One of the iconic landmarks and favourite place for tourists in Muscat is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Although we've been here 6 months now, this is the first time that we've actually visited. We knew that once the influx of visitors started we would be making many visits, so we have held off until now!
The mosque is open to visitors everyday except Fridays between 8:30 and 11:00. Visitors are required to dress modestly, as you would expect. For Mum and Jenny this meant clothing that goes to the feet, wrists and having their heads covered. Don't they look lovely although mum did find the scarf particularly comforting in the 40c heat!
When we arrived we were approached by a lady asking if we wanted a tour of the mosque. Now I'm known to be a bit skeptical about things like this, but given that we're on holiday after a bit of hesitation we went "sure, why not!". The lady directed us into a room just to the right of the visitors entrance where we were offered arabic coffee, water and dates. There were a number of other tourists already seated and other Omani ladies talking to them about the mosque. Once we had a full contingent, we set off on our tour around the mosque. Given that the mosque offers 5 services a day we were surprised to learn that we could have full access to all areas of the mosque.
Firstly we visited the ladies prayer room which holds approx. 650 ladies at one time before moving on to the men's prayer room. This room is massive and holds approx. 6,500 men at one time. As you enter the room your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge chandelier in the middle of the room. It is made entirely of Swarovski crystal and apparently weighs 8 tonnes.
The lady tour guide was very knowledgeable and eloquently described the different areas of the mosque as well as the basis of the Muslim faith. She was also very patient in answering all the questions, of which Dad had many!
I drive past this building every day on the way home from work and it's hard to ignore how stunning the architecture is, but the real jewel is inside. Here are a few more pictures.
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