The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman, located in the capital city of Muscat.
One of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring structures in Oman is the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, the country’s capital. This mosque stands as a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and is renowned as one of the world’s most significant and expansive mosques. Named after its builder, Sultan Qaboos, the mosque officially opened its doors in 2001 following an extensive six-year construction period.
Constructed from an impressive 300,000 tons of sandstone, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque spans an incredible 40,000 square meters, making it a monumental architectural marvel. The complex comprises a grand men’s prayer hall, a smaller women’s prayer hall, and five minarets representing the five pillars of Islam. Additionally, it features two large archways known as “Riwaqs,” an Islamic information center, and a library.
The vision behind this ambitious construction project was to establish the largest Friday mosque in Oman, serving as a center for the promotion of Islamic literature, culture, and the Ibadi form of Islam. In 1992, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said decreed the construction of the Grand Mosque, leading to a design competition in 1993. Ultimately, the building contract was awarded to Carillion Alawi LLC, and construction commenced in December 1994.
Over the course of six years and seven months, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque took shape in Bausher, Muscat, emerging as a symbol of Oman’s enduring dedication to its religious and cultural heritage.