Preparations underway for safe, attractive business during Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Salalah: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has affirmed the completion of preparations to welcome the Dhofar Khareef season 2025, one of the governorate's most prominent economic and tourism events. This is achieved through a series of inspection campaigns and awareness initiatives, reinforcing ongoing efforts to ensure a sound and secure business environment while stimulating local and foreign investments.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Badrani, Director General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, stated that the Khareef season presents a significant opportunity to revitalize commercial and economic activity in Dhofar. This necessitates intensified oversight of commercial establishments to ensure compliance with legal and professional requirements, as well as educating shop owners on sound business practices that stimulate market activity and safeguard consumer rights. He emphasized the importance of monitoring essential requirements in commercial outlets, such as electronic payment systems, to facilitate service provision for targeted businesses.
In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he explained that the Directorate has been conducting comprehensive inspection campaigns for several months, covering markets, commercial complexes, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets, to verify compliance with health regulations and commercial business laws.
He added that the Directorate, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is organizing workshops and awareness sessions for merchants and business owners to promote a culture of compliance and innovation in service delivery, aligning with visitor expectations during the Khareef season.
Al Badrani noted that Dhofar Governorate has seen significant growth in the commercial sector, with 718 commercial registrations recorded by the end of Q1 2025, reflecting the sector's vitality and increasing investment interest in the governorate. He highlighted that construction and contracting activities topped the list of the most licensed commercial activities, with a total of 2,100 licenses issued by the end of Q1 2025, compared to 1,274 licenses in 2024—demonstrating the momentum in Dhofar's construction and infrastructure sectors.
As for new investments in the governorate, he clarified that the number of new investors in Q1 2025 reached 1,217, with 88 commercial registrations issued, reflecting investor confidence in Dhofar's economic environment. He credited the Directorate's role in facilitating procedures and providing necessary support to investors while working to localize commercial projects that enhance trade and industrial activity across Dhofar's wilayats. Efforts are also underway to integrate industrial cities, free zones, and optimal utilization of Salalah Port to boost commercial activities.
Al Badrani pointed out that the number of commercial licenses issued in Q1 2025 reached 9,527, compared to 13,800 in 2024, attributing the decline to the reorganization of certain commercial activities and updated procedures to ensure higher service quality and operational sustainability. In the industrial sector, 1,155 industrial licenses were issued in Q1 2025, compared to 1,742 during the same period in 2024.
He affirmed that this year's Khareef season preparations follow an integrated action plan in coordination with Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Consumer Protection Authority. This collaborative effort aims to provide a secure investment and business environment, enhancing the governorate's appeal as an investment and tourism destination.
Al Badrani explained that Dhofar Governorate is intensifying preparations for the Khareef season, which attracts large numbers of visitors and tourists from within and outside Oman. A comprehensive plan ensures the readiness of various service and regulatory sectors, with field teams already conducting fuel station inspections to verify supply availability and equipment safety. Markets are also being monitored to ensure compliance with health and environmental standards, along with the provision of essential goods at reasonable prices. Awareness campaigns targeting merchants and consumers promote safe purchasing practices and deter negative behaviors, while hotlines operate around the clock to receive feedback and inquiries, ensuring swift responses and boosting visitor confidence in services.
He added that the Directorate aims to provide consumers and visitors with a comfortable and secure shopping experience by improving sales facilities and strategically distributing commercial activities based on expected demand. All business operators are urged to adhere to legal requirements and approved standards. Concurrently, continuous efforts are being made to educate investors on leveraging the economic opportunities presented by the Khareef season, which directly stimulates commercial and industrial activity while enhancing the governorate's business environment—contributing to local economic growth and elevating services for both citizens and visitors.
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