All roads are leading to Dhofar, where khareef is at its climax. The wilayats of Mirbat, Darbat, Wadi Samhain and Taqah are attracting tourists from far and wide for its rains and mist when the rest of the region is roiling under punishing summer.
Not just individuals but families are out to explore green and foggy mountains of Dhofar.
“A large number of tourists, predominantly Arabs and Europeans are visiting the major destinations of Dhofar during khareef and along with airlines and hotels, flats and small scale accommodation providers, we too are benefitted from the visitors,” a tea shop owner at the foothills of Ittin mountain said.
The khareef season, which is characterised by the misty and rainy weather, paint Dhofar green with the temperature dropping to less than 30 degrees Celsius.
The khareef season, characterised by its beautiful tropical weather and moderate temperatures began in Dhofar Governorate on June 21 this year and will end on September 21, 2022.
Khareef weather is usually experienced along the coastal wilayats from the Wilayat of Dhalkout in the west to the Wilayat of Mirbat in the east.
Although tourists largely preferred flats and hotels in and around the main city, Salalah, hotels and resorts in places like Mirbat too are reporting a a busy traffic.
“We receive both domestic tourists most families during the season and our occupancy is about 50 per cent these days with an increasing number of enquiries from allover,” said Juan Paulo Alphonso General Manager of Omran’s Alila Hinu Bay resort in Mirbat.
Abdullah al Rawahi, an employee of the Ministry of Education has visited Dhofar during the khareef season before. But this year’s visit with his family and extended families was a remarkable one.
“Khareef Dhofar is very close to my heart as we visit the region a couple of times from my home town Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and this time the weather is so lovely,” Abdullah, who was spotted at one of the outdoor camping grounds, said.
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