Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
About
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman is the country’s principal mosque and one of the Gulf’s most striking examples of contemporary Islamic architecture. Completed in 2001 after six years of construction in warm-toned Indian sandstone, it accommodates up to 20,000 worshippers across the main prayer hall and surrounding riwaqs. Many visitors arrive via Muscat International Airport and plan their visit around Muscat prayer time, as entry for non-Muslims is permitted in the mornings only, reflecting the late Sultan’s gesture of openness. The men’s prayer hall contains what was once the world’s largest hand-loomed Persian carpet, covering 4,343 square metres and woven by 600 Iranian women over four years. Suspended above it is a 14-metre Swarovski crystal chandelier weighing 8.5 tonnes. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the complex comfortably, keeping Muscat weather in mind when visiting during warmer months.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Main Prayer Hall Carpet
The 4,343 square metre hand-loomed Persian carpet spans the entire men’s prayer hall, composed of 1.7 billion knots and 28 colours derived from natural dyes. It remains the second largest single-piece carpet in the world.
Swarovski Chandelier
Above, the 14 metre, 8.5 tonne gold-plated chandelier dominates the space, fitted with 1,122 lamps and more than 600,000 Swarovski crystals. It is best appreciated by standing directly beneath it and looking up.
Things to Know
- •Free entry, non-Muslims welcome 8 AM to 11 AM only (Sat-Thu, closed Fri)
- •Dress code is enforced — long pants/skirts, long sleeves, headscarf for women
- •No bags allowed in prayer halls
- •Photography allowed but no flash
- •Nearest taxi drop-off is the visitor entrance on the south side
