The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a new yet architecturally classic building completed in 2001 after six years of construction, and is the third largest mosque in the world. Equally impressive is the hand-made Persian carpet on the prayer floor, also one of the largest in the world, weighing over 21 tons. This is a religious site rather than a tourist destination so visitors need to be respectful of some rules, although English-speaking guides are available to help navigate the visit. Women must be fully covered before they are allowed access. Muslims can visit any time of the day but tourists of other faiths, while very welcome, should only come during visiting hours.

Website: www.omanet.om/english/Relegious/grandmosq.asp

Opening times: Open for visitation between 8am and 11am daily, except Fridays and religious holidays

Admission: Free