Salalah – Salalah Wheel, a 55m-high Ferris wheel overlooking Al Hafa Beach in Salalah, is set to welcome visitors to Khareef Dhofar 2026, emerging as one of the flagship attractions of this tourist season.

Speaking to a local radio station, Ahmed bin Suhail Al Mashani, Director of Planning and Investment Department and official spokesperson for Dhofar governorate, said preparations for this year’s khareef season began early through extensive coordination with government entities, service providers and tourism stakeholders to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.

The Salalah Wheel is expected to become a new landmark for both tourists and residents. Designed to suit Dhofar’s unique climatic conditions, the attraction combines modern engineering with a distinctive design. Rising 55m above the coastline, it offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, the city of Salalah and the surrounding mountain ranges that transform into lush green landscapes during khareef.

Al Mashani said the governorate has also completed a series of tourism development projects ahead of the season. These include enhancement of the Shaath Viewpoint in Rakhyut, featuring a glass observation deck overlooking the Arabian Sea, and development of the Al Deen Viewpoint in Sadah. Key visitor destinations, including the traditional market area and Itin Square, have also undergone upgrades and refurbishment.

In parallel, several strategic road and infrastructure projects are being launched to improve accessibility and traffic flow during the busy tourism season. These include the full opening of Farooq Street in the Sahalnout area and 18 November Street.

Al Mughsail Bridge and a 15km stretch of the dualised Al Mughsail Road are also set to open, while maintenance work on the Salalah-Taqah Road has reached nearly 95% completion. Additionally, the governorate has upgraded roads leading to tourist attractions and mountain destinations, including the route linking Taqah and Mirbat, alongside road improvement projects in Mazyonah and Muqshin.

According to Al Mashani, these projects will broaden the governorate’s readiness for the peak tourism season and ease the movement of residents and visitors across Dhofar.

He added that full details of the Khareef Dhofar 2026 events programme, including activities and venues, will be unveiled at a media briefing later this month.