Latest news with #DhofarPrivateMuseum
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
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
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Dhofar region gears up for khareef
Muscat – Dhofar governorate is preparing for the 2025 khareef season with a series of new tourism projects aimed at improving visitor experience and increasing regional appeal. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is set to open the Dhofar Private Museum and a new three-star hotel in Mirbat offering 84 rooms. Additionally, 216 luxury hotel apartments will be inaugurated in Salalah. These additions will raise the number of licensed tourism establishments in the governorate to 100, with a combined capacity exceeding 8,000 rooms. A tourism information centre is also scheduled to open at the Al Haffa Beach Market in Salalah to support visitors. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the khareef season remains one of the most important periods for domestic and regional tourism, drawing large numbers from across Oman and the wider Gulf region due to the governorate's unique monsoon climate. The ministry's strategy for 2025 includes extending the season to 100 days, dividing it into three operational phases, and increasing GCC tourist numbers through targeted promotions and improved connectivity. From June 21 to July 14, occupancy rates are expected to range between 35 and 40%, with the peak period from July 15 to August 30 drawing the highest footfall. The final phase, from September 1 to 21, is projected to see occupancy between 30 and 35%, bolstered by regional and international conferences continuing through October. To improve access, Salalah will be connected by direct flights from Saudi Arabia via flynas and flyadeal. The ministry has also stepped up regional promotions, including participation in Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality held a press conference to announce seasonal events. Promotional campaigns were also launched in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with flynas, flyadeal, Oman Airports and tourism firms. In Kuwait, the ministry unveiled a series of khareef travel packages during Eid al Adha in coordination with Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, which will operate direct seasonal flights to Salalah. Abri said the ministry continues to work with the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, to position Khareef Dhofar 2025 as a distinctive and sustainable destination. He noted that marketing plans are guided by performance metrics aimed at increasing arrivals and spreading visitor activity across the entire season. The 2024 khareef season attracted over 1,048,000 visitors, marking a 9% rise compared to the 2023 total of approximately 962,000.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dhofar readies for biggest Khareef with 100 hotels for 100 days of tourism
MUSCAT: Dhofar Governorate is preparing to host its most ambitious Khareef season yet, with 100 licensed tourism establishments (hotels) ready to serve visitors over an extended 100-day period, from 21 June to 10 October. The 2025 Khareef marks a milestone not only in infrastructure but also in the duration of the season, which has been extended by nearly three weeks compared to last year's conclusion on 21 September. To accommodate growing tourist demand, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several key projects ahead of the season. These include the Dhofar Private Museum, a new 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah offering 216 rooms. A newly opened tourist information centre at Al Haffa Beach Market aims to streamline visitor services. With these additions, Dhofar now boasts over 8,000 hotel rooms after the latest opening of the 100th hotel, significantly enhancing the region's ability to cater to both domestic and international visitors during the peak monsoon months. Extended season, expanded strategy Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the strategic importance of the Khareef season. 'This is more than a seasonal influx — it's a cornerstone of Oman's tourism calendar. Extending the season to 100 days gives us more room to welcome visitors and promote sustainable tourism,' he said. The ministry has structured the season into three distinct phases: an early period starting 21 June, a peak season from mid-July to late August, and a post-peak stretch until 10 October. This staggered approach is designed to manage crowd flow and maximise the tourism window, including during school holidays and shoulder periods. Targeted promotions and connectivity As part of its tourism growth strategy, the ministry has conducted an aggressive promotional campaign across key markets. This includes participation in Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality unveiled this year's Khareef programme. Additional workshops and roadshows in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait highlighted Dhofar's offerings and new direct flight routes. Airlines including Flynas, Flyadeal, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways have added seasonal direct connections to Salalah Airport, greatly enhancing access from the GCC region. Al Abri noted that the ministry is particularly focused on attracting GCC families and repeat visitors, with special travel packages and school holiday-aligned promotions now in place. The extended season and new infrastructure build on the momentum of Khareef 2024, which saw 1,048,000 visitors, a 9% increase from 2023 when the arrival was 962,000 visitors. Officials are optimistic that the 2025 season will surpass this, driven by improved air connectivity, diversified offerings, and broader international visibility. Collaborations with private sector partners are also expected to play a major role in offering competitive experiences throughout the season, even during traditionally lower-traffic periods. With 100 hotels, 100 days, and a refreshed focus on sustainable growth, Khareef 2025 is poised to cement Dhofar's status as a premier regional destination for nature, culture, and monsoon magic.
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Tourism Ministry unveils new projects and plans for Khareef 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a number of key tourism projects in the governorate aimed at enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the sector's capacity. The initiatives include the launch of luxury serviced apartments in the wilayat of Salalah, offering 216 rooms, as well as a new three-star hotel in the wilayat of Mirbat, with a total capacity of 84 rooms. Additionally, the Dhofar Private Museum has been opened to highlight the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. These developments come as part of the ministry's broader strategy to boost tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors during the khareef season, known for its unique weather and lush landscapes that distinguish the governorate from the rest of the Sultanate of Oman. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said the Khareef Dhofar season remains one of the most significant tourist events in the Sultanate of Oman, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. He noted the season's exceptional weather conditions and the natural beauty of the governorate, which make it a major destination for both domestic and international travellers. As part of its promotional programmes for Khareef Dhofar 2025, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to achieve three key objectives: Maximising visibility: Promote the season from the outset, ensuring wide coverage and awareness. Visitor distribution: Manage tourist flow during peak periods by segmenting the season into three phases. Increasing arrivals: Target GCC markets through intensified marketing campaigns to attract more tourists. The ministry has outlined three key periods for Khareef Dhofar 2025 to facilitate visitor planning and optimise the tourism experience: First period: June 21 – July 14 Second period: July 15 – August 30 Third period: September 1 – October 10 These efforts reflect the government's commitment to developing tourism as a vital contributor to the national economy and to promoting Dhofar as a leading cultural and natural destination in the region.
