Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Tours and Activities

Oman featuring a mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Oman showing religious aspects, interior views and a mosque
Muscat featuring religious aspects, heritage architecture and interior views
Oman showing heritage architecture and a mosque


Muscat’s main mosque is lavishly decorated with elaborate carvings, one of the world’s largest Persian carpets and colorful hibiscus flowers.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Muscat’s main mosque and the biggest in Oman. Its gleaming white sandstone walls and vast prayer halls stretch over 103 acres (42 hectares) and can house up to 20,000 worshippers. Five ornate minarets and a central dome light up like a beacon at night, guiding visitors to this spectacular facility for Islamic faith and studies.

The mosque’s magnificent architecture was decided by a competition held by Sultan Qaboos in 1993. Construction took more than six years, with meticulous attention paid to the mosque’s beautifully decorated interior. Wander through the main doors, embellished with stained-glass windows, Islamic patterns and Qur’anic script.

Take in the serene atmosphere of the prayer rooms that are lined with white and gray marble and painted murals. Rows of classic Arabic arches are decorated with elaborate porcelain and timber panels, and sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceiling. An extensive library, seminar hall and the Institute of Islamic Sciences are also housed here.

Explore the mosque’s courtyards dotted with hibiscus plants and fountains and see the holy verses inscribed in the sandstone walls. The mosque’s halls and five minarets, which symbolize the five pillars of Islam, are decorated in the styles of different Islamic cultures, including Egyptian and Omani. The massive main prayer hall features a single Persian carpet. It’s the second-largest carpet in the world, with more than 1,700 million knots.

Visit the Islam Information Centre on the way out to learn about the Islamic faith and Omani history. Try some Omani dates and cardamom and clove-infused coffee at the center.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is located in the Al Ghubrah Al Janubiyyah area, approximately 16 miles (25.7 kilometers) west from the Mutrah Harbor. Non-muslims are welcome to visit the Grand Mosque any day except on Friday mornings during prayer. There is no fee to enter. As this is a place of worship, visitors are asked to remain respectful and wear modest clothing. Women are required to wear a headscarf.

Plan a trip to see Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

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JW Marriott Hotel Muscat
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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat

5 out of 5
North Ghubra 32 Way No. 3215, Street No. 46, Muscat
The Chedi Muscat
Royal Tulip Muscat

Royal Tulip Muscat

4 out of 5
Al Marafah Street, Way No. 238, Al Ghoubra, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Royal Tulip Muscat
Aloft Muscat

Aloft Muscat

4 out of 5
396 Ghala, Al Azaiba South, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Aloft Muscat
Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama

Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama

4 out of 5
Panorama Mall P.O BOX 2121, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama
Muscat Gate Hotel

Muscat Gate Hotel

3 out of 5
Way 99 Al Jamil Akbar St., Ghala Heights, Muscat
Muscat Gate Hotel
Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals

Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals

5 out of 5
Panorama Mall, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals
Grand Millennium Muscat

Grand Millennium Muscat

5 out of 5
Dohat al Adab Street Al Khuwair, Muscat
Grand Millennium Muscat
Platinum Hotel

Platinum Hotel

3 out of 5
Next to Oman Oil Petrol Pump, Al Khuwair, Muscat
Platinum Hotel
Centara Muscat Hotel Oman

Centara Muscat Hotel Oman

4 out of 5
Way 6816, Ghala Heights, Wilyat Bausher, Muscat
Centara Muscat Hotel Oman
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

At Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including diving in the pristine waters, hiking through scenic trails, and swimming in refreshing spots. These experiences enhance the cultural visit, allowing tourists to appreciate both the architectural beauty of the mosque and the natural wonders of Muscat, making it a well-rounded destination for your vacation.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, visit Oman Avenues Mall, just 1.6km away, or Qurum Commercial Center, located 11.3km away, both offering family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Muttrah Souq, a traditional market 11.6kms away.

Recreation

At Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, enjoy a variety of fitness activities in a vibrant atmosphere just 1.4km from the mosque. For a serene day, head to Gala Wentworth Golf Club, 3.2km away, or Almouj Golf, 9.7km away, both offering stunning outdoor views for relaxation and recreation.

Nightlife

The PDO Planetarium, located 12.9km from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, offers a captivating night under the stars with family-friendly entertainment. Experience fascinating shows that blend education and fun, perfect for a memorable evening in Muscat's vibrant atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

While visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, you can explore various attractions including event venues, marinas, and beautiful beaches. This area offers a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the stunning architecture of the main mosque and enjoy the surrounding amenities, making your trip an enriching experience that combines both relaxation and cultural immersion.

  • Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 6.4km from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, this venue offers a dynamic atmosphere for conferences and events. It's a hub for business and culture, featuring modern architecture and facilities that host a variety of exhibitions, making it perfect for networking and learning about Oman's economic landscape.
  • Al Mouj Marina: Situated 12.9km away, Al Mouj Marina provides a vibrant seaside experience with stunning views and outdoor activities. Enjoy water sports, leisurely strolls, or dining at waterfront restaurants, all set against the backdrop of beautiful yachts and the sea, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
  • Qurum Beach: Just 9.7km from the mosque, Qurum Beach is a serene escape with soft sands and gentle waves. Ideal for sunbathing or enjoying a sunset stroll, this beach offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and soak up the sun.

Best time to go to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Visitor numbers around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque falls in June, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
February72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March78.3°F (25.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April85.5°F (29.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
May92.7°F (33.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June94.6°F (34.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July94.1°F (34.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August92.3°F (33.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September90.1°F (32.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October85.6°F (29.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

When visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, consider travelling during the off-peak months of June to August for lower accommodation rates. Mondays tend to offer the cheapest hotel prices, while Fridays are the priciest. Explore nearby free attractions like Muscat Grand Mall and Al Mouj Marina. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider bundling your stay with flights and activities for extra savings. Look for eco-certified hotels to support sustainability while enjoying great deals and discounts.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your results by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.