Abu Dhabi vs Muscat Mosque? Al Ain?

[mef_57]

I had thought to visit the Sheikh mosque in Abu Dhabi but am also interested in going to Al Ain. Not enough time to do both. Our next port is Muscat and I would have time to visit that mosque. Is it as magnificent or extensive as the Abu Dhabi one?

Is Al Ain worth the full day commitment?

Edited September 12, 2019 by mef_57

[buchhalm]

Abu Dhabi Sheik Zayed Mosque wins hands down. It is a stunning building with generous opening hours and several free guided tours per day. They also have free audio guides ( you need to leave a form of ID as deposit).

For Muscat, you can view the Sultan Quaboos mosque from the outside.

Visiting hours for the inside are very restricted to a short time in the middle of the day. As friendly as Omanis usually are, the folks running the mosque are very standoffish and have no interest to show non-muslims around.

(I lived in Oman for 6 years and the UAE for 2)

[mef_57]

18 hours ago, buchhalm said:

Abu Dhabi Sheik Zayed Mosque wins hands down. It is a stunning building with generous opening hours and several free guided tours per day. They also have free audio guides ( you need to leave a form of ID as deposit).

For Muscat, you can view the Sultan Quaboos mosque from the outside.

Visiting hours for the inside are very restricted to a short time in the middle of the day. As friendly as Omanis usually are, the folks running the mosque are very standoffish and have no interest to show non-muslims around.

(I lived in Oman for 6 years and the UAE for 2)

Thanks. I do note that the Sultan Quaboos mosque also has free audioguides and open from 8:30 to 11:30 most days....at least by their website and some Tripadvisor comments.

With a 7a.m. docking, that should be feasible.

Would that sway your reply in a building to building comparison?

 

[aussie cruzer]

The Abu Dhabi mosque is truly magnificent. ....a must see.

[mef_57]

16 hours ago, aussie cruzer said:

The Abu Dhabi mosque is truly magnificent. ....a must see.

Thanks for the input. It certainly seems so.