Towering over the cityscape of Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque Salalah draws in thousands of devout worshippers to its premises each day. However, even if you’re a non-Muslim, there’s plenty of reasons to visit this majestic landmark!
Grand in Scale
When first venturing inside the mosque, what you’ll immediately realise is the sheer scale of everything. At the time of its completion, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque’s grand chandelier and magnificent carpet were the largest in the world. While they have since been eclipsed in size, their grandeur remains the same.
Vibrant Designs
Though the mosque has a tendency for grand scale, that doesn’t mean it foregoes intricacy in its design – a fact that becomes immediately apparent upon seeing the brilliant mosaic patterns that adorn its hallways and walls.
Important Timings
Unlike most other mosques in Oman, the Sultan Qaboos is open for non-Muslim visitors, but only during select timings. Generally, you can visit the mosque from 8 am to 11 am during all days of the week except for Friday. Most Salalah hotels include a visit to the Sultan Qaboos among their itinerary list – like the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara – so be sure to consult yours about timings prior to visiting.
Code of Conduct
There are a few additional rules that you should be aware of when visiting the mosque. For starters, important to wear the proper attire, ideally conservative clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Women will also need to cover up their hair. Additionally, children under the age of ten are not allowed inside the prayer halls, and likewise, there can be no eating, drinking or mobile phone usage inside.