Latest news with #Osara
Times of Oman
24-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
"Osara" project: A coastal tourist, entertainment destination for Khareef Dhofar's season
Salalah: The "Osara" tourism project, situated on Raysut Beach in Salalah, stands out as a prominent tourist and entertainment destination accompanying Khareef Dhofar's (monsoon) season 2025. This Omani youth-led initiative launched in 2022. This year, "Osara" has undergone new developmental works across several of its facilities, including a redesigned waterfront to enhance the visitor experience. This involved expanding sea-view areas, creating open seating arrangements, and adding restaurants and cafes that offer direct beach views. Majid Samhan Al Mashali, one of the project's founders, told Oman News Agency: "Since the project's inception, we have been keen to introduce innovative ideas that align with visitors' aspirations. We continuously strive to develop various 'Osara' facilities to enhance the quality of the tourism experience." He noted the addition of a new area for electric games this year within the adventure zone, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children and their families. In addition to the waterfront and games area, the site features a traditional market showcasing Omani handicrafts and traditional products for which Dhofar Governorate is renowned. Various retail outlets are also distributed throughout the venue, contributing to the support of productive families and local brands. "Osara" also includes a theater that hosts cultural and entertainment events targeting various age groups, alongside tranquil beachside seating areas that combine recreation and relaxation. It is worth mentioning that the "Osara" project boasts an eco-friendly character, having been constructed using recycled wood, making it a model for sustainable tourism. "Osara" receives support from Dhofar Municipality, the SMEs Development Authority 'Riyada', and Salalah Port, as part of efforts to back youth initiatives and empower local entrepreneurs to contribute to boosting tourism activity during the Khareef season.
Time Out
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time Out
A Foodie Affair: Flavours of Japan
If you ask any Australian, Japan is so hot right now. The country seems to be a magnet for Aussie tourists at the minute, but let's be realistic for one second – how is our whole Instagram feed affording to jet-set away from these cost of living woes? Lucky for locals, South Melbourne Market is bringing a slice of Japan to town this June so you don't need to step foot in an airport to try wildly delicious and creatively authentic Japanese eats. So what is Flavours of Japan? It's a niche concept so stick with us here. The self-guided degustation takes you around South Melbourne Market where vendors have created Japanese dishes specially for this foodie affair. A hot little ticket for $79 gets you more than ten dishes to sample, plus immersive experiences at the market stalls, a map and stamp card to tick them all off, and an adorable market bag. What's on the menu, I hear you asking? It's a stellar line-up. There's a hojicha (a popular roasted green tea) infused mini croissant and torched salmon sashimi to whet the appetite; two different types of dumpling; calamari with togarashi (Japanese chilli pepper) and yuzu aioli; a burrata with Japanese fix-ins like bonito flakes, green onion, soy and a side of edamame; and a panko-crumbed eggplant katsu curry to boot. You can also look forward to some gorgeous desserts like an award-winning matcha gelato and a black sesame cookie with a gooey centre. Are you drooling yet? That's not even all the dishes. You can check the rest out here. If you're feeling bougie, you can opt for the Discovery Bag add-on. At $129 it will give you all the perks of the original ticket, plus a goodie bag filled with a bunch of Japanese knick-knacks. It includes a mini matcha shaker or mini incense, a bottle of Japanese hot sauce from Georgie's Harvest and heaps of discount codes among other treasures. Some of the experiences along the trail include getting a sneak peak at a traditional tea ceremony, the art of flower arranging, kimono dressing and incense burning. You can check them out at Osara and Tomi Art in the SO:ME Space, where you'll have the opportunity to purchase whatever tickles your fancy. Plus, score free Japanese whiskey, sake and beer tastings at The Little Wine Shop. Flavours of Japan is a part of the 'A Foodie Affair' series at South Melbourne Market. Twice a year the space plays host to a new degustation experience with a special theme. The Flavours of Japan instalment runs for ten days from June 4 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You can choose between two sessions a day: 11am and 1pm. Don't miss out and book your ticket here.
