This mosque is not as grand as Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi but in my view, much more peaceful. They have a shop that sells the Burkha and I got a beautiful outfit which was reasonably priced. The gardens and the views were great.

This mosque is much less crowded with mainstream tourists than the one in Abu Dhabi. Also magnificent in size, design, style, and atmosphere, it is worth visiting with a guide, who can explain different stories and the meanings of different things inside. A must do if you are doing a city tour in Muscat.

This huge mosque really is a piece of art. While the interior is held in the modern Islamic Art Deco-ish style, the arcades surrounding the area are equipped with some beautifully painted ceramic tile works from different regions of the world. On the premises there's also a small information center where you can learn about Islamic tradition and habits. And it's all for free! But be aware that the mosque is only open from 8 am to 11 am!

This is one of the best sughts in Muscat. It is conveniently situated, there is ample parking, it is sert in landscaped grounds and is one of the few mosques in the Sultanate that is open to non-Muslims (although there are set visiting hours). The arcades serve as instant introductions to different styles of Islamic design - Hejazi; Ottoman; Mughal etc and the main prayer hall boasts a truly magnificent chandelier and the largest Persian carpet in the world. It was the appropriate setting for the funeral of the late Sultan Qaboos. One special feature that is often overlooked is an Islamic garden with a water feature. This is a particularly tranquil space in the complex

We were amazed by the sheer size and details of this mosque - the ornaments, architecture, calligraphy, Persian rugs, marble, gardening, and views. Make sure you have enough time to spend there - one hour will probably won't be sufficient. Women - make sure the clothes you bring cover your ankles and arms all the way to your palms. I would rather not go for the option of renting a cloth there. It is an amazing site.

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of Muscat's star attractions. It's an architectural marvel that has some of the prettiest facets - minarets, carvings, stained glass windows, inscriptions, gardens, fountains. While you can enter and visit the main prayer hall, known for its intricately woven carpet and gleaming chandelier, be there early at around 0800hrs to make full use of the 3 hours that the mosque is open to tourists. However, a lesser popularized point is the look of the mosque at night when it is fully lit. While non-Muslims aren't allowed inside, the dome from the outside lights up in a golden hue and along with the 5 minarets and the overall structure, you can get some captivating photos. A nighttime visit to walk around and just behold the sight is recommended. Mwasalat Bus 1 (from and to Ruwi) runs along the main road of the mosque, with the Azaiba bus stop being the closest bus station. The fare costs 400 baisa one way.

It took almost seven years to build this gigantic complex of minarets, prayerhalls, dome, arcades, walls and gardens. Hence tremendous effort went into the interior design and ornamentation. In 2001 it was finally completed. The result is an awe inspiring experience. For some reason comparable to what happened in Europe during the contra-Reformation: use the arts to establish intimate ties with the ordinary citizen and get his support. The tile work, the carpets and chandeliers, the wood carved doors and ceilings, the materials used, the gardens all are of superbe quality. No money was spared to realize an effect of reverence. Plan your visit, as the complex is vast (it is not like visiting some mosque). Non-muslim visitors are only allowed in between 8 and 11AM. There is no charge. Unlike in Abu Dhabi there are abayas for rent near the premises, but it is better to dress up (very) conservatively before you go. Most visitors arrive and go by car. Bus number 1 from Ruwi bus station stops at Al Azaiba from where it is another 20 minutes walk to the complex.

Arrived here appropriately covered for the ocassion in melting hot weather with an audio set and headphones hanging off my head scalf. Was absolutely lovely inside, so clean and pretty and I was particularly taken by the 8 tonne chandelier, must cost a fortune to light that! If I was to do the visit again I would ditch the audio set and pay for a guided tour.

It’s a must visit when you’re in Oman. As long as you dress modestly, you’re free to explore the mosque and it really is breathtaking. The intricate carvings, the carpet, the chandeliers to everything, even the perfectly manicured gardens are beautiful.

The mosque is a very impressive building and for me a must see in Mascat. We had a guide who walked us through the building and gave a lot of explanation e.g. how to pray, how to wash before praying and so on. The mosque is a very impressive building with a lot to see. Impressive because of the size and dimension, the make, the decoration, the colors and also the cleanness. The only think to criticize is the fact that for a place where hundreds of tourists are expected per day the washrooms are heavily undersized, so expect long waiting times.