Muscat – An Omani mosque has found a place in the prestigious 2024 World’s Greatest Places list compiled by Time magazine.

Masjid Bab al Salam in Muscat stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, seamlessly blending spirituality, sustainability and monumentality into a harmonious architectural symphony, according to Altqadum, the Omani design firm behind the mosque.  

To compile the 2024 list, Time solicited nominations of places – including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks and more – from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye towards those offering new and exciting experiences.

While last year’s list featured 50 cities, this year the magazine decided to explore and include establishments that stand out in their field, and the world – resulting in 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay this year.

Describing the mosque, Time wrote, ‘For years, the Middle East’s cutting-edge skyscrapers have stood side by side with opulent mosques rooted in centuries of classical Islamic architecture. But lately, a wave of more contemporary houses of worship have emerged on the skylines of Gulf cities, often paying tribute to age-old design in fresh and unexpected ways.’

With a tranquil complex of blush-coloured circular structures, Masjid Bab al Salam is a minimalist wonder bathed in natural light, with a more restrained aesthetic than some of the region’s lavishly appointed religious spaces, leaving visitors to turn their thoughts inward, Time wrote.

An arc of water hugs the central building, while a delicate crescent is etched into the freestanding conical minaret; inside, a dome of over 1,600 crystal bulbs forms a chandelier over the main prayer hall, and in place of a mihrab, a niche that traditionally directs congregants towards Mecca, a slender floor-to-ceiling window is sliced out of the facade.

In a post on ArchDaily, a global architecture website, Altqadum said the project embarked on a journey that transcends conventional design boundaries. ‘The inception of our concept centred around the spiritual realm, woven intricately with Omani heritage. Envisioning a design that echoes the simplicity of historical mosques yet resonates with contemporary functionality became our guiding principle. The challenge was immense, particularly in crafting a monument that speaks to both the present and future generations.’