The Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science (SQHCCS) has announced that the recently introduced entry fee for the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is part of a broader effort to manage and regulate the increasing number of visitors.
Addressing concerns raised on social media regarding the fees, the SQHCCS explained in an official statement, “The Grand Mosque serves as a primary destination for visitors to Oman. Due to the significant rise in visitor numbers, particularly during peak seasons, it has become challenging to independently provide services that align with the mosque’s sanctity, religious importance, and its historic architectural role.”
To address these challenges, the administration has partnered with the private sector to enhance the visitor experience. This collaboration aims to develop the cultural offerings of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque while providing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to contribute to the project.
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Under this initiative, the contracted company will oversee visitor management and provide modest attire for those in need. Additionally, 35 multilingual Omani guides have been appointed to enrich the experience for tourists by sharing insights into the mosque’s significance and history.
It is important to note that the mosque remains open to Muslims for the five daily prayers, and all religious, cultural, and scientific facilities within the mosque continue to be accessible free of charge.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece in Muscat, was inaugurated by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Among its notable features is the awe-inspiring prayer carpet in the main prayer hall, which took over 600 artisans four years to complete. This intricately woven carpet comprises 1.7 billion knots, weighs an impressive 21 tonnes, and was once the largest single-piece carpet in the world.
Another remarkable feature of the mosque is the magnificent chandelier that hangs above the prayer hall. Measuring 14 meters in height, it was recognized as the largest chandelier globally at the time of its installation.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque continues to stand as a symbol of Oman’s rich cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity, welcoming visitors from around the world while preserving its spiritual essence.