Muscat - the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Muscat, Oman

Muscat is the heart of the Sultanate of Oman, the political and administrative hub of the nation, the centre of tourism and commercial activities. Since the late eighteenth century it has been the uncontested capital of Oman. Today, under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Greater Muscat has improved beyond recognition, but has never lost its pride in its heritage and culture. The capital area is a prime example of intelligent and aesthetic development, amalgamating modernity with tradition.

Among its attractions are a number of magnificent beaches and breathtaking creeks such as Qurum Beach, Al-Jissah, Yitti, Al-Khairan and Al-Bustan. Several restored forts, folk museums and traditional souqs are popular attractions not to be missed.

The earthTV camera is facing the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which opened in May 2001. This serene building rises above the surrounding area, its minarets standing tall against a background of mountains in a landscape which is quintessentially Omani. However, it is not just a triumph of architecture but symbolises the faith of the Omani people and the supremacy of Islam in the country. The materials and craftsmanship used were carefully researched and sourced at origin.

Facts about: Oman

Geographic Information

The Sultanate of Oman occupies the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It's coastline extends 3,165 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south and shares its coast with three seas: the Arabian Gulf (at the country's northern tip - the Musandam Peninsula), the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Sultanate also borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the west and the United Arab Emirates in the northeast.