Latest news with #Khareef
Times of Oman
9 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
2 days ago
- Climate
- Zawya
Oman: Early rains signal start of Dhofar's khareef season
Salalah - As much of the Arabian Peninsula sizzles amidst soaring summer temperatures, the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar is witnessing an entirely different phenomenon: light rains, mist-covered mountains and temperatures in the low 20s — all ahead of the official launch of the Khareef Dhofar Season on Saturday. Since Tuesday evening, several highland areas including the outskirts of Salalah, Qairoon Hiriti and Dhalkout have experienced light drizzle and cooler weather, with thick clouds rolling in across the mountains. Temperatures dropped to 23 °C in Qairoon Hiriti, while coastal areas such as Salalah, Taqah, and Sadah ranged between 28–32 °C, according to the Civil Aviation Authority's latest weather bulletin. The forecast indicates continued chances of scattered rainfall and low clouds across the Dhofar coast and mountains, driven by moderate to active winds and high humidity levels reaching up to 100 per cent in coastal zones. Sea conditions are expected to be rough, especially along southern shores. Unlike the rest of Oman and the GCC region, Dhofar experiences a unique microclimate each summer known as Khareef, caused by monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. Between late June and early September, the governorate transforms into a lush green landscape with mist, cool temperatures and flowing springs — attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from Oman and abroad. Dhofar Municipality has announced that the 2025 season will officially kick off next week, with a 10–15 per cent expected rise in visitor numbers compared to last year. This year's edition includes upgraded tourism zones, expanded cultural programming and stronger support for Omani small businesses and artisans — aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goals for sustainable tourism and local economic development. With early rains already gracing the mountains, tourism operators, local authorities and service providers are working in full coordination to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all visitors. Key destinations such as Ateen Plain, Al Haffa, Mirbat and Taqah are being prepared with improved infrastructure, public amenities and a rich calendar of events throughout the season.
Observer
2 days ago
- Climate
- Observer
Oman to mark beginning of summer, Khareef Dhofar next Saturday
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will witness the summer solstice on Saturday, June 21, marking the official beginning of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, according to astronomical data. The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest position over the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in the longest daylight period of the year. This astronomical event also signals the start of the Khareef (monsoon) season in Dhofar Governorate. Experts explain that the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees causes the Sun's rays to fall directly over the Tropic of Cancer during the solstice. This phenomenon not only ushers in peak summer temperatures across Oman but also initiates the unique monsoonal transformation in Dhofar, bringing cooler weather and lush greenery to the southern coast. Meanwhile, The Khareef season attracts thousands of visitors annually to the governorate, particularly to Salalah and its surrounding areas, to enjoy its misty landscapes and seasonal festivities
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Climate
- Times of Oman
Oman set to welcome Summer Solstice and Khareef 2025
Muscat: Astronomically, Saturday, June 21, 2025, will mark the first day of summer and the beginning of Dhofar's Khareef season in the Sultanate of Oman. The Summer Solstice commences when the Sun's rays are directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. This day officially ushers in Astronomical Summer for the Northern Hemisphere, with the season lasting approximately 93 days, 15 hours, and 37 minutes. Al Mukhtar bin Saif Al Saeedi, a member of the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space, confirmed that this year's Summer Solstice will occur on Saturday, June 21, at 6:42 a.m. Oman time. In Muscat Governorate, the sun will rise at 5:21 a.m., reach its central position at 12:09 p.m., and set at 6:57 p.m. Daytime in Muscat will extend for 13 hours, 35 minutes, and 35 seconds, making it the longest day of the year and the shortest night across most regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, North America, and the Arctic. Al Saeedi explained that while the summer solstice signals the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it simultaneously marks the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere. The Earth's two primary movements—its daily rotation on its axis and its annual orbit around the sun—are responsible for the alternation of day and night and the changing seasons, respectively. The 23.5-degree tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation relative to its orbit around the sun is the fundamental reason for these solstices and equinoxes. He further clarified that these astronomical events do not directly dictate temperature changes, as surface temperatures are influenced more by climatic and atmospheric factors like air currents, heat waves, and wind patterns, which are weather-related rather than strictly seasonal. Al Saeedi highlighted several phenomena accompanying this astronomical event on Earth, including: The astronomical commencement of the Dhofar Khareef season, which impacts the coastal wilayats of Dhofar Governorate, stretching from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east. This season is characterized by monsoon winds and the influx of clouds from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The absence of a noon shadow in areas located directly on the Tropic of Cancer, such as Al Amerat, Fanja, Wadi Al Maawil, Rustaq, and Ibri. On this day, the Sun will rise from its farthest point in the northeast and set at its farthest point in the northwest. The number of night hours will shorten, and daytime hours will lengthen, subsequently beginning to decrease until the Autumnal Equinox on September 22, when day and night hours will be equal.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Promotional campaign in GCC cities to showcase Khareef Dhofar season
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is pressing ahead with efforts to boost tourism in Dhofar Governorate, notably by implementing promotional activities in key shopping malls across GCC cities. The campaign takes the theme "Your Summer is Green". The campaign focuses on Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) season, one of the most prominent tourism attraction periods in the Sultanate of Oman. During the monsoon, which begins on 21 June every year, Dhofar Governorate is endowed with moderate weather and adorned with picturesque vegetation. To make optimum use of the monsoon season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism provides visitors with full information that enables them to engage in different tourism experiences and activities, including recreational events, nature exploration trips and visits to heritage and archaeological sites. The information also includes an account of direct flight options to Salalah. This facilitates access to hotspots in Dhofar Governorate and enhances its appeal as a preferred summer destination. Besides attracting visitors from GCC states, the information boosts Dhofar's presence on the regional tourism map. The promotional activities provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to Dhofar Governorate's tourism attractions and reflect the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to develop the tourism sector throughout the year. The Ministry launched similar promotional campaigns during its participation in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in April 2025. Oman was represented at the event by Dhofar Municipality, which dedicated a special gallery in Oman's pavilion to highlight the features, landmarks and events that will be held during Dhofar Khareef Season 2025. Last month (May 2025), the Ministry organized two workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The workshops saw the participation of tourism sector partners from Dhofar Governorate, as well as Flynas and Flyadeal. It is worth noting that direct flights will be operated on a daily basis to Salalah Airport during the Khareef (monsoon) season. Earlier, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism implemented similar promotional activities in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of events aimed at marketing the Dhofar Khareef Season 2025.
