The magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see for anyone traveling to Muscat, Oman. Built in 2001 in honor of the former Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, this mosque is a masterpiece that displays excellence and meticulous attention to detail in its architecture. Here are some interesting facts you should know about the place.
One of the largest domes in the world
The central dome of the mosque is one of the largest of its kind in the world, 14 meters high and 50 meters in diameter. A magnificent chandelier in the center is made of Swarovski crystals and enhances the appearance of the dome to serve the majesty. You can visit to check them out for yourself during your stay at Desert Nights Camp, undoubtedly the most unique and best hotel in Oman..
The world’s largest prayer rugs
Once woven by 600 Iranian women, the mosque’s prayer rug is one of the largest in the world, measuring 60 x 70 meters. The carpet took four years to complete by these carpet weavers and weighs about 20 tons. Their dedication and commitment can be seen in the intricate details of the carpet.
Unique features
The mosque is designed to cool naturally without the need for air conditioning, as water channels and fountains drain the water and cool the air inside the mosque. The ventilation system helps the provers by allowing cold air to flow inside and warm air to flow out through the roof of the mosque. Studying the mosque and its architectural brilliance is a fascinating task.