Muscat: Dhofar Governorate, renowned for its lush greenery during the annual Khareef season, is gearing up for an exceptional 2024 edition. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, highlighted the comprehensive preparations underway to enhance tourist sites and organize engaging events across the region.

Preparations for this year’s Khareef season began well in advance, focusing on developing scenic tourist spots and meticulously planning events. The season started astronomically on June 21 and will span three months, featuring a gradual rollout of activities across various locations, including newly introduced sites and events.

Among the anticipated attractions is Awqad Park in Salalah, which is tailored to delight children with international entertainment villages and interactive games. The “Up Town” site in Itin Plain aims to foster entrepreneurship, showcasing around 60 modern tourist spots designed for nearly 200 young Omanis.

New highlights for Khareef Season 2024 include the revamped “Return of the Past” site, showcasing local environments from Dhofar and other Omani governorates, alongside live cultural shows. Additionally, “Atten Square” will host diverse international events in the upcoming period.

Dr. Al Ghassani emphasized initiatives aimed at promoting local products, such as the introduction of 500 kiosks for restaurants and cafes and mobile food inspection services at all tourist sites. The ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Omran Group has led to significant enhancements, including the opening of new viewpoints like Ad Damr and Aghabeer Breathing Breeze in Mirbat, as well as the Shaat Viewpoint in Rakhyut.

With visitor numbers steadily rising each year, reaching 962 thousand in 2023, Dhofar anticipates exceeding the one million visitor mark in 2024, with expenditures expected to surpass 100 million Omani riyals.