Latest news with #KhareefDhofar2025
Muscat Daily
a day 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.
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.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Muscat Daily
‘Safek Akhdar' campaign unveiled to attract GCC tourists to Dhofar
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has launched its Khareef Dhofar 2025 promotional campaign titled 'Safek Akhdar' or 'Make Your Summer Green' – in Kuwait City, as part of its wider efforts to introduce citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Oman's most iconic tourist season. The initiative is designed to highlight the unique tourism offerings of Dhofar governorate during the khareef season, a three-month period that transforms the region into a lush green landscape, offering respite from the sweltering summer temperatures across the Gulf. Through the campaign, the ministry aims to showcase the exceptional experiences Dhofar has to offer – from its moderate climate and dramatic natural scenery to its deep-rooted cultural heritage. The effort aligns with the ministry's broader strategy to boost inbound tourism from regional markets. In a statement, the ministry affirmed its full readiness for the Khareef Dhofar 2025, which will officially begin on June 21 and continue until September 21. Preparations include the rollout of a series of promotional programmes, alongside close coordination with relevant entities to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for visitors. Dhofar governorate currently boasts 83 licensed hotel establishments, offering a total of 6,537 rooms – all fully prepared to accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists. The upcoming season is expected to feature a rich lineup of cultural, entertainment and recreational activities, spread across both existing and newly developed sites to meet the interests of various tourist segments. The campaign's timing is especially strategic, as summer temperatures in many neighbouring countries regularly exceed 40°C. In contrast, Dhofar's cooler climate and vibrant green landscapes offer a refreshing escape – making it one of the Gulf's most sought-after seasonal destinations. Part of a broader promotional strategy, the 'Make Your Summer Green' campaign supports the ministry's long-term vision to promote Oman's diverse tourism offerings – spanning nature, heritage and adventure – across both regional and international markets. These efforts are expected to drive sustained growth in visitor numbers in the years ahead, particularly amid rising interest in sustainable tourism and destinations with a unique environmental and cultural identity. In parallel with the ministry's efforts, Dhofar Municipality has also launched targeted marketing campaigns across Gulf markets. These include media advertisements, social media engagement, and participation in key regional travel exhibitions. Several new and existing venues are being primed to host events during the season. Atin Square, envisioned as a hub for international events, will feature a shopping area, open-air theatre, gaming zones, and lighting and laser shows. Awqad Park will offer family-friendly entertainment, while Salalah Public Park will cater to sports activities. Al Marooj Theatre will host performances by both local and international artistes. Activities will also extend to other wilayats of Dhofar, incorporating a mix of cultural, sporting and commercial events to further enhance the overall visitor experience. The 2024 khareef season received over 1mn visitors, marking a 9% increase compared to the previous year – a strong indicator of growing regional interest in Dhofar as a premier seasonal destination.
Observer
29-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar from June 21, Global Village to be new attraction
Muscat: The activities of Khareef Dhofar 2025 will begin on June 21 and continue until September 20, coinciding with the astronomical start of the khareef season, according to Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. He revealed that Heritage Village will be transformed into a global village on similar lines such as Khan Al Khalili (Egypt), Souq al Hamidiya (Syria), and Souq Waqif (Doha) The Ittin Square will be a hub for global events, featuring an integrated shopping area, an open theater, a modern gaming area, and revamped lighting and laser shows. The Awqad Park will be dedicated to family entertainment, while Salalah Public Park will be dedicated to various sporting activities throughout the Khareef season. Al Murooj Theater will host cultural events with local and international participation. Events will feature a new look that embodies aspects of traditional Omani life from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman The Chairman of Dhofar Municipality indicated that the municipality will work to expand the scope of events to include some of the governorate's coastal wilayats affected by the Khareef season, with a variety of cultural, sports, and commercial activities. His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, revealed the growth of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of #Oman, in addition to its ability to attract investments, noting that efforts are continuing to raise the sector's contribution to the tourism sector's GDP from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. This was during the press conference being held now to reveal the events of the #Dhofar_Khareef_Season for the year 2025, on the sidelines of Oman's participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025. Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the tourism sector's GDP is expected to increase from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. He said a few new hotel facilities will open this year and the Dhofar Governorate currently has 83 hotel facilities with 6,537 licensed rooms of various categories. Earlier updates The Ministry of Labor in the Dhofar Governorate has said that employers or businesses will be granted temporary work permits to bring in expatriate workers during the khareef season. These facilities aim to regulate the labor market and support employers in dealing with the increased demand for services during the Khareef season. They also aim to avoid violations and penalties for employing illegal expatriate workers, and to support the temporary activities offered by Dhofar Municipality during the Dhofar khareef season. It may be noted that Khareef season in Dhofar attracted around 1,048,000 visitors between June 21 and September 21, 2024, reflecting a 9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the number of visitors reached 962,000.
