Blowholes draw huge crowds at Al Mughsail
The iconic Al Mughsail Beach and the natural blowholes of Al Marnif Cave are roaring back to life this khareef, with a surge in visitor numbers driven by the cool monsoon weather and Dhofar's lush transformation.
Tour operators, local vendors and road officials report a sharp increase in footfall compared to last year.
Oman Observer field observations confirm that traffic to western Salalah has surged in recent days, with parking lots near the site reaching full capacity by early afternoon.
Families, adventure seekers and tourists from across Oman, the Gulf and beyond are flocking to witness the dramatic sea geysers — water columns erupting from underground rock chambers — alongside sweeping cliff views.
'I've travelled across the Gulf, but I've never seen anything like this,' said Yousif Ali, a Kuwaiti visitor. 'It feels like the Earth is alive.'
In response to growing numbers, authorities have ramped up facilities at the site. Roads now have clearer signs and improved safety turns. New shaded viewing decks and railings have been installed near Al Marnif Cave, while municipal teams ensure cleanliness and smooth crowd movement.
The Royal Oman Police and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority have increased their on-ground presence, especially during peak hours, ensuring visitor safety.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality are enhancing multilingual signage and visitor materials.
Al Mughsail's fame soared earlier this year after Condé Nast Traveler named it the 5th best beach in the world. The international recognition has boosted Dhofar's profile among eco-tourists, photographers and nature lovers, and is now central to Oman's seasonal tourism campaigns.
The blowholes, which can erupt as high as 30 metres during high tide, create a thunderous roar that resonates along the cliffs. The adjacent Al Marnif Cave provides the best viewing point, now upgraded with accessible walkways and smoother paths.
Beyond the blowholes, visitors can explore khareef gems like Wadi Darbat, Ayn Jarziz, Old Salalah's heritage souqs and Unesco-listed Frankincense sites.
While Al Mughsail's wild beauty draws crowds, officials remind the public that swimming is prohibited at the beach between June 21 and September 21 due to strong currents and high waves.
Tourism experts are calling for sustained, responsible development. Their main recommendations include highlighting seasonal and natural uniqueness, strengthening eco-friendly infrastructure, improving waste management and emergency response and training local guides and supporting small tourism businesses.
'This place doesn't need malls or towers — it just needs to be protected and shared,' said Yousif. 'Everyone should see this part of Oman at least once.'
As visitor numbers climb, Al Mughsail stands as a shining example of Dhofar's sustainable tourism future, combining raw natural power with thoughtful stewardship.
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Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar's museums, heritage sites drive cultural tourism in khareef
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Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Museums and archaeological sites boost cultural tourism during Khareef Dhofar season
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These cities undertook a vital role in the maritime trade network, especially the frankincense trade. He added that historical sources and excavation results at these two sites have revealed a succession of multiple civilizations, reflecting the rich civilizational heritage of southern Oman. Both sites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Al Kathiri noted that the number of visitors to the Land of Frankincense sites and the Museum of the Frankincense Land during the last Khareef season reached 54,569. He anticipates an increase in this number during the current season due to promotional efforts by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with public and private sector partners. He explained that the visitor experience is evaluated through regular field surveys, research studies conducted by specialized scientific institutions, and the national "Tajawob" platform, which receives public feedback and suggestions. This contributes to improving services and enhancing community interaction with these sites. He added that efforts include using interactive and educational displays, providing specialized guides, and organizing educational workshops and activities for visitors and students. The local community is also involved in museum initiatives, which enhances awareness of cultural heritage and national identity. Mohammed Ahmed Sawakheroon, supervisor and investor in the Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle sites, explained that these projects form two integrated heritage and tourist destinations in the Wilayat of Taqah. They were developed in cooperation with several government entities to enhance the visitor experience and enable young Omanis to engage in sustainable projects. He pointed out that the Burj Al Askar site received support from the Dhofar Governor's Office and was included in official visit programs. Dhofar Municipality also assisted by paving the road to the top of the tower and providing essential services. The SMEs Development Authority contributed by choosing the site for a handicraft village during the Khareef 2023 events and organizing several activities during the winter season. He explained that the tower features a heritage restaurant and café, outdoor recreational facilities, and agricultural terraces surrounding the site, offering an experience that blends heritage with nature. He added that a new investment in Taqah Castle aims to connect the two sites via a single tourist route using dedicated shuttles to transport visitors between the tower and the fort. This includes organizing cultural tours within the old city of Taqah to revive its folk and historical heritage. Harith Mohammed Al Ghassani, a board member of the Dhofar Museum, stated that the museum serves as a window into the history of the Omani people since the first settlements. Located in the old quarter of Salalah, it is distinguished by its heritage design and its contents, which include over 1,000 artifacts collected by the museum's founder since the 1950s. It also offers translated information and integrated services. He noted that the museum attracts researchers, enthusiasts, and tourists for the insightful experience it offers, which tells the story of the Omani people, their environment, and their civilizational connections. For his part, Salim Ahmed Al Amri, owner of the "Tawasul Al Ajyal Museum" (Generations Continuity Museum) in Taqah Wilayat, said that the museum is the first private museum licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate. It aims to transfer authentic Omani heritage from previous generations to the next, affirming that preserving cultural memory is a shared responsibility between individuals and institutions. He added that the museum's idea was born from the dream of his late mother, Tuffoul Ramadan Bamukhalef, in the 1950s and came to fruition after her death with the museum's opening in February 2023 inside the family home in the old quarter of Taqah. It serves as a living extension of the memory of the place and its people. He explained that the museum includes four halls: the reception and library hall, the "Umm Salim" hall, which embodies the traditional urban environment, the crafts and industries hall that documents silver, pottery, palm-frond, leather, and perfume industries. It also features the "Dirham Hall," which displays rare historical coins and models of their trade routes through ports, as well as an outdoor courtyard with traditional doors, windows, and local trees. In the same context, several visitors shared their cultural tourism experiences with Oman News Agency. Faiza Suwailim Al Kalbani explained that her frequent visits to Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season, often for work-related conferences and media activities, are always accompanied by her deliberate effort to take time to visit archaeological and historical sites. She added that she began her visit at the Museum of the Frankincense Land, then moved to the Al Baleed archaeological site, which is on the World Heritage List, where she learned about the history of the frankincense trade. She then continued her tour to the ancient city of Samharam and the historical Khor Rori Port, passing by Taqah Castle and then Mirbat Castle, in addition to several natural sites like Al Mughsayl Beach and Al Marneef Cave. She confirmed that this experience added a cognitive and cultural dimension to her professional visit, making her trip to Dhofar Governorate a blend of work, history, and recreation. For his part, Nasser Saif Al Maamari said that during his visit to Taqah Wilayat, he was keen to visit Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle. He expressed his admiration for the meticulous architectural design of the two sites and the archaeological contents that embody the local heritage, expressing his pride in the achievements that reflect the focus on historical heritage. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Khalidi, a visitor from Kuwait, described his visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land as an enriching experience. He noted the noticeable tourist activity at cultural and archaeological sites during the Khareef season, especially from Gulf and Arab visitors, due to the diverse content that reflects Oman's ancient history. He added that the exhibits at the museum shed light on the frankincense civilization, which was a vital hub in the region's trade. He explained that such landmarks enhance the appeal of Dhofar Governorate as a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Observer
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Al Haffa: A monsoon haven for frankincense lovers
SALALAH, JULY 28 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.
