Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

جامع السلطان قابوس الأكبر

Oman's main mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture with a vast hand-woven Persian carpet and an enormous Swarovski crystal chandelier. It welcomes non-Muslim visitors during morning hours and is the most iconic sight in the capital.

Things to do

• Admire the main prayer hall carpet — Marvel at the vast hand-woven Persian carpet, one of the largest single-piece carpets in the world, made by 600 weavers over four years.
• See the Swarovski crystal chandelier — Gaze up at the enormous gold-plated chandelier suspended above the main prayer hall, studded with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
• Walk the marble courtyard — Stroll across the vast sahn paved in polished white and grey marble that can accommodate thousands of worshippers.
• Photograph the central dome and minarets — Capture the towering main minaret and four flanking minarets alongside the great central dome from the exterior gardens.
• Explore the arcaded riwaqs — Wander the shaded colonnaded walkways showcasing intricate mosaics, carved stone and different regional Islamic decorative styles.
• Visit the women's prayer hall — Step into the smaller, elegantly decorated musalla reserved for women to appreciate its own detailed ornamentation.
• Stroll the manicured gardens — Take in the landscaped grounds and reflective pools that frame the sandstone complex against the Muscat sky.

Food to try

• Shuwa — Marinated lamb slow-cooked underground in banana leaves for up to two days, an Omani celebration dish worth seeking in nearby restaurants.
• Omani halwa — A sticky, fragrant sweet made from rosewater, saffron, cardamom and nuts, traditionally served with coffee as a gesture of hospitality.
• Kahwa and dates — Cardamom-spiced Omani coffee served in tiny cups alongside sweet dates, the classic welcome offered across Oman.
• Majboos — Spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb or fish, flavoured with saffron and dried lime, a staple Omani main course.
• Mishkak — Grilled meat skewers marinated in spices, a popular street food found at stalls and cafes around Muscat.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly and cover up — Both men and women must have arms and legs covered, and women must wear a headscarf; loose clothing is essential.
• Visit during morning hours only — Non-Muslims are welcome roughly 8am to 11am Saturday through Thursday, and the mosque is closed to tourists on Fridays.
• Remove shoes before entering — Take off your footwear at the prayer hall entrances and keep your voice low as a sign of respect.
• Photography etiquette — Photos are generally allowed but avoid photographing worshippers, and be discreet inside the prayer halls.

Nearby

• Royal Opera House Muscat — 6 km
• Qurum Beach — 9 km
• Mutrah Souq — 18 km
• Mutrah Corniche — 18 km