Latest news with #DhofarMunicipality
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Motorists urged not to drive over Dhofar grasslands
Salalah: Waai (which in Arabic means awareness), a grassroots environmental campaign, warned four-wheel-drive drivers in Dhofar Governorate to avoid the region's fragile, rain-soaked grasslands, saying they risk irreparable damage to the unique khareef ecosystem. The initiative, operating under the soon-to-be-registered Nature Conservation Society of Dhofar, said repeat offenders are flagrantly breaching Oman's environmental protection laws by driving over green spaces that only flourish during the June–September monsoon season. 'Driving across the grass is neither adventurous nor harmless,' the group said. 'It is a direct assault on the ecosystem that makes Dhofar unique.' Local authorities have recorded fresh tyre scars on plateaus overlooking Salalah, while herders in neighbouring valleys report that compressed soil from vehicles has slowed new plant growth. Khareef greenery is shallow-rooted and easily destroyed by repeated off-road driving. Waai is calling on the Royal Oman Police and Dhofar Municipality to step up enforcement by increasing mobile patrols, erecting barriers around sensitive picnic areas, and imposing on-the-spot fines or impounding vehicles for serious breaches. The campaign also urges clear, tri-lingual signage—in Arabic, English and Malayalam—at known off-road entry points, along with QR-code maps to guide visitors to legal viewpoints and parking bays. Outreach programmes in schools, the group added, would help foster a 'khareef guardian' culture among local youth. Protecting Dhofar's seasonal greenery aligns with Oman Vision 2040 goals on sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. Tourism officials say last year's khareef season drew more than 950,000 visitors, supporting thousands of jobs in hospitality, transport and retail. Unchecked habitat damage, Waai warns, could put this vital income at risk. For now, Waai is appealing as much to conscience as to compliance. 'Let's not erase the khareef magic in a few reckless minutes,' the group said.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Design thinking conference explores use of AI in developing innovative solutions
Salalah: A two-day design thinking conference, which kicked off in Salalah on Tuesday, explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing innovative solutions and enhancing design operations. Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, was the chief guest at the opening of the conference, themed "Redesigning the Future: Design Thinking to Solve Contemporary Challenges". The conference, organised by the Ministry of Labour, offers an opportunity for leaders from public and private sector establishments to meet with experts in the fields of design, innovation and public administration. The event will address strategies for supporting cultural and social change, the role of innovation in bringing about positive transition and the importance of innovative thinking in addressing challenges. The conference also deals with audience analysis measures, converting ideas into feasible projects, global successful business models and the impact of sustainable design and innovative marketing on improving the quality of services and products.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Oman: App enhances Khareef Dhofar experience for visitors
MUSCAT: The Dhofar Seasons app is transforming the way tourists experience Khareef Dhofar, offering a suite of electronic services that simplify travel, plan recreational activities and provide vital information - all in one place. This comprehensive digital guide ensures that visitors enjoy a seamless, memorable experience during the monsoon season. Launched by Dhofar Municipality in coordination with relevant authorities, the app consolidates services to support the governorate's tourism efforts. It offers details on key tourist attractions, a full calendar of events, ticketing and booking services and real-time updates throughout the season. Available for download on smartphones, the app requires basic user registration and is frequently updated to align with Dhofar's three major tourist seasons. It allows users to explore Dhofar's majestic mountains, pristine beaches and lush green plains while also helping them locate accommodations, restaurants and entertainment suited to their interests. Since its launch, the app has attracted over 145,000 users, receiving praise for its intuitive design and rich content. It has become one of the governorate's most notable digital innovations, reflecting Dhofar's broader commitment to smart tourism and digital transformation. Through digital applications like Dhofar Seasons, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to advance its strategy to modernise the tourism sector. These innovations are part of a broader vision to enhance visitor experiences, meet evolving traveller expectations and elevate the quality of services during Oman's most vibrant tourist season.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
World's largest inflatable park now open in Oman
