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Times of Oman
22-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Meeting reviews preparations for Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Salalah: A meeting was held today at the Millennium Resort Salalah to assess the readiness of government and private entities in Dhofar Governorate to welcome the 2025 Dhofar Khareef season. The meeting was chaired by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar. During the meeting, attended by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, HH the Governor stressed the importance of integrated efforts to enhance performance and success 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 municipal services across all areas under its purview. This 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 the governorate's various wilayats. The Command of Dhofar Governorate Police of the Royal Oman Police then presented its plan for the Khareef season, focusing on managing the season's influx, 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 plan for broadcasting media programs accompanying the Khareef season through a comprehensive media strategy. This includes a range of radio and television programs, 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 Dhofar Khareef season.
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE-Salalah travel during Khareef: Best time to visit, visa, cost revealed
July is the ideal month to visit Oman's Dhofar region during the Khareef season, when the entire area transforms into a lush green landscape and nature is at its vibrant best. 'The Khareef season officially begins on June 21 and ends on September 20. This is when the region experiences monsoon rains and related festivities. Sometimes the rains arrive a bit earlier or later, but generally, by the end of June, the greenery begins to emerge. Even if the rainfall is delayed, the earth typically takes two to three weeks to fully become green,' said Dr Ahmed Al Ghassani, Mayor of Dhofar, in an interview with Khaleej Times. Every summer, thousands of UAE citizens and expatriates travel to Oman during the Khareef season to enjoy the cooler weather, rainfall, and scenic natural beauty. There are multiple land entry points from the UAE to Oman, including routes through Hatta, Al Ain, and other northern emirates. UAE nationals do not require a visa, while expat residents can obtain a visa either at the border or, preferably, online in advance. Visa requirements and cost 'Residents can apply for their visas online, which is safer and saves time,' Dr Ahmed advised. According to the Royal Oman Police website, 'eVisa is your gateway to entering Oman, ensuring a smoother experience without delays upon arrival". While online applications are encouraged, paper applications are still available in exceptional cases. The tourist visa costs five Omani riyals (approximately Dh48). Visitor numbers from UAE In 2023, around one million visitors travelled to Oman during the Khareef season, with tourists coming from GCC countries, China, Egypt, India, and Iraq. Of these, approximately 70 per cent were Omani citizens and residents, 20 per cent were from GCC countries, and 10 per cent from other nations. 'Among GCC visitors, the UAE accounted for the highest number last year, followed by Saudi Arabia. While the UAE leads, the gap is closing as tourist numbers from Saudi Arabia continue to rise rapidly. We are also seeing a growing number of visitors from China,' Dr Ahmed noted. He added that Dhofar aims to boost tourist numbers from the UAE and globally by at least 10 per cent annually over the next three years. 'We're investing in infrastructure projects, and once completed, we'll be able to increase both the volume and pace of incoming tourism,' he said. Most UAE visitors travel to Salalah by car or air. 'Some groups drive to Sohar or Muscat and then take a bus to Salalah,' he explained. Hotel capacity expansion With rising tourist numbers, the Dhofar municipality is working closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to expand hotel and resort capacities. 'There are plans to attract tourists from new markets such as Russia. To accommodate this influx, we're increasing the number of hotel rooms. Some new properties will open during this Khareef season, while others are scheduled for winter,' said Dr Ahmed. Some hotels experienced 100 per cent occupancy during the peak of last year's Khareef. What to see and do in Salalah During the Khareef season, Dhofar hosts a wide array of activities including carnivals, drone shows, dancing fountains, theatrical performances, and light shows. Dr Ahmed highlighted several major attractions such as Ramlat Jadilah, the world's largest sand dune, numerous waterfalls, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks. 'One of our standout attractions is the Chinese monument — the only one of its kind outside China. It honors Chinese sailor and navigator Zheng He, who toured the world seven times and made four stops in Oman. His cultural contributions are commemorated with this monument in Salalah,' he said.
