Visitors make a beeline to beaches
Al Dahariz Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea with its soft white sands, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Wilayat of Salalah. This long, white sandy beach is surrounded by towering and picturesque coconut trees, making it a popular destination for families to enjoy leisure time and various water activities.
Spanning over 3,500 square metres, the beach offers numerous amenities, including restaurants, cafés, barbecue areas and public facilities. Nearby lies the Al Dahariz Lagoon Reserve (Khor Al Dahariz), rich in wildlife, featuring dense vegetation, diverse fish species and migratory birds such as flamingos and ibises.
Al Dahariz Beach has been designed with family-friendly tourism in mind, featuring well-lit walkways, parking areas, pedestrian paths and seating arrangements that enhance its night-time ambiance.
Located about 40 kilometres west of Salalah, Al Mughsail Beach is one of Dhofar's most famous tourist attractions, favoured by citizens, residents and visitors alike. It boasts a long stretch of blue waters and white sands, along with stunning natural scenery and unique natural fountains. Nestled between mountain ranges, the beach offers a distinctive natural backdrop.
Given the pleasant Khareef weather, Al Mughsail Beach welcomes visitors throughout the day to enjoy its scenic beauty and the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea, which peak during the Khareef Dhofar Season. Swimming is prohibited from June 21 to September 21 each year due to high waves.
Eftalquot Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea, features an elevated plain atop rolling hills — a green expanse stretching about three kilometres. Visitors can admire the beach, dotted with rocks and green hills, from a higher vantage point, making it a favourite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
In the Wilayat of Taqah, the beach extends over five kilometres, known for its soft silver sands and coconut trees lining the coastal road. Khor Rori Beach serves as a natural extension of Taqah's shoreline and is strategically located near the archaeological site of Samahram, a historically significant landmark in Dhofar. This beach lies directly by the ancient port of Samahram, once a major hub for exporting Omani frankincense worldwide.
Taqah is a coastal wilayat with diverse natural attractions, including beaches, plains, mountains, numerous caves, Khor Taqa, Khor Rori and several natural springs.
In the eastern part of Dhofar, the Wilayat of Mirbat stands out for its coastal location along the Arabian Sea, featuring varied beaches, coral reefs and captivating bays. Located about 76 kilometres from Salalah, Mirbat is one of the governorate's key historical and tourist cities.
Mirbat Beach is renowned for its natural beauty, silver sands, coral rocks and small inlets locally known as "Khiyas", which are rich in fish and coral reefs, making it a prime diving destination in Oman.
Mirbat experiences steady tourist activity year-round, especially during Khareef and weekends, as visitors come for fishing, relaxation, natural beauty and exploring historical sites and old neighborhoods, along with observing coral reefs and sea waves due to its rare marine biodiversity.
Among Mirbat's most prized marine catches are abalone (sea ear) and spiny lobster, with abalone found exclusively along the coasts between Mirbat and the Niyabat of Sharbathat in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands.
Additionally, the beaches of Fizayah, the main Rakhyout Beach, Shuwayb Beach and Al Hoota Beach in the Wilayat of Rakhyout are among the most stunning natural beaches, known for their unique charm and serene atmosphere, especially during the Khareef when they are adorned with misty skies and breathtaking views. These beaches feature soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. — AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Duo conquers 1,000 km with noble messages
Ali bin Hamed al Balushi and Ali bin Salem al Balushi walked day and night, trekked across mountains, hitchhiked and dared the desert sands during a journey that lasted eight nights and seven days. They interacted with people from different walks of life, mingled with strangers and often slept under the stars during their 1,000-kilometre journey. They ventured out on a different kind of expedition to attract the world's attention to several points, the first of which is that 'Oman is the safest country' to live in. Their journey was unique because they never took their cars on the roads but sought hitchhiking to reach from one point to the next, and walked and trekked at times during their journey to Salalah, which they accomplished in seven days. 'Besides sending out the message that our country, Oman, is beautiful and the safest country in the world, we wanted to urge our youth that nothing is impossible. Work your way out to achieve your goals in life rather than sitting idle,' said Ali bin Hamed al Balushi. Their journey was unique because they never took their cars on the roads but sought hitchhiking. Their journey began on Saturday, July 26. They travelled through roads, halted after several kilometres and stayed overnight with an Omani family. The next day, they hitchhiked to the next destination and so on until they reached Dhofar. 'Most importantly, we wanted to raise awareness against the menace of drugs and psychological substances and spark some thought process against the real danger that the world is facing today,' added Ali bin Salem al Balushi. Their mission was supported mainly by Hamed al Alami, a businessman who supports such noble causes. 'We visited homes in different wilayats, experienced Omani hospitality, and want the world to know that Omanis are highly hospitable. A visit to the country is worth it. One can not go back to their country without experiencing the true hospitality of Oman,' they said.
