Salalah – H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, visited Dhofar on Thursday to oversee tourism and development projects and assess the governorate’s readiness for the 2025 khareef season.

During the tour, H E Mahrouqi reviewed ongoing projects aimed at upgrading hospitality facilities, heritage sites and public services. He underscored the importance of cooperation between government entities and private sector partners to provide quality services that meet visitor expectations and boost the local economy.

As part of the visit, the minister inspected Salalah Port to review expansion work and evaluate its capacity to receive cruise ships. Salalah has been gaining popularity as a destination for international cruise liners and ongoing developments are expected to further enhance its position as a key tourism hub.

The visit was part of the ministry’s strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure, support sustainable development, and ensure a smooth experience for domestic and international travellers during the monsoon period, which draws hundreds of thousands to southern Oman each year.

H E Mahrouqi expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructure upgrades and expressed confidence in Dhofar’s preparedness for the season. He reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on improving the visitor experience through innovation, cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 20, is a major draw for nature lovers and adventure seekers who are attracted by Dhofar’s cool climate, green landscapes and cultural activities.

Meanwhile, senior officials in Dhofar met on Thursday to evaluate overall readiness for the season. The meeting, chaired by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, discussed coordinated planning across all sectors to deliver a seamless tourism experience.