
Dhofar reviews preparations for khareef season
SALALAH: A meeting held at the Millennium Resort Salalah assessed the readiness of government and private sector entities in Dhofar Governorate to welcome the 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season. The meeting was chaired by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
During the meeting, attended by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, the governor stressed the importance of integrated efforts for the success of the season by ensuring preparedness among all relevant entities, each within its jurisdiction, to achieve a successful and exemplary khareef season.
Dhofar Municipality presented a visual display outlining its plan and readiness to improve services across all areas under its purview. These included an evaluation of performance during the previous season, traffic management plans, inspection and oversight measures, coordination with other entities, internal road conditions, and the readiness of proposed sites to host events and activities accompanying the tourist season across various wilayats.
The Dhofar Governorate Police Command presented its plan for the khareef season, focusing on managing the influx of tourists, ensuring smooth traffic flow in high-density areas, distributing security checkpoints and outlining rescue operations, among other measures.
The Directorate-General of Information in Dhofar Governorate presented its plans for broadcasting media programmes during the khareef season through a comprehensive media strategy. These include a range of radio and television programmes, news reports, press coverage and diverse digital content tailored for social media platforms.
Discussions also covered the readiness of Salalah Airport, proactive services and procedures, medical and ambulance services, heritage and tourism preparedness, accommodation facilities and the required level of tourist services for the season.
Additionally, the meeting addressed enhancing telecommunications services, strengthening coverage in certain areas, ensuring the provision of electricity and water resources to meet increased seasonal demand, and other relevant aspects related to the khareef season. The meeting was attended by some walis and officials from government and private institutions in the governorate. - ONA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Bald Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure enthusiasts
A'Rustaq: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Bald Sayt village in the Wilayat of A'Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along the famed Wadi (valley) of Bani Auf trail, known as 'Snake Canyon' for its challenging terrain. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognized among Oman's mountain trails, linking Bald Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Bald Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs, and traditional markets. T These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend toward Al Hamra in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Bani Auf Valley, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points—the highest at 23 meters—and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, 'Baseer Al-Zama,' features a 4-meter rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Bald Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified 'Al-Manie Tower,' the ancient 'Al-Madiq Mosque,' and the 400-year-old 'Great Falaj' irrigation system, now a UNESCO-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making, and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the 'Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development.


Muscat Daily
31-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Unified governance framework for tourism in Oman soon
Muscat – Oman will implement an integrated governance framework for its heritage and tourism sectors by the end of 2025 aiming to align the planning and development efforts of ministries and governorates under a single system. The decision was announced following a four-day national workshop, titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', held from May 26 to 29. The event was organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) in cooperation with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The proposed framework will focus on institutional coordination, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and preparing development plans at the governorate level. It also seeks to build consensus on land allocation for heritage and tourism projects while encouraging private sector and civil society involvement. Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the ministry is halfway towards meeting its targets, but the growing role of governorates demands enhanced coordination. 'The governorates have become integrated tourist destinations in their own right due to their heritage and tourism assets,' he stated. He called for a unified environment that supports joint efforts between government entities, particularly at the municipal level. H E Mahrouqi identified key challenges hindering sectoral development, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, centralised administrative processes and restricted local authority. He stressed the need to reduce bureaucracy and promote decentralisation. 'The ministry is committed to maintaining open channels of communication with governorates and municipal councils,' he added. 'Successes in the sector must be seen as collective achievements, not those of a single institution.' Participants discussed practical strategies to overcome governance obstacles and to support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. These include raising tourism's share of GDP to 5.3%, attracting RO12bn in investments, improving Oman's ranking to within top 40 in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, and achieving 80% satisfaction rate among tourists. Key discussion points included governance mechanisms, infrastructure needs, innovation in projects, sustainable development, and ensuring local economic benefits. Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development ASMED urges stronger centre-governorate coordination for tourism growth Muscat – Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), has called for closer coordination between central authorities and governorates to support tourism and heritage development across the sultanate. Speaking at a workshop organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', Halima stressed the need for joint planning and a unified vision. 'Our work must be based on coordinated plans, not on emergency reactions,' she said, underlining the importance of strategic alignment between the central government and regional administrations. Halima noted that the effectiveness of ASMED's support depends on the clarity of development plans at the governorate level. 'The more governorates have a clear plan for initiatives and events, the more effective and prepared we can be as an institution.' She said a key challenge is the lack of shared annual planning among government entities. 'We submit our annual plan to the Council of Ministers early, and so do the governors, but these plans are rarely shared between us. Exchanging and harmonising plans at the beginning of each year will significantly accelerate achievement and improve responsiveness to local needs.'


Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
RO56mn for Wadi Shab development, ITCs in Nakhal and Khasab
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct agreements valued at RO56mn to develop two integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) and transform Wadi Shab into a year-round destination for nature and adventure tourism. This is in line with efforts to diversify the economy and boost the tourism sector. The projects are located in three governorates. The agreements were signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at a ceremony on Sunday. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group worth RO2mn, is for development of Wadi Shab in Tiwi, wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah. The site will be transformed into an eco-tourism destination, featuring a zip line, mountain trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas and dining facilities. 'Wadi Shab is a site of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, known for its clear waters, caves and waterfalls,' H E Mahrouqi said. 'This project will promote environmental sustainability while offering unique recreational experiences.' The second agreement is for development of the Sandan – Pearl of Khasab tourism complex in Musandam. Built on a 43,658sqm site near Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel, it will include a 200-room four-star hotel, 450 residential units for Omanis and foreign nationals, a traditional market, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The third agreement is for the Halban Gardens complex in wilayat of Nakhal in South Batinah. Spread over 201,031sqm, the project will feature a four-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including villas and apartments, a market, water park, restaurants and recreational amenities. In a statement, the ministry said the agreements reflect the government's strategy to promote sustainable tourism and attract investment to key regions. The projects support Oman Vision 2040 objectives to position tourism as a key non-oil economic sector while preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage.