Latest news with #Nizwa
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa: A landmark embodies religious, cultural significance of A'Dakhiliyah
Nizwa — Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, embodies the historical, religious, and cultural prominence of the wilayat, distinguished by its unique architectural character that reflects authentic Omani heritage. The mosque's architectural design, inaugurated on 18 September 2015, draws inspiration from the traditional style of A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, emphasizing simplicity in form and the optimal use of interior ornamentation. The mosque is distinguished by its four minarets, which lend it a distinctive charm, setting it apart from other mosques across various wilayats. The design also incorporates traditional materials and authentic Omani building colors, reinforcing the mosque's connection to the identity of the place. The mosque is located at the intersection of major roads linking Nizwa to Muscat, Salalah, and Bahla, within a new urban development plan underway in the city. Built on an 8,000-square-meter plot adjacent to Wadi Nizwa, it is clearly visible from all directions. The mosque's floor has been significantly elevated above ground level to protect it from floods and to highlight its prominent geographical location. The mosque's structure consists of a main prayer hall covering 3,546 square meters, with interior dimensions of 60 meters by 60 meters, accommodating approximately 4,500 worshippers. The main prayer hall is accessed via the qibla axis through a grand and spacious staircase and a covered courtyard. Four additional entrances allow entry from the garden to the north and south of the mosque, leading to the courtyard area adjacent to the hall via a large staircase. The covered courtyard and two open courtyards can serve as additional prayer spaces, surrounded by an arched wall enclosing ablution areas and shoe storage cabinets. The outdoor areas can accommodate around 5,300 worshippers as supplementary prayer spaces. The mosque includes a women's prayer hall with a capacity of 434, located on the ground floor and accessible separately through external courtyards and a lobby. All main facilities of the mosque are situated on the ground floor, elevated five meters above ground level, including ablution areas, offices, and auxiliary services. Meanwhile, all equipment is housed in the service floor above the main prayer hall. The mosque's architectural design features a 27-meter-diameter dome rising 55 meters above ground, flanked by four minarets, each standing 80 meters tall, marking the four corners of the main prayer hall. The exterior finishes of the prayer hall include side buttresses and parapets atop the building, all inspired by the region's prevailing architectural style. The main prayer hall is enclosed by a protective wall clad in stone, adorned with arched forms and enhanced with Quranic inscriptions and carvings. Inside, the main prayer hall rises about 14 meters, with the dome reaching approximately 40 meters in height. The interior is finished with decorative marble, ornamental plasterwork on walls, arched niches, and ceilings painted with specialized decorative pigments inspired by regional designs. The qibla wall is extensively decorated with marble, while the marble mihrab features intricate inlay and engraving work, including complex carvings, Quranic calligraphy, and geometric and floral patterns. The prayer hall's windows incorporate delicate layers of translucent marble and stained decorative glass. Sultan Qaboos Mosque Library in Nizwa stands as one of the mosque's most important facilities. Opened alongside the mosque under the supervision of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, the library spans 277.50 square meters, designed across two floors around a glass-covered central courtyard. Additionally, it includes three Quran memorization classrooms built around a dedicated courtyard and a multi-purpose hall covering 306 square meters, equipped with fixed seating and audiovisual systems for instructional use. —— Ends/AH
Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
His Majesty Sultan Haitham to offer Eid Al Adha prayers in Nizwa
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will be offering Eid Al Adha prayers for the year 1446 AH at Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Wilayat of Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. A statement from the Diwan of Royal Court announced that His Majesty will be joined in prayer by a distinguished gathering, including Their Highnesses, members of the Royal Family and Al Busaid family, Their Excellencies the Ministers and Advisors, commanders of the Sultan's Armed Forces, the Royal Oman Police, and other security agencies. Also attending will be members of the State Council and Shura Council from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries and Walis, and a large number of sheikhs, dignitaries, and citizens. On this auspicious occasion, the Diwan of Royal Court extended its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty the Sultan. It offered sincere prayers for continued goodness, blessings, and joy for His Majesty, all citizens and residents of Oman, and Muslims worldwide. The statement concluded with wishes for His Majesty's protection, health, and wellness, and for the nation to continue to be blessed with joyous occasions, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Eid Al Adha. The Diwan of Royal Court stated: 'May everyone have a happy and prosperous Eid Al Adha.'
Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
His Majesty Sultan Haitham to offer Eid Al Adha Prayer in Nizwa
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will offer Eid Al Adha prayers 1446 AH at Sultan Qaboos Mosque in the Wilayat of Nizwa, Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Labour Ministry organises conference on drafting legislation to enhance governance
Nizwa: A two-day conference titled "Drafting legislation to enhance governance" kicked off today in the Wilayat of Nizwa. The conference is organized by the Ministry of Labour in cooperation with 'Media Thought' company. The conference aims to exchange expertise among legal departments and public policy specialists. The conference will elaborate on mechanisms for drafting legislation efficiently and effectively. It explores concepts of governance in legislation within the context of digital transition, as well as international experiences in legislative development. The conference is attended by specialists and experts from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad. The participants represent legislative, legal, and audit bodies, judicial and banking institutions, members of legislative and executive councils, academics and researchers in law and public policy. Besides building an integrated legislative system that keeps pace with global economic and technological updates, the conference will contribute to the development of a fair and inspiring business environment that supports the competitiveness of the national economy.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate continues to invest in several development projects
Nizwa: The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is heading towards the comprehensive development at consistent pace established on the Royal Vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who set the foundations of Oman Vision 2040. The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is investing its budget for all the Wilayats of the Governorate. Sheikh Hilal bin Said Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah said that the governorate is currently executing 68 development projects at the cost of OMR44.7 million to boost sustainable development in the governorate , coupled with award of 10 new development projects at the cost of OMR5.2 million as part of the strategy of the governorate targeting development of the infrastructure and improvement of the services offered for citizens. He said that the governorate received 40 projects during the past period at a cost of OMR16.3 million which would contribute to enhancement of the economic and social development in the local community. The total spending from the amount allocated for the programme of the governorates' development during the period from 2022 to 2025 stood at OMR12.68 million which represented 70% of the total budget allocated for this programme, he said adding that the governorate would continue to execute the projects associated with the programme. He said that the governorate enjoys supportive basic structure including modern road network, several cultural centres, museums, public libraries and human capital. He said that the award of works to SMEs amounted to OMR1.2 million in 2023, representing 9% of the total award which percentage increased to 51% from December 2024 to February 2025. He said that the governorate currently executes internal road projects for a total length of 203 kilometres at the cost of over OMR16. 2 million. The governorate saw construction of roads of 245.5 kilometres at the cost of OMR19.6 million for the period 2022 -2024. He said that the number of investment projects increased from 8 in 2022 to 53 projects in 2025, an increase of 562.5%.