Muscat: The "Ateen Square" events in Salalah, organised by Dhofar Municipality as part of the Dhofar Khareef Season 2025, have opened. The square, which is an integrated tourist, entertainment, and cultural destination that attracts citizens, residents, and visitors to the governorate, will continue to remain open until August 31. This year, "Ateen Square" has a new look, combining entertainment, arts, culture, and shopping, amidst an interactive atmosphere that meets the aspirations of various segments of society, especially families and youth. The daily events include a variety of entertainment shows, including environmentally friendly fireworks displays and drone shows that illuminate the skies of the Ateen Plain with innovative visual effects. The "Galaxy" show, featuring space costumes and interactive lights, is also featured, as is the "Crew Show," a show inspired by the international program "Got Talent," which combines acrobatic movements and exciting athletic performances. Ateen Square also features innovative artistic performances, including the "Emoji Show," which presents 20 emojis in a fun, interactive way. It also features shadow and fantasy shows featuring international artistic groups, including the Mexican Latin Band and the Arjola Band. Folklore performances organised by UNESCO feature diverse international cultural participation. Daily carnival events include the "Music Carnival," featuring European bands, the "European Carnival," presented by Russian bands with oriental musical performances, the "Hundred Carnival," featuring 100 participants with diverse performances, the "Peter Carnival," featuring a female dancing troupe, the "Hot Air Balloon Carnival," featuring innovative costumes in the shape of balloons and the "Glowing Balloon Carnival," a light-based version of the hot air balloon show. The square also hosts the largest inflatable amusement park for children in the Sultanate of Oman, providing a safe and enjoyable entertainment environment under the supervision of specialized teams to ensure child safety. A highlight of the events is the "Culture and Literature Street," which offers visitors the opportunity to interact with a number of writers, poets, and visual artists through workshops and live artistic simulations that enhance the cultural scene. This year, the main stage of Ateen Square features a design inspired by the mountainous nature of Dhofar Governorate. It features a towering mountain, supported by modern display technologies including laser effects, interactive screens, and waterfalls, providing an integrated platform for visual and artistic performances. Ateen Square also features dedicated areas for displaying local women's products, including perfumes, incense, and clothing with a modern heritage style. This supports entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises and enhances the role of women in economic activity. It is worth noting that these diverse events contribute to consolidating Ateen Square's position as one of the most prominent landmarks of the Dhofar Autumn Season 2025, offering an integrated tourism, cultural, and entertainment experience that enriches the governorate's social, tourism, and economic activity. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Omani youths bring traditional flavours to life during khareef
Salalah, July 19 As the Khareef Dhofar Season draws thousands of visitors to the mist-covered hills and green valleys of Dhofar Governorate, a new kind of local energy is rising — not just from the earth, but from the youth of the governorate, who are seizing the season's momentum to showcase their culinary heritage and earn extra income. Across Salalah and surrounding wilayats, visitors can now find dozens of pop-up food stalls run by young Omanis offering traditional dishes such as madhbi, maqadeed, ma'jeen, mashakeek and freshly baked Omani bread. For many, these are more than just meals — they're cultural encounters served hot, by the very people who grew up with these recipes. What makes this year different is the surge in part-time initiatives by university students and recent graduates. With support from families and small business licences, many are turning their skills in traditional cooking into seasonal income streams. Their stalls — often set up near tourism hotspots like Ittin Plain, Ayn Razat and Haffa — combine fresh ingredients, authentic techniques and a warm welcome that has quickly become a highlight of many visitors' trips. 'I never imagined I'd run a food stall', said one young vendor, flipping skewers over glowing coals. 'But people love trying something real — something from here. And it helps me save for my studies.' The appeal goes beyond economics. For many young Omanis, these ventures offer a platform to preserve and promote their cultural identity. Whether they are grilling madhbi over hot stones or preparing ma'jeen the traditional way — by slow-cooking preserved meat in rendered fat — they are carrying forward practices passed down through generations. Visitors are drawn not only by the rich flavours but by the experience itself. Watching the preparation of food outdoors, breathing in the aroma of spices and charcoal; and eating under open skies brings a unique charm that restaurants often cannot match. Dhofar Municipality and local tourism authorities have welcomed the growing presence of youth-led food initiatives, viewing them as part of a wider effort to boost community participation in the tourism economy. Several temporary stalls have received permits and hygiene support; and young vendors are being encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices as well — including using biodegradable packaging and managing waste responsibly. Beyond the income, the experience is building confidence, skills and entrepreneurship. Many young vendors say the Khareef Dhofar Season has opened their eyes to future possibilities — from launching permanent food businesses to participating in national food festivals. As Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 reaches its peak, these small stalls tell a bigger story — of ambition, heritage and youth rising with the season.
