Latest news with #DhofarKhareefSeason2025
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Osara: A coastal tourism experience redefining Dhofar's khareef season
Dhofar – The 'Osara' tourism project, located on Raysut Beach in Salalah, is one of the most prominent tourist and entertainment destinations accompanying the Dhofar Khareef Season 2025. An Omani youth project launched in 2022, 'Osara' witnessed new developments this year across several of its facilities, including the waterfront, which was redesigned to provide a better visitor experience by expanding areas overlooking the sea, creating open seating areas, and adding restaurants and cafes with direct views of the beach. Majid Samhan Al-Mashli, one of the project's founders, said 'Since the launch of the project, we have been keen to present innovative ideas that are in line with visitors' aspirations, and we constantly strive to develop the various facilities of 'Osara' to enhance the quality of the tourism experience.' He pointed out that a new electric games area was added this year within the adventure area, to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families. In addition to the waterfront and a playground, the site includes a popular market showcasing Omani crafts and traditional products for which Dhofar Governorate is famous. Various retail outlets are also located throughout the site, contributing to supporting productive families and local brands. 'Osara' also includes a theater hosting cultural and entertainment events targeting all age groups, along with quiet beach seating areas that combine entertainment and relaxation. It's worth noting that the 'Osara' project is distinguished by its environmental nature, as it was constructed using recycled wood, making it a model for sustainable tourism. OSARA is supported by Dhofar Municipality, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the Port of Salalah, as part of its efforts to support youth initiatives and enable local entrepreneurs to contribute to boosting tourism during the autumn season. The 'Osara' tourism project, set along Salalah's scenic Raysut Beach, has emerged as a key destination during Dhofar's Khareef Season 2025. Launched by young Omanis in 2022, the project has seen several upgrades this year, particularly along the waterfront. The redesigned beachfront now features expanded sea-view areas, open seating, and a range of cafés and restaurants directly overlooking the shore, all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. Majid Samhan al-Mashli, one of the founders, told Oman News Agency (ONA), 'Since Osara's inception, we've been committed to offering fresh, innovative ideas that meet visitor expectations. Each year, we work on improving the project's features to elevate the tourism experience.' Among the new additions this season is an electric games zone within the adventure area, designed as a safe and fun space for children and families. Beyond the waterfront, Osara also includes a playground and a vibrant market showcasing traditional Omani crafts and Dhofar's famous local products. Spread across the site are retail outlets that support local brands and productive families. A dedicated theatre hosts cultural and entertainment events catering to all ages, while quiet beachside seating offers a peaceful escape. What sets Osara apart is its eco-conscious design. Built using recycled wood, it serves as a model of sustainable tourism. The project is supported by Dhofar Municipality, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the Port of Salalah — all working to empower youth initiatives and drive local tourism during the autumn season.
Muscat Daily
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani heritage showcased at ‘Return of the Past' in Salalah
Salalah – Dhofar Municipality has launched a cultural event called 'Return of the Past' in Al Saadah, Salalah as part of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025. Running till August 31, the event will highlight Omani heritage and aims to reinforce national identity through an immersive cultural experience. Designed to reflect the three main environments of Dhofar – urban, rural and bedouin – the event presents live simulations of traditional life. Customs, professions and crafts are demonstrated in a contemporary setting to connect different generations to the country's heritage. Visitors can explore a heritage market showcasing Omani crafts and handmade products, a section offering traditional foods, and a village theatre hosting daily performances of folk arts such as Al Bar'ah and Al Azi. Traditional games and evening gatherings form part of the interactive experiences on site. Several governorates are taking part in the event this year, including North Batinah, North Sharqiyah, South Sharqiyah and Dakhliyah. Their participation includes live shows and rural scenes representing village life and regional cultural diversity. The 'Return of the Past' site saw significant infrastructure development ahead of the season. Enhancements include an expanded main theatre, a model of Muttrah Souq with its iconic alleys, a dedicated space for bedouin traditions, and new zones for heritage sports, storytelling and traditional cooking demonstrations. A section has also been allocated for artisan families to display and sell local food and crafts, offering economic opportunities for the community. 'Return of the Past' continues to be a key cultural attraction during khareef, offering visitors insights into Oman's environment, traditions and community heritage through inclusive and interactive displays.
