Polished marble pavements and flower beds surround Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in central Muscat. Opened in 2003, it is easy to find as it is just off Route 1, the main road through Muscat. It is a very impressive building, built to hold a total of 20,000 worshippers.

The building and the paved areas around it are on a grand scale. The central prayer hall is surmounted with a golden dome 50 metres high and contains the world's second largest prayer carpet. The dome is lit by a chandelier made in the shape of a large minaret surrounded by many smaller ones.. The walls are panelled in marble with inscriptions and mosaics in abstract designs. Stained glass windows in complex patterns allow light in through the base of the dome. The alcove, or mihrab, facing Mecca is richly decorated. Outside, brightly coloured flower beds set off the walls. Five minarets representing the five pillars of Islam tower above the dome.

The mosque is open to non-Muslim visitors every morning except for Fridays. Opening was from 8 to 11am when I was there. Wear clothing that covers arms and legs completely and, as in all mosques, women need a headscarf. There is a large bank of pigeonholes for shoes. An extra strip of carpet is laid across the prayer carpet for visitors to stand on. It may be best to get there early as the mosque attracts a lot of visitors.

Written by  Jenny Fowler.

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