Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Suhar stands as cultural and religious landmark

SUHAR: The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Suhar represents a comprehensive cultural and educational landmark which goes far beyond its religious function to undertake a noble mission in shaping and building a balanced and faithful Omani character, proud of its identity and heritage.
This edifice embodies the living link between the rich history of Suhar as an ancient commercial and cultural city and its current economic prosperity.
Khalid bin Rashid al Hamdi, Director of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Office in Suhar, said that the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Suhar contributes to building a balanced Omani identity being an integrated religious, cultural and educational centre.
It embodies the connection between Suhar’s rich historical heritage as an ancient trading and cultural city and its current role as a vital economic hub.
The mosque reflects balanced development that links the past, present, and future by preserving Islamic identity alongside economic progress.
It has also become a prominent landmark attracting visitors and tourists. He noted that the mosque features a large garden with trees, flowers, and green spaces suitable for Suhar’s hot climate.
It boasts several facilities including a multi-purpose hall, a council (Majlis) and a library. These facilities reflect the mosque’s role as a religious, cultural, and social centre in the Sultanate of Oman.
Among the most important additions are the high gates and main entrances for worshippers to enter from the parking areas into the main courtyard.
Two gates were added on the north and south sides, along with arches on the facades, to soften the military character of mosques built in the Timurid architectural style. The mosque’s facilities, such as the multi-purpose hall, the council and the library, are open to the public to enjoy activities and events held regularly at the mosque.
The library, with 20,000 books, is open in morning and evening shifts, he said. The multi-purpose hall can accommodate 365 people, and since the mosque’s opening in October 2016, it hosted more than 1,000 events including seminars, lectures and closing ceremonies.
Various organisations utilise the mosque’s facilities according to specific guidelines aimed at preserving the sanctity of the mosque, he said. The council it can accommodate 450 people and serves social purposes.
Marriage ceremonies are held there, and the governor receives well-wishers during Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. It is also used for other social activities, he said. He noted that the mosque has a total area of 181,000 square metres, with a built-up area of 28,000 square metres. It has more than 1,000 parking spaces, and the main prayer hall accommodates up to 4,600 worshippers with several hundred worshippers can pray in the outer courtyard.
The women’s prayer hall accommodates 740 female worshippers, in addition to the corridors and outer courtyards that can accommodate several thousands.