Salalah – Dhofar is preparing to offer an expanded visitor experience in khareef 2025, with the season officially scheduled from June 21 to September 20. The monsoon season transforms the southern governorate into a green tourist destination, drawing visitors from across the Gulf region and beyond.

At a press briefing during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Dr Ahmed Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, said this year khareef would feature a wide mix of cultural, entertainment and family-oriented events across Salalah and nearby coastal wilayats.

To promote the season, the municipality has launched marketing campaigns targeting Gulf and regional markets. These include advertising across Arabic media, social media outreach and participation in major travel exhibitions.

Atin Square is being developed as the primary venue for international events and will include a shopping zone, open-air theatre and gaming area. The site will also feature lighting and laser shows. Awqad Park will host family entertainment, while Salalah Public Park will serve as a venue for sports activities. Al Marooj Theatre will host cultural performances by local and international artists.

Activities will also be held in other wilayats in Dhofar, incorporating cultural, sporting and commercial events.

Dhofar Municipality is undertaking infrastructure and urban development projects in coordination with public and private partners. These include road improvements and upgrades to several tourist sites aimed at enhancing the experience for visitors and residents.

H E Azzan Qassim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said new hospitality and tourism facilities are expected to be completed before the start of the season. The governorate currently has 83 licensed hotels offering 6,537 rooms across categories.

He said the ministry is stepping up promotion of the season through regional marketing campaigns, including media advertising, familiarisation trips for travel agencies and journalists, and collaborations with influencers and content creators.

Special tourism packages have been designed in cooperation with travel companies to attract regional and international visitors. The ministry is also working to link Omani destinations with global travel markets.

Dhofar received over 1mn visitors during the 2024 khareef season, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year.