Abu Dhabi to Salalah: The complete guide on travel, visas and what to do

Time Out Abu Dhabi

4 days ago

If you're planning a getaway this summer and misty mountains and green hills sound increasingly appealing, you're probably considering heading from Abu Dhabi to Salalah.
The southern Omani city gets a lot of attention this time of year and for good reason — between June and September, it turns into one of the few places in the region that actually cools down.
This isn't your average beach trip though and it's not exactly straightforward if you've never been before.
So here's a practical breakdown of everything you need to know if you're thinking of heading to Salalah during Khareef season.
How to get from Abu Dhabi to Salalah
Credit: Tanja Cotoaga/Unsplash
Direct flights from Abu Dhabi take just under two hours. Wizz Air, Air Arabia and Etihad all operate seasonal routes, with Wizz Air offering the cheapest fares:
Wizz Air: From Dhs179 (budget-friendly, no frills)
Air Arabia: From Dhs399
Etihad Airways: From Dhs1,205 (if you're after full-service and convenience)
Flights peak Khareef season (late July to early September) and they fill up quickly – so book early if you're set on flying.
By road
It's a long one – expect 12 to 14 hours on the road, depending on where you cross the border. Most people drive via Al Ain into Oman, then take the route through Nizwa and Haima.
It's doable, but not short. You'll need car insurance that covers Oman and it's worth checking in advance whether your vehicle can be taken across the border (especially if it's leased or on finance).
If you're stopping overnight, Muscat or Duqm are the usual halfway points.
Visa info for UAE residents
UAE residents need a tourist visa to enter Oman, even for short stays. Here's what you will need:
Apply online via the Oman eVisa platform
Ten-day tourist visas cost 5 OMR (around Dhs48)
Processing is quick, but best not to leave it until the last minute
You'll need at least six months' passport validity and if you're driving, make sure your car registration and GCC insurance are in order.
Top tip: Apply at least 48 hours in advance during peak travel periods.
What is Khareef season actually like?
Khareef officially runs from June 21 to September 20, but the green really kicks in by late June and peaks around August.
Expect temps around mid-20s°C and there can be fog, drizzle and light rain. Nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains and visibility drops in places like Jabal Samhan or Wadi Darbat.
The closer you get to September, the less green it's likely to be – though there's still cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Bring a light jacket, decent shoes and don't expect to swim in the sea – it might be too rough.
What to do while you're there
This isn't a city break in the typical sense – most of what you'll want to see is outside the city. If you don't rent a car, your options will be limited.
Top sites (all reachable by car):
Wadi Darbat: picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills
picnic spot with waterfalls, paddle boats and misty hills Al Mughsail: cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea
cliffs, blowholes and views over the Arabian Sea Ain Athum and Sahalnoot: natural springs surrounded by greenery
natural springs surrounded by greenery Jabal Samhan: elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads
elevated viewpoints, dramatic fog and wild mountain roads Marneef Cave: walkable coastal spot near the blowholes
walkable coastal spot near the blowholes Frankincense Land Museum: archaeological site with history on the incense trade
For longer stays, people often explore Taqah, Mirbat, or head further into the mountains.
Things to know before you go
Pack layers – it gets cool, especially in the hills.
Traffic gets hectic around Eid and weekends. Book accommodation and transport early.
Internet and mobile service can be spotty in remote areas – download your maps.
No roaming? Get an Omani SIM at Salalah Airport or local shops.
Be respectful of local customs – it's a conservative region, especially in villages.
Where to stay
You'll find everything from budget hotels to five-star resorts. If you're travelling during Eid or mid-August, book well in advance. Salalah fills up quickly during peak Khareef.
Want to stay near the greenery? Try mountain guesthouses near Wadi Darbat.
Prefer city convenience? Salalah city centre has familiar hotel chains.
Road-tripping with friends or family? Look for villas or serviced apartments.
Why Salalah is trending in the UAE
Abu Dhabi has recently invested Dhs764 million into Salalah's tourism sector – including a huge beachfront resort project, marinas and luxury developments. It's part of a bigger UAE–Oman tourism push, so expect even more road trip-friendly resorts and high-end options over the next few years.
For now, though, Salalah remains a refreshing, under-the-radar summer escape – and one that's surprisingly easy to reach.
Time Out tip: Want to skip the flight and take the scenic route? Daily buses to Salalah run from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah for under Dhs100 – perfect if you're going with friends and don't want to drive.
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