prayer halls are required to remove their shoes.
- I recommend taking your time to explore the halls, corridors, and the entire building if you want to fully appreciate the mosque.
Also read: Best Things to Do in Muscat
FAQS About Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Is there an entry fee for visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
No, anyone can visit this beautiful mosque free of charge.
Is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque open to non-Muslims?
Yes, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to non-Muslims from Saturday to Thursday. You can visit the shrine from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Can tourists take photographs inside the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
Photography for personal use is allowed at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, but avoid taking pictures of people or women praying. If you’re a professional filmmaker or media representative, you’ll need to get prior permission for any photography or filming.
Does the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque conduct guided tours?
No, but you can book individual or group tours with a local guide here.
How much time does it take to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
A leisurely tour of the mosque will take about an hour, but if you take a guide, it may take a bit longer.
Is there parking at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
Yes, there is a large parking lot near the mosque entrance, and it usually has plenty of free spaces.
Is there a restroom at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque?
Yes, there are restrooms available for visitors at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
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Evelina
Hi, I’m Evelina, a travel enthusiast who loves nature, peace, and authentic places. I cherish the freedom to explore and learn with each adventure, whether it’s hiking trails, stunning beaches, natural parks, unique architecture, or rich cultural heritage. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own journeys!
