Latest news with #Dhofar
Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Times of Oman
From misty mountains to lush valleys: Dhofar's Khareef Season begins Saturday
Muscat: The Khareef (monsoon) 2025 season in Dhofar will officially begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, 2025 affecting the coastal wilayats of the governorate—from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east—due to the onset of seasonal winds and cloud formations flowing in from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The season will continue until September 21. The Khareef is renowned for its cloudy, drizzly weather and moderate temperatures, especially in the elevated mountainous areas, which are often blanketed in mist and light rain. This unique climate transforms Dhofar into a stunning green landscape, making it a top destination for both local and international tourists. Throughout the season, water flow in the governorate's natural springs increases, with many becoming popular attractions, including Razat, Hamran, Jarziz, Sahalnoot, and Tabraq springs. Seasonal waterfalls like Darbat, Athum, Khor, Gogob, and Al-Hoota also flourish, depending on rainfall levels. Dhofar's natural and historical landmarks—including its diverse coastal, agricultural, mountainous, and desert environments—draw significant attention. Its UNESCO-listed sites, such as Al-Baleed and Samharam archaeological parks, the Land of Frankincense Museum, and ancient forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, are popular attractions. The region also boasts dreamy beaches, scenic lagoons, and nature reserves that offer sanctuary to rare wildlife and endangered ecosystems. During the Khareef, Salalah's shopping centres and markets experience high activity, especially in stores selling traditional Omani products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery, Omani sweets, and local cuisine. The Salalah Plain also produces a rich variety of tropical fruits, with coconut (nargil), bananas, papayas, and sugarcane being the most popular. In anticipation of the influx of tourists, both public and private sectors prepare annually to provide convenient services and facilities, especially with several regional airlines announcing direct seasonal flights to Salalah Airport. Notably, Dhofar welcomed over 1.006 million visitors during the 2024 Khareef season—a 9% increase from 2023—with total visitor spending estimated at 120 million Omani rials, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar's Khareef Season boosted by new Saudi Airlines route
Muscat: Salalah Airport in Dhofar Governorate today welcomed the inaugural Saudi Airlines flight from Jeddah, marking the commencement of three weekly flights between Salalah and Jeddah throughout the 2025 Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) season. Eng. Zakariya bin Yaqub Al-Harasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport, affirmed the airport's comprehensive readiness to receive travellers during the bustling Khareef season. He highlighted the participation of 12 local and international carriers and projected a significant surge in passenger traffic and flight operations compared to last year. This increase is attributed to continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, upgrade service quality, and streamline travel procedures. Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 900,000 this season, a substantial increase from 692,626 in the previous year, representing a nearly 37% rise. This growth underscores the increasing appeal of Dhofar's tourism season and the expansion of air connectivity. Al-Harasi further detailed the diverse origins of incoming visitors, stating that the majority of travellers (62.5%) will come from within Oman, followed by 35.7% from GCC countries, and 1.8% from India. Air traffic at Salalah Airport is also set for a notable increase of 36%, with over 5,000 inbound and outbound flights expected, up from 3,869 flights in 2024. A key milestone this season is the addition of Saudi Airlines to the roster of carriers operating direct flights to Salalah. This move significantly enhances connectivity and tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options. Al-Harasi also highlighted Oman Airports' continued investment in digital services to improve the travel experience, including the "Safar As'hal" ('Travel Made Easier') initiative, now in its second year. This initiative features self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services, and information centres, all aimed at reducing wait times and streamlining processes. Meanwhile, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accredited ambassador to Oman, praised the occasion as a reflection of the wise leadership in both nations and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the economic, tourism, and cultural benefits of these air links in serving the mutual interests of the two countries. He noted that the inaugural Saudi flight to Salalah carried not only Saudi and Omani passengers but also travellers of various nationalities—underscoring the international dimension of this direct air route. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dhofar's Khareef Season boosted by new Saudi Airlines route
