Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Mosque

Address: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

Hours: Sat-Thu 8am-11am (non‑Muslim visitors); closed to non‑Muslims on Fridays

Admission: Free

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Muscat’s principal mosque in Oman, completed and opened in 2001. It is one of the largest and most prominent modern mosques in the country.

The complex features a large main prayer hall, extensive courtyards and landscaped gardens. The prayer hall contains a prominent central carpet and a major chandelier, and the mosque’s grounds can accommodate large congregations.

Commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the building was completed and opened in 2001 and has served as a national religious and cultural landmark since then. Its design combines traditional Islamic forms with contemporary construction techniques.

The mosque sits in Muscat Governorate in the capital city of Muscat and is accessible from the city’s central districts.

• Capacity: Holds seating and prayer space for up to around 20,000 worshippers in the complex including courtyards and external areas.
• Visitor rules: Modest dress is required for all visitors; non-Muslims may visit outside prayer times (check local guidance before visiting).

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is in Muscat and is reachable by taxi or by local Mwasalat buses from across the city. It is located within the Muscat urban area (Bawshar/central Muscat), so expect a 15-30 minute car ride from most central Muscat districts depending on traffic.

If arriving by air, taxis from Muscat International Airport are the most direct option; check local bus routes or hotel transport for shared options.

• Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque during the morning visiting hours for non‑Muslims (typically mornings on weekdays); arriving at opening helps avoid tour‑bus crowds and afternoon heat.
• Observe the published visitor dress code and entry rules - modest dress and headscarf for women are required, and certain areas are restricted during prayer times, so check the mosque's official visitor guidance before you go.
• Allow time to admire the main prayer hall features (notably the carpet and chandeliers) and to explore the well‑kept gardens outside; guided visits sometimes run on set days, so check the mosque website for any tour times.