For domestic tourists and visitors from across the Gulf, Salalah remains the ultimate seasonal escape. An enigma…a paradise resplendent with rolling mountains, evocative monsoon clouds, picture-perfect waterfalls flowing through lush valleys, and cool misty rains refreshing the land. This is Khareef, the season that reawakens Salalah and its surrounding wilayats each year.

This year, the transformation is more expansive, inclusive, and immersive than ever before, with significant investments in new tourism infrastructure, expanded cultural experiences, and a renewed focus on empowering local Omani businesses.

Armed with a revitalised tourism strategy, newly launched infrastructure, and a strong focus on local enterprise, the governorate is expecting a 10 to 15 percent increase in visitor numbers, building on 2024’s record-breaking 1,048,000 arrivals.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has opened several new tourism projects to coincide with this year’s season, enriching the visitor experience. Among these are the Dhofar Private Museum, an 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxurious 216-room serviced apartment complex in Salalah. 

With these additions, Dhofar now boasts 100 licensed tourism establishments, offering over 8,000 hotel rooms to accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists. 

Occupancy rates during Khareef 2024 stood at 90 percent, and this year the sector is already witnessing a surge in demand. Major resorts and hotels such as Al Baleed Resort by Anantara, Hawana Salalah, Plaza Hotel, and Bilad Punt Resort have all launched exclusive packages and international campaigns targeting GCC travellers.

Heritage and Community

This time’s Khareef is not just bigger, it’s smarter and more inclusive. The season now champions a ‘community-first’ approach, placing local artisans and SMEs at the heart of festival venues. Markets featuring handmade crafts, traditional food, and natural products are now front and centre across all major event zones.

Each venue has also been renamed in Arabic to reinforce cultural identity. The former Uptown entertainment space has been reimagined as the Modern Waterfront in Ateen Plain. Salalah Public Park now operates year-round as the Health Park, offering wellness-focused programming.

The Children’s Time zone at Awqad Park introduces interactive educational experiences, while the redesigned Return to the Past zone elevates heritage performances in larger, more immersive spaces. Over at Ateen Square, nearly 1,000 light, sound, and laser shows will bring Dhofar’s stories to life — up from 600 last year.

Connectivity and Access 

Alongside the expanded offerings, Dhofar’s accessibility has been greatly enhanced. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism had launched a comprehensive promotional campaign, strategically positioning Dhofar as a premier international destination. Early marketing efforts included active participation in global events like the Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, alongside targeted promotional workshops in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.  

These initiatives have successfully highlighted new direct flight routes to Salalah Airport from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Kuwait City, and beyond, with airlines such as Flynas, Flyadeal, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways boosting connectivity. This is expected to bring a major influx of visitors, particularly during the peak travel period from mid-July to late August.

In anticipation of the increased visitor numbers, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has also reinforced regional road networks, ensuring smooth access from neighbouring governorates. A fleet of 11 specialized vehicles, alongside 24/7 emergency support teams, has been deployed to clear routes and maintain safety across the network.

Panoramic Landscapes and Natural Vistas

Beyond its inviting climate, Dhofar’s allure lies in its diverse landscapes, each offering a unique experience for exploration. Characterised by temperate weather, lush green hills, and cascading waterfalls, this natural marvel offers a refreshing escape from the searing summer heat prevalent elsewhere in the region. 

Among the most iconic is Wadi Darbat, where cascading waterfalls create a breathtaking spectacle. With numerous picnic spots offering up-close views of the falls, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers. Mirbat, located 66 km east of Salalah, offers scenic bays, coastal caves, and the historic Mirbat Fort, blending coastal beauty with cultural intrigue. 

Taqah, the third-largest town in Salalah, is known for its white sandy beaches, vibrant birdlife, and its own impressive fort. Ain Razat and Ain Homran are spring-fed green retreats, with picnic areas and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Then there’s Mughsayl Beach, famed for its dramatic blowholes and mountain-flanked coastal drive—undeniably one of Salalah’s top draws. Nature and mystery blend at Khor Rori, where freshwater meets the sea in a bird-rich protected area. 

Adventurous visitors will appreciate Rakhyut for its spectacular mountain views accessible via hairpin bends, and Tawi Atayr for its vast sinkhole, alive with the constant chirping of birds. Finally, Ittin, a versatile destination, boasts the Ittin Cave, the scenic walkway of Ayn Jarziz, and the popular Ittin Park, ensuring there’s something to captivate every visitor.

The Season Ahead

Khareef 2025 is more than a celebration of nature; it is a showcase of Omani identity, ingenuity, and ambition. From elevated tourism infrastructure to inclusive development, Dhofar is writing a new chapter in monsoon tourism, one that echoes with waterfalls, breathes through mountain mists, and beats to the rhythm of local life.

Visit Dhofar’s Khareef 2025; experience an unforgettable escape into Oman’s unique monsoon magic.