Muscat – Every year, the arrival of khareef transforms Dhofar into Oman’s most popular tourist destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its cool weather, mist-covered mountains and lush landscapes. But for many families, the journey has become one of heartbreak.

According to Royal Oman Police (ROP), eight people have died and several others injured in road accidents linked to travel to and from Dhofar during this year’s khareef.

The latest tragedies have prompted the Public Prosecution to issue a fresh warning that motorists involved in excessive speeding, reckless driving and drifting will face strict legal action as traffic volumes continue to rise.

On Sunday, the ROP Air Wing evacuated an injured Asian national to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah after two vehicles collided in the Qatbit area on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road while travelling towards Mirbat. Two people were killed and three others injured.

A day earlier, tragedy struck an Omani family returning from Dhofar when their vehicle crashed in the Nimr area. The accident claimed the lives of a teacher’s wife, two daughters and a son, while the teacher sustained critical injuries.

Earlier this month, on July 4, two Saudi nationals were airlifted after a vehicle overturned in the Qarn Al Alam area on the Adam-Haima section of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road. Two members of the family died, while five others were taken by ambulance to Nizwa Hospital.

The fatal crashes have coincided with a series of serious traffic violations.

On July 18, traffic police arrested two motorists travelling at speeds exceeding 200kmph. Similar arrests were made on July 5 on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road.

In Salalah, police also detained two GCC nationals on July 10 and July 11 for performing dangerous stunts and drifting on public roads.

Speaking to Oman TV, Yousuf bin Ahmed Al Naqbi, Assistant Public Prosecutor and Director of the First Department of the Public Prosecution in Dhofar, said many fatal accidents result because of excessive speed. “A moment of recklessness can wipe out an entire family.” 

He added that the consequences of dangerous driving extend well beyond those directly involved, often leaving families to cope with the loss of loved ones and, in many cases, their main breadwinner.

Al Naqbi warned that drifting poses risks comparable to speeding and endangers motorists, pedestrians and bystanders.

Under Article 50 of Oman’s Traffic Law, motorists who drive at speeds that endanger lives or property can face up to two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to RO3,000 or both.

He informed that the Public Prosecution has intensified legal action against offenders, with serious cases referred to courts. Prosecutors may also seek publication of court judgments to strengthen deterrence and raise public awareness.

As thousands more visitors continue to travel to Dhofar during the khareef season, authorities are urging motorists to observe speed limits, avoid reckless manoeuvres and remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.