Brief History:

Al Duqm Mosque is the largest mosque in the south of Sultanate of Oman and one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. The mosque is located in the heart of the city of Duqm in the Wilayat of Al-Wusta Governorate. It was opened to the public on 11 May 2016 and was officially inaugurated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said in the customary opening ceremony. The mosque consists of two main prayer halls, one for men and one for women. The mosque sprawls across a floor space of more than 8,000 sq mtr and can accommodate more than 5000 worshippers at once. The mosque also features a Quranic reading room, topped by a ceiling made up of verses from the Holy Qur'an, and a multi-purpose hall for teaching purposes. The elaborate exterior of the mosque is also fitted with an illumination system showcasing the architectural design and providing an elegant look to the shrine during the night. The mosque is one of its kinds which makes a fascinating tourist attraction for domestic as well as international visitors. It is one of the most famous mosque in Oman which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al Duqm Mosque in Oman was reportedly designed by the renowned architectural firm, Fouad Samara Architects, and constructed in 2017. It features a unique modern-Islamic architectural style, and is made up of a number of unique features. The prayer hall is made up of an octagonal-shaped central prayer area, surrounded by four side prayer halls and one colonnaded courtyard per side. The intricate, decorative mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of prayer, is encased in a sculptural frame with four vertical columns. Adorning the walls of the mosque are geometric granite and marble mosaic patterns in Islamic star shapes, which are further accentuated by the natural light the mosque receives. Large, intricate glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding to the elegant atmosphere. Outside of the mosque, the building’s large minaret stands as an iconic feature of the architectural landscape. Bathed in an elegant shade of white, the minaret stands 72 meters (236 feet) tall, and is accessible via an elevator and stairways. The minaret is topped by a nine-arm star, making it a distinct landmark of the Al Duqm area. The mosque is also surrounded by a courtyard, filled with palm trees and benches to provide a tranquil gathering space for worshipping. Along with the natural lighting, these features make the Al Duqm Mosque the perfect place for quiet contemplation and prayer. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.