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The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a modern religious landmark in Oman. It was built in 1995 by the late Sultan Qaboos and officially opened in 2001.
The mosque blends Ottoman, Mughal, and Omani styles. Its main prayer hall seats 6,500, its central dome rises 50 meters, and its main minaret reaches 90 meters. The mosque houses the world's second-largest collection of handmade Persian carpets (4,200 square meters) and a 14-meter-tall Swarovski crystal chandelier weighing 8.5 tons. Its five minarets symbolize the five pillars of Islam, and the courtyard mosaics took four years to complete. It is not only a national symbol of Oman but also, through free admission and cultural exchange programs, serves as a modern model for dialogue among Islamic civilizations.
Suitable season for travel: November to March of the following year
The average daily temperature is 25℃-28℃, cool with little rain, and the light is soft, making it easy to take photos.
Recommended places to visit:
1. A world-class art treasure
: The world's second-largest Persian carpet: 4,200 square meters of seamless carpet, handwoven by 600 Iranian women over four years, featuring 1.7 billion knots and 28 natural dyes.
A 14-meter crystal chandelier: 8.5 tons, custom-made by Swarovski, its 1,122 lights refract a blue-gold light. Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to shoot from above to capture the intertwined structure of the dome and chandelier.
2. Cultural Decoding Space
: The dome of the women's prayer hall conceals a 3D geometric star map inspired by Omani nautical navigation techniques.
Islamic Library: Read 20,000 free books and savor Omani coffee and dates.
3. Locals' private experience
at the Moonlight Museum: After 7:00 PM, walk around the west wall and use your phone's light to illuminate the sandstone, revealing a coral-colored gradient.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman, was inaugurated in 2001 and is named after Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It is a symbol of Oman’s Islamic heritage and architectural achievement, blending traditional Omani and modern Islamic designs. It also serves as a place of worship and a cultural landmark.
The mosque is located in Bawshar, Muscat. Visitors can reach it by taxi or car; public buses are limited. Walking is not practical from central Muscat due to distance.
The mosque is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM every day except Friday, when only prayers are held. The best times to visit are early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Entrance is free. Visitors can enter directly without prior tickets, but modest clothing and respectful behavior are required.
Booking in advance is not required for general visits. Special guided tours for large groups may require prior arrangement.
Approximately 1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the mosque, its courtyards, gardens, and main prayer hall.
Guided tours are available in English and Arabic. Audio guides are limited, so in-person guided tours are recommended for detailed explanations.
The mosque is not open for night visits; it does not feature light shows. Special tours may be arranged for educational groups by prior arrangement.
The mosque is moderately visited by tourists; early mornings on weekdays are the least crowded times.
Facilities include public restrooms, water fountains, and shaded rest areas. There is no food service inside; a small gift shop may be present.
The mosque is mostly accessible with ramps and flat pathways. Wheelchair users can navigate main areas; children and elderly can visit comfortably.
No cash is required for entry. The gift shop may accept cash, cards, or mobile payments.
Nearby hotels and restaurants in Bawshar offer cafes and dining options, but there are no full-service restaurants inside the mosque premises.
Halal food is standard in Oman. Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants; inside the mosque, no food is served.
Souvenir shops nearby sell Islamic art, miniature mosque models, prayer beads, Omani incense, and textiles.
Taxis, private cars, and rental vehicles are the most convenient for continuing to other attractions in Muscat and nearby regions.
