The Dhofar Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is gearing up for the Khareef Dhofar 2024 activities to boost the tourism season. They recently participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 6 to 9.
The Khareef Dhofar season witnessed a surge in visitors last year, with 962,000 tourists compared to 813,000 in 2022. This year, the number of visitors is anticipated to surpass one million.
Dhofar Governorate is a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
Tourists during the Khareef Dhofar season can indulge in a unique experience encompassing nature, relaxation, shopping, entertainment, culture, tourism, and sports activities.
Dhofar Governorate is rich in natural, tourist, and cultural heritage, with ambitious plans to enhance economic prospects not only for this season but also for the seasons to come.
Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, highlighted the key activities of the Khareef Dhofar 2024 season during a press conference at the exhibition. The activities are set to commence early in conjunction with the astronomical start of the Khareef season on June 21 and will run until September 20.
The duration of Khareef season activities will now be extended to three months, which is twice as long as the previous period. This extension is expected to attract a larger number of tourists and enhance the governorate's capacity to accommodate them, resulting in smoother traffic flow.
The activities during this season will be spread out across both existing and new locations, offering exciting and new experiences for visitors.
Dr. Al-Ghassani explained that the Atin Square site will host a variety of events and activities, including international events that will establish it as a hub for global events. Additionally, there will be Omani and Arab art concerts held at Al-Murooj Theatre and other venues.
The Atin Square amusement area will introduce an attractive new concept this year, featuring a sports challenge field, captivating light and laser shows, and comprehensive visitor services that provide a unique and distinguished experience.
Furthermore, there will be a different approach to organizing the consumer exhibition this season.
Dr. Al-Ghassani announced that the 'Return of the Past' activities will take place for the first time in the Saada area. These activities have been updated to simulate local environments in the Dhofar Governorate and incorporate new environments from other governorates in the Sultanate of Oman. They will showcase traditional arts, heritage markets, a wide range of artisan products, and live arts and performances that truly embody Omani culture.
In relation to parks and recreational areas this year, he provided an explanation that Awqad Park has been designated for children, featuring international villages exclusively for children, amusement areas, entertainment activities, light displays, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
The Salalah Public Park will incorporate sports activities aimed at different age groups to promote and encourage sports and raise awareness about maintaining physical well-being.
Dr. Al-Ghassani also mentioned that the inaugural Dhofar International Theatre Festival will be organized to foster cultural and literary fields in collaboration with relevant Omani authorities, showcasing international theatre groups.
This season will showcase extraordinary art concerts by esteemed Omani and Arab artists, presenting surprises and performances at a pan-Arab level, some of which will be held in Oman for the first time.
All pertinent authorities in the Dhofar Governorate, represented by the Omani authorities, are dedicated to enhancing tourists' experiences during Khareef and other seasons.
A diverse range of activities will be arranged in Salalah and other regions within the governorate, with a focus on cultural, commercial, entertainment, and sports events, as well as specialized exhibitions.
The karting races at the Salalah Celebrations Grounds and 'Drag Race' activities in the Dummar area in the Wilayat of Mirbat are part of the upcoming events.
Additionally, tourist sites like the Darbat Valley viewpoint, the Mughsail area waterfront, Ain Jarzeez, and the Hamreer viewpoint have been developed by Dhofar Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), to enhance the tourism experience in the Dhofar Governorate.
This initiative was carried out with the support of the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