Muscat: Salalah Airport in Dhofar Governorate today welcomed the inaugural Saudi Airlines flight from Jeddah, marking the commencement of three weekly flights between Salalah and Jeddah throughout the 2025 Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) season. Eng. Zakariya bin Yaqub Al-Harasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport, affirmed the airport's comprehensive readiness to receive travellers during the bustling Khareef season. He highlighted the participation of 12 local and international carriers and projected a significant surge in passenger traffic and flight operations compared to last year. This increase is attributed to continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, upgrade service quality, and streamline travel procedures. Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 900,000 this season, a substantial increase from 692,626 in the previous year, representing a nearly 37% rise. This growth underscores the increasing appeal of Dhofar's tourism season and the expansion of air connectivity. Al-Harasi further detailed the diverse origins of incoming visitors, stating that the majority of travellers (62.5%) will come from within Oman, followed by 35.7% from GCC countries, and 1.8% from India. Air traffic at Salalah Airport is also set for a notable increase of 36%, with over 5,000 inbound and outbound flights expected, up from 3,869 flights in 2024. A key milestone this season is the addition of Saudi Airlines to the roster of carriers operating direct flights to Salalah. This move significantly enhances connectivity and tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options. Al-Harasi also highlighted Oman Airports' continued investment in digital services to improve the travel experience, including the "Safar As'hal" ('Travel Made Easier') initiative, now in its second year. This initiative features self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services, and information centres, all aimed at reducing wait times and streamlining processes. Meanwhile, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accredited ambassador to Oman, praised the occasion as a reflection of the wise leadership in both nations and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the economic, tourism, and cultural benefits of these air links in serving the mutual interests of the two countries. He noted that the inaugural Saudi flight to Salalah carried not only Saudi and Omani passengers but also travellers of various nationalities—underscoring the international dimension of this direct air route.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar expects high hotel occupancy as khareef draws visitors
Salalah – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed that hotel establishments in Dhofar governorate have completed their preparations to welcome tourists for the 2025 khareef season. Hotels in the region are offering promotional packages and marketing programmes in anticipation of a high number of visitors during the season, which attracts tourists from across the region each year. Many hotels have introduced competitive prices and improved hospitality services, including guest reception and departure assistance, as well as guided tours to key tourist, heritage and entertainment sites. A key highlight this year is the increased presence of qualified Omani staff in the hotel and tourism sector, further supporting the local hospitality industry. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director of the Quality Control Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said preparations began with an annual coordination meeting involving the directorate and representatives from the hotel and tourism sectors. The meeting focused on service readiness and maintaining high standards of quality across all facilities. Ghassani said there are now 100 licensed hotel establishments in Dhofar, offering more than 8,000 rooms. 'In 2024, hotel occupancy rates reached 90%, and we expect these figures to increase this year due to attractive marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions from hotels and tourism companies,' he said. He also noted the continued use of the 'Sikka' app during the 2025 season. Supervised by the Office of the Governor of Dhofar in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality, the app regulates the real estate market and formalises rental agreements between landlords and tenants. The platform protects the rights of all parties and provides property owners with new ways to market their properties within Oman and abroad. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Oman: Billions of seeds to be dispersed to restore Dhofar's green cover
Salalah – Dhofar Municipality has launched a major environmental campaign to restore natural vegetation and control invasive species by dispersing around 10mn seed balls and more than 3bn pastoral grass seeds across the Dhofar mountains during June and July 2025, coinciding with the khareef season. The initiative, overseen by the Steering Committee for Parthenium Weed Control, builds on efforts started in 2023 when over 400,000 seed balls were released. Last year, the project expanded with the distribution of more than 4mn seed balls and over 10 tonnes of pastoral grass seeds, equal to about 4bn individual seeds. Mohammed bin Mubarak Ak'ak, Deputy Head of the Field Team for Parthenium Weed Control in Dhofar, said the campaign is part of a broader plan to restore biodiversity and limit the spread of invasive plants such as parthenium weed and mesquite trees. These plants, along with overgrazing, climate change and human activities, contribute significantly to desertification in the region. Ak'ak said the project applies nature-based solutions, using seed balls that remain dormant until conditions are right. They are drought-resistant and suitable for the khareef's unique rainfall pattern. Each seed ball contains a mix of native tree and grass species, including saghout, ar'ar, taiq, ghaidhit, tabaldi, alli, shabthaf, zadart and athath, all adapted to local conditions. Besides seed dispersal, the campaign uses multiple methods to control parthenium weed, such as manual removal, mechanical cutting, flame treatment and targeted pesticide use. The aim is to reduce the weed's harmful effects on people, animals and native plants. Ak'ak highlighted the importance of community support, describing the campaign as an example of government and civic collaboration. Volunteers and members of the Wa'i (Awareness) initiative are actively involved in the work. 'This campaign is a vital step towards the long-term sustainability of mountain ecosystems in the governorate,' he said. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
