3 days ago
New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef
SALALAH: In preparation for the upcoming Khareef Dhofar Season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several new tourism projects across the governorate.
The newly opened facilities include the Dhofar Private Museum, an 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah with 216 rooms. These additions bring the total number of licensed tourism establishments in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering more than 8,000 hotel rooms. A new tourist information centre has also opened at Al Haffa Beach Market to enhance visitor services.
Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the significance of the khareef season as one of Oman's most important tourism events. Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the unique monsoon climate makes Dhofar a prime destination attracting visitors from different countries.
New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef
The ministry has implemented a comprehensive promotional campaign for this year's khareef season as part of its broader tourism strategy. Early marketing efforts included participation in international travel exhibitions such as the Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality officials held a press conference to announce the season's events. Additional promotional workshops were conducted in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting new direct flight routes to Salalah Airport operated by airlines including Flynas, Saudi Airlines (Flyadeal), Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways.
Al Abri explained that the ministry's strategy focuses on extending the tourism season over 100 days while managing visitor distribution across three distinct periods between June 21 and October 10. The peak season from mid-July to late August typically sees the highest occupancy rates, while the ministry is working to boost visitation during the shoulder seasons through targeted marketing and special travel packages. — ONA
