Muscat – Dhofar Khareef has been feted as the ‘Outstanding Tourist Destination of the Year 2025’ at the Arab Travel Awards, organised by the London Arab Organisation.

The ceremony, held in London, brought together figures from the global tourism industry. The award recognises the growth of the khareef season in recent years and its standing as a regional and international attraction.

H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, said the recognition reflects the governorate’s rising profile in global tourism and Oman’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism. He described the khareef season as a model in destination management through coordination between government bodies, the private sector and the local community.

“Dhofar Khareef has become synonymous with the natural and cultural diversity of the sultanate, offering a tourism experience that combines nature with cultural and recreational events and developed infrastructure,” he said.

H H Sayyid Marwan added that the award boosts confidence in Dhofar’s ability to enhance its position as a regional and global destination.

Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, who received the award, said the honour is the result of joint efforts among various stakeholders. He said the London Arab Organisation based its selection on indicators such as rising international interest, diversity of events and the level of tourism services and infrastructure.

According to Ghassani, the recognition also reflects international appreciation for Oman’s efforts to preserve the natural environment and biodiversity, a key element in Dhofar Municipality’s long-term sustainable tourism strategy.

H E Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said a promotional plan was implemented for the 2025 khareef season, including the ‘Your Summer is Green’ campaign and marketing activities in local and Gulf markets. Mobile exhibitions were held in Gulf capitals to promote Dhofar’s tourism offerings. The digital campaign reached around 6mn viewers.

H E Busaidi added that new hotels opened this year, increasing Dhofar’s room capacity to more than 8,000.

The London Arab Organisation is a UK-based cultural body that organises events such as the Arab Woman Award, London Art and Fashion Week and the Arab Travel Summit and Awards.