Salalah: The tropical-like, moderate and marvellous weather of the Khareef (monsoon season) began on Tuesday, making Salalah a destination for visitors and tourists from within Oman and abroad.
Most coastal wilayats and the stretch of land from Dhalkut in west of Dhofar to Mirbat in the East usually experience exceptional weather during this time of the year which extends to September 21, 2022 as clouds advection from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean brings unique tourism season in Dhofar.
Temperatures go below 30 Celsius in the city of Salalah and even lower in mountainous areas that are blanketed by fog and drizzles.
The continuation of light rains turns mountains and plains green in the form of stunning panoramic images of natural beauty. Water gushes down in the governorate’s 360 springs making them a unique tourist attraction during the season.
The Governor’s office of Dhofar held a meeting to review the preparedness of departments concerned in the governorate to receive visitors and tourists. The meeting also touched on enhancing various public services and the readiness of several sectors.
The activities of the Khareef tourism season in 2022 will be held in different locations, including parks, gardens and in some natural and tourist attractions.
The Directorate General for Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion completed its preparations by coordinating works related to availing goods and foodstuff, enhancing the services of commercial banks and petrol stations, among others.
On its turn, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) plays a remarkable role by providing support and guidance for inbound visitors to the governorate and patrolling activities and roads leading to those activities to organize traffic.
Patrols are also present by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and the Coast Guard police to provide assistance in case of emergency situations.
The Governorate of Dhofar enjoys many tourist attractions due to its geological unique rich diversity and the distinctive marine, agricultural, mountainous and desert environments. It also hosts archeological and historical sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as civilizational and cultural sites, namely Al Baleed Archeological Park, the Land of Frankincense Museum, Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment and historical forts in the wilayats of Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah.
Salalah Airport is considered among the important achievements of the renaissance. The airport contributed to boosting the tourism movement in Dhofar by launching direct local and international flights during the Khareef season. Meanwhile, the Port of Salalah is considered as one of Oman’s main maritime gates.
The data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) indicates that the number of visitors during the Khareef season in 2019 reached 766,772.