Latest news with #KhareefDhofarSeason
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Public-private meeting held
SALALAH: A meeting was held on Monday at the Directorate-General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar Governorate to follow up on work progress during the Khareef Dhofar Season and complement ongoing efforts to serve visitors to the governorate. The meeting, chaired by Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, brought together representatives from various government entities and the private sector. The under-secretary emphasised the importance of continued provision of essential goods and products, alongside intensified market and commercial outlet inspections to ensure adherence to pricing and service quality. He also stressed the importance of promoting the use of electronic payment methods across various commercial outlets to facilitate shoppers. Regarding fuel stations, he urged petroleum marketing companies to monitor stations' readiness daily and ensure the availability of all services to meet the increasing demand during the khareef season. He emphasised that the unique nature of the khareef season necessitates continued joint action and an accelerated pace of work, even outside official working hours, to ensure the comfort of visitors and residents from both within and outside Oman. - ONA
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Souqs, tourist spots thrive during khareef
SALALAH: Dhofar Governorate is experiencing a boom in commercial activity in traditional markets (souqs), shopping centres and tourism sites during the Khareef Dhofar Season. The business activity is driven by a large influx of visitors to the governorate who wish to enjoy the exceptional monsoon weather. It constitutes direct support to the national economy. Commercial activities range from shopping in traditional souqs and modern malls - with an observable rise in sales of handicrafts and local delicacies - to rising demand for restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, tourist sites and entertainment facilities. The owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Khareef Dhofar Season provides a great opportunity for the growth of sales and the expansion of commercial activity. - ONA
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar opens new horizons for SMEs
Muscat, July 27 Intense efforts are being made to develop, advance and support Omani youth to promote sustainable development through the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Dhofar Khareef season. Coinciding with the Dhofar Khareef season, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development seeks to highlight the contributions and innovative experiences of Omani projects and active SMEs across the various Dhofar Khareef locations, as they serve as visitor attractions and contribute to creating a unique tourism experience for the season. SMEs are participating in the Dhofar Khareef season to showcase their diverse products and services, opening new horizons for direct marketing and strengthening their presence in the local market. The Sultanate of Oman seeks to enhance the role of SMEs in supporting the national economy by empowering entrepreneurs and expanding their reach to a wider segment of visitors and consumers, in addition to highlighting their creativity in events accompanying the khareef season. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Mohammed al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, emphasised that the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 devotes significant space to supporting Omani small and medium enterprises. This will enable Omani business owners to showcase their products to visitors, enhancing growth opportunities and highlighting the local character of the tourism experience. The work assigned by Dhofar Municipality to SMEs increased by RO 6.5 million by the end of the third quarter of 2024, compared to approximately RO 4 million in 2023. This growth in SME participation in Khareef Dhofar reinforces the partnership and integration approach between the Authority, government institutions, and the private sector in Dhofar Governorate, to continue efforts to stimulate and support the sustainable growth of SMEs in various events and activities held in Dhofar Governorate. The number of entrepreneurs benefiting from the activities and services provided by the event sites during the Khareef Dhofar last year 2024 reached approximately 328 business owners, both male and female. The activities implemented during the various tourism seasons also provided a range of temporary job opportunities for many SMEs and productive families in the governorate. Dhofar Municipality also provides ongoing support to SMEs throughout the governorate's various tourism seasons to strengthen their position in stimulating the tourism sector and support job seekers seeking to operate public sites and parks during the governorate's various tourism seasons. The khareef season in Dhofar Governorate represents a great opportunity to stimulate commercial and economic activity, contributing to strengthening and supporting the local economy, greatly benefiting businesses and society, and achieving sustainable development in the governorate.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Passenger numbers rise at Oman airports
MUSCAT: Oman Airports recorded a 2-per cent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in June 2025, with 1,134,924 travellers passing through Oman's airports, compared to 1,109,745 during the same month last year. This modest but positive growth is credited to coordinated efforts by Oman Airports and relevant authorities to position the country as an all-year-round tourist destination. These efforts include consistent upgrades to airport infrastructure, smart technologies and traveller services aimed at improving the overall passenger experience from arrival to departure. Oman Airports has focused on ensuring seamless, high-quality and safe travel by investing in advanced technologies that reduce processing times and boost efficiency. The onset of the Khareef Dhofar Season, known for its mild climate and natural charm, has also been a key draw for tourists during this period. Officials see this increase as a sign of the success of promotional campaigns and tourism initiatives. It also underscores the ability of Oman's airports to accommodate growing traffic volumes while maintaining international service standards. Looking ahead, Oman Airports expects travel activity to maintain momentum throughout the rest of the year. A combination of development projects and tourism events are set to further enhance the passenger experience and establish a fully integrated travel environment tailored to the needs of both visitors and residents. — ONA
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar draws record crowds as experts call for sustainable eco-tourism
SALALAH: As Dhofar's landscape comes alive under the Khareef rains, drawing thousands of visitors to its mist-covered mountains and flowing springs, concerns are growing over the ecological toll of this seasonal influx. The 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with popular sites like Wadi Darbat, Ain Razat and Al Mughsail witnessing heavy footfall. While the monsoon transforms the region into a lush haven, local guides and environmentalists warn that unchecked tourism is placing unprecedented pressure on fragile natural ecosystems. 'Khareef Dhofar is not just a season — it's a living system', said an ecotourism guide near Ain Hout, one of the lesser-known springs in Qayrun Hiyarti. 'And it's asking for our respect'. More than 360 natural springs in Dhofar rely on consistent monsoon rainfall. In years of weak Khareef, water levels drop significantly and experts fear that increasing climate variability could worsen the situation. There are also growing calls to adopt a zoning model that classifies sites into conservation, eco-tourism and public use areas, ensuring a balance between access and protection. Even remote locations such as Shaat Viewpoint and Fazayah Beach are showing signs of wear—rutted trails, discarded plastic and rising insect populations, all suggesting environmental strain. 'Even the insects are messengers', noted one inspector. 'They tell us when nature is out of sync'. Cultural events are reinforcing the idea that environmental care is part of local heritage. 'Our ancestors lived in harmony with the land', said a craftswoman near Ain Sahalnoot.