Muscat Daily
10 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Al Ain village offers glimpse into Oman's living heritage
Jabal Akhdar – Nestled among the terraced slopes of Jabal Akhdar in Dakhliyah, Al Ain village remains one of Oman's most captivating destinations for visitors seeking cultural depth, natural beauty, and historical continuity. Surrounded by orchards and stone-carved paths, the village has long served as a vital agricultural and spiritual hub – and continues to draw visitors year-round. Known for its cool summers and very cold winters, Al Ain's climate supports a range of seasonal crops, including roses, pomegranates, grapes, peaches, walnuts, garlic, and onions. Its landscape, shaped by centuries of farming across stone terraces, presents a distinctive Omani agricultural model still practised today. Yahya bin Nasser al Riyami, a long-time resident, describes Al Ain as 'one of the ancient villages in Jabal Akhdar, dating back hundreds of years'. Its importance, he explains, lies not only in its central location but also in its geological foundation. 'The village sits on a mass of travertine rock, known for its abundant water sources,' he said, noting its panoramic view of neighbouring villages Al Aqar, Al Shiraijah, and Al Qasha. Al Ain owes its name to the natural springs that feed its network of aflaj. 'Three aflaj originate here: Falaj al Awar, Falaj al Qanti, and Falaj Abu Kabir,' said Riyami. These traditional irrigation systems support farms across multiple villages and remain in use today. Springs such as Ain al Uyaynah continue to flow, sustaining both agriculture and tradition. The village is also known for its religious and educational legacy. 'Sites like Al Qalaa, believed to be one of the earliest Persian-inhabited homes, and the engineering of the falaj systems reflect the depth of the village's history,' said Riyami. He pointed to the presence of four old mosques and a Quranic school as evidence of the community's early emphasis on learning and faith. A section of village farmland is even set aside to fund religious and scientific book endowments. Al Ain's stone houses and natural paths form a unique network that once connected it to nearby governorates. Riyami noted how, before the construction of the Jabal Akhdar road, these footpaths were the only link to Nizwa, Izki, Samail, and even Al Awabi in South Batinah. 'These routes were vital. They were maintained regularly and now attract hikers and heritage enthusiasts,' he said. With adventure tourism on the rise, many of these historic paths are being preserved. 'The relevant authorities are making efforts to keep them passable, as they've become part of the region's tourism appeal,' Riyami added. Beyond its scenic charm, Al Ain remains economically active. 'The village is surrounded by orchards on all sides, like a bracelet on the wrist,' he said, describing the crop diversity.
Observer
13 hours ago
- Observer
Museums, archaeological sites boost tourism in Khareef
Salalah - The museums and archaeological sites in Dhofar Governorate serve as a fundamental pillar of cultural tourism during the Khareef (monsoon) season. They attract visitors from within and outside Oman and reflect the richness of the governorate's cultural and archaeological assets. Several officials from the heritage and tourism sectors, along with investors in archaeological sites, told Oman News Agency that the Khareef Dhofar season is a golden opportunity to promote cultural tourism in the governorate, given the large number of visitors interested in Omani history and cultural identity. Ali Salim Al Kathiri, director of the Land of Frankincense Sites at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the archaeological cities of Samharam and Al Baleed represent a unique model of ancient port cities that flourished on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. 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. 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.
