Al Haffa: A monsoon haven for frankincense lovers
Step into Al Haffa Market during Salalah's monsoon season and you're instantly transported — where the scent of frankincense lingers in the air, the charm of age-old trade fills the alleys, and the past blends beautifully with the present.
'It's like stepping into a storybook,' said Salim al Balushi, visiting from Muscat with his wife and two children. 'The smell of frankincense, the sound of traders calling out, the colours, the history — you feel like you're part of something real and timeless, yet it's so warm and welcoming.'
His wife added, 'We were surprised to see the new seafront area — it's beautifully done. After shopping, we sat at a cafe overlooking the sea and watched the sunset. It was the perfect end to the day.'
Their children, meanwhile, enjoyed exploring the market's winding paths and picking up handmade souvenirs. 'It's not just about shopping,' Salim added. 'It's about connecting with our culture. I hope my children remember this experience for a long time.'
Nestled along Dhofar's coast, Al Haffa Market is more than a marketplace — it's a living expression of Omani heritage. Especially during the khareef, it draws locals and tourists seeking not only goods but a glimpse into the stories, scents and traditions.
Shops brim with Omani frankincense — locally known as 'white gold' —handmade perfumes, embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery and incense crafted through centuries of tradition. For many visitors, Al Haffa is both the first and final stop in Salalah, with memories carried home in the form of fragrant treasures.
A gentle transformation is underway at Al Haffa. A new seafront promenade is emerging, with cafes, restaurants and a coastal walkway enhancing the visitor experience — without sacrificing the soul of the place. Thoughtful development ensures that while the facilities grow, the spirit remains intact.
During monsoon months, the market is alive from 8 am to 10 pm, especially in the evenings when families and travellers mingle under the soft glow of lights and gentle drizzle.
Frankincense from Boswellia trees — found only in Dhofar and a few other regions — has shaped civilisations. Once carried in caravans to Egypt, Mesopotamia and Rome, this resin continues to be harvested the traditional way and remains a symbol of Oman's enduring legacy.
Unesco-listed sites like Wadi Dawkah, Al Baleed and Shisr (Ubar) are silent yet powerful witnesses to Dhofar's historic role in global trade. Today, they attract visitors who seek to connect history, scent and story.
As Oman advances towards Vision 2040, Al Haffa Market stands as a beacon of cultural continuity and meaningful tourism — where every visitor can feel the heartbeat of a land rich in memory and meaning.
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