Plizio Visual Lab
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, was completed in 2001 after six years of construction. The mosque covers an area of 416,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Its main feature is the hand-loomed Persian prayer carpet, which measures 70 by 60 meters and is considered the second-largest in the world. The central chandelier, made by Swarovski in Austria, has a diameter of 8 meters and is adorned with 24-carat gold. The architecture combines traditional Omani, Persian, and Mughal stylistic elements, with the walls of the main prayer hall clad in ornate marble panels and geometric patterns. The five minarets symbolize the five pillars of Islam, with the main minaret reaching a height of 90 meters. The entire complex is surrounded by manicured gardens that create a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
- Location: Oman
- Top sights: Mirrors L.L.C · Asaha Engineering · Abu Obaida Bin Jarrah Mosque
- Nearby: Al Mawalih al Shamaliyah (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 15 | 13 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is open to visitors except during prayer times. Non-Muslims can visit the main prayer hall if appropriately dressed. The huge chandelier and hand-woven carpet are impressive. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece.
Typical hours
The mosque is typically open to visitors daily from 8:00 to 11:00 AM, closed on Fridays. Exact times may vary, so checking the official website is advised. A morning visit features the best opportunity to see the interior. Afternoon opening is unusual.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyard and prayer hall, but without flash and without posing. Photograph the chandelier and carpet from different angles. The exterior with Indian sandstone is also photogenic. Selfies are not permitted in the prayer hall.
Time needed
A visit to the mosque takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you explore the surrounding gardens and library, allow an extra 30 minutes. The indoor exhibition is informative and shows the construction. Overall a half morning is well planned.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Royal Opera House Muscat for a cultural day. The Muttrah Souk and Port Sultan Qaboos are also nearby and offer traditional crafts. The Qurm Nature Reserve is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The mosque is located in the Ghubrah district of Muscat and is easily reached by taxi or rental car. From the center it is about a 15-minute drive. Public buses stop nearby. Free parking is available. Pedestrian paths are available.
Insider tip
Come early to avoid crowds and enjoy the quiet of the prayer hall. Women must wear a headscarf, and all visitors should wear long clothing. The mosque has free guided tours that provide deeper insights. Bring socks as shoes must be removed.
Geography
Facts
- The construction cost was approximately 450 million US dollars.
- The construction required 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone.
- The mosque's library contains over 20,000 books.
- The prayer carpet was made by 600 Iranian women weavers over four years.
- The main chandelier weighs 8.5 tons and has 1,122 bulbs.
- It is one of the few mosques in Oman open to non-Muslim visitors.
- The design was selected through an international competition.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code for visitors?
Shoulders and knees must be covered; women should also wear a headscarf.
When is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque open to non-Muslims?
Saturday to Thursday, in the mornings between 08:00 and 11:00 AM.
Is the mosque visit free of charge?
No, admission is free for all visitors.
Is photography allowed inside the mosque?
Photography is allowed, but please be respectful of people praying.
Do I need a reservation for the visit?
No, individuals do not need a reservation.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: where is it located?
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is located in Oman.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirrors L.L.C, Asaha Engineering, Abu Obaida Bin Jarrah Mosque.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, was completed in 2001 after six years of construction.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Oman →
Nearby cities
Muscat
Muscat is the capital of Oman, located on the Gulf of Oman.
Seeb
Seeb is a populous coastal city in the Muscat Governorate.
Bawshar
Bawshar is a modern district of Muscat with large sand dunes.
Qurayyat
Qurayyat is a fishing town featuring a 19th-century fort.
Al Mawalih al Shamaliyah
A modern residential district in Muscat, known for its exclusive marina and the luxurious Al Mouj Beach.
Muttrah
Muttrah is home to one of the largest traditional souks in Oman.
Yiti
A quiet coastal village near Muscat, surrounded by rugged mountains and pristine bays.
Bandar Khayran
A spectacular labyrinth of turquoise lagoons and rugged limestone cliffs near Muscat.
History & landmarks
Royal Opera House Muscat
As Oman's premier venue for musical arts, this building combines traditional Omani aesthetics with state-of-the-art acoustics.
Muttrah Souq
One of the oldest markets in the Arab world, characterized by narrow winding alleys and the scent of frankincense.
Bait Al Zubair Museum
A privately funded museum housed in a restored traditional home.
Al Alam Palace
The ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos is distinguished by its blue and gold facade and mushroom-shaped pillars.
The National Museum of Oman
This modern museum showcases the rich history and culture of Oman from prehistoric times to the present.
Bimmah Sinkhole
Filled with turquoise water, this natural karst depression is located in a coastal park.
Majlis al Jinn Cave
One of the largest underground cave chambers in the world.
Nature
More places
Snow Oman
Oman's first indoor snow park, located in the Mall of Oman, featuring penguin encounters, ice skating, and snow rides in a sub-zero envir…
🗺️
Al Ansab Wetlands
A man-made ecosystem in Muscat that utilizes treated wastewater to create a lush habitat, attracting nearly three hundred species of resi…
Qurum Natural Park
The largest public park in Muscat, featuring expansive lawns, a large artificial boating lake, and a shaded rose garden, serving as a gre…
Marah Land Theme Park
An expansive amusement park in the heart of Muscat, offering a variety of thrilling rides, a large Ferris wheel, and family-friendly ente…
Qurum Natural Park
The largest public green space in Muscat, featuring a large lake, mangrove forests, and rose gardens, providing an oasis of calm in the c…
Al Amerat Park
A major park located in the Al Amerat district, widely known as the primary venue for the annual Muscat Festival, featuring cultural exhi…
Mina Al Fahal Oil Terminal
Mina Al Fahal is the central terminal for crude oil exports in Oman.
Port Sultan Qaboos
Port Sultan Qaboos in Muttrah was once Oman's primary commercial port and has been transformed in recent years into a premier destination…