As the only mosque in Oman to welcome non-Muslim visitors, this impressive structure in Muscat is fascinating to look around. Despite its classical architecture, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was only completed in 2001.

Consisting of two prayer halls and a corresponding courtyard, the building has room to accommodate as many as 20,000 worshippers at any given time. The five minarets - four small and one large - have been influenced by Egyptian style, while the interior wooden ceilings and tiles are representative of Omani and Persian traditions.

It is the central golden latticed dome that is most instantly recognisable and sits over the main prayer hall. A carpet covering this space is the second biggest in the world and was created over the course of four years by 400 weavers in Iran.

The mosque is located within expansive gardens that are given an extra sense of tranquillity by the water channels that run through them. As a religious site, visitors are reminded to dress appropriately before entering the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.