Salalah: Astronomically, the Khareef (monsoon) season in Dhofar begins on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the most anticipated annual event that affects Dhofar's coastal regions from Dhalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east.
The season will last until September 20, driven by monsoon winds and clouds from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
The Dhofar Municipality has officially announced the start of Khareef Dhofar 2025 from June 21 to September 20, with revamped programmes meant to provide unique experiences that exceed visitor expectations and boost Dhofar's reputation as a global tourism destination.
The season offers cultural, recreational, and tourism activities for people of all ages, with a focus on Omani identity and heritage to provide an authentic experience.
His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, stated that the Governorate greets the monsoon each year on June 21 with divine beauty and distinct weather patterns. He continued, "We all unite to prepare the conditions, events, and facilities necessary to make Khareef Dhofar 2025 exceptional and successful across 90 days of joy and natural splendor. "
He warmly welcomed all tourists and hoped them a pleasant stay in the region's natural beauty and distinctive attraction.
"Esh Jabak? "
As part of a new promotional strategy, the Office of the Governor of Dhofar has initiated the campaign "Esh Jabak? " an Arabic phrase that translates to "What Brought You Here? " This campaign is based on a better understanding of visitor behavior, market trends, and the worldwide shift toward meaningful, personal experiences.
“Esh Jabak? ” celebrates the distinct reasons that make Dhofar a multifaceted destination, with each visit inspired by a unique story. The campaign focuses on Dhofar's eternal natural beauty, adventure options in caves and mountains, the warmth and friendliness of its people, a lively schedule of events, and the luxury provided by local resorts and hotels.
Rather than just advertising the physical attractions, the campaign focuses on the emotional journey, uncovering the reasons behind each traveler's decision to visit. It encourages guests to share their stories and interests, transforming Dhofar from a temporary getaway to a place of connection, discovery, and significant personal impact.
Events for Khareef Dhofar 2025.
This year's season provides a renewed vision that enhances Dhofar's touristic and cultural significance. Events are categorized into five key thematic zones that represent the governorate's varied environments:
• Ateen Square: Hosts spectacular fireworks, drone displays, carnival parades, and fantasy-themed performances.
• AlSaada (Return to the Past): Highlights traditional folk gatherings and cultural legacy.
• Awqad Park (Kids Time): A popular spot for children, with entertaining carnival performances and discovery areas.
• Ateen Plain Promenade: A contemporary mixed-use facility for adults and children that provides amusement and sports.
Salalah Park (Health Garden) provides one-of-a-kind fitness experiences in beautiful green settings.
Each site has its own identity and professional standards developed in partnership with supporting organizations to provide a rich and unique visitor experience.
Accompanying Sites and Cultural & Sports Activities.
The 2025 season will also feature extra sites for public and cultural events, including:
• Frankincense Market
• AlGharf Experience at a Salalah farm.
There will be beach activities in Raysut called "OSARA" and "Afsinia. "
• Art mural exhibits at Burj Al Nahda utilize cutting-edge visual technology.
Events will also include Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, as well as the historic site of Sumhuram and the AlHaffa Beach Market.
Sports fans may attend significant national and international events such as:
• Salalah International Cycling Tour
• Dhofar International Drag Race Championship
• Salalah Marathon
• Khareef Dhofar Traditional Weapons Competition.
On the cultural front, AlMurooj Theatre in Salalah will present theatrical plays and symposia featuring prominent Omani thinkers and artists, as well as guests, to promote both local and worldwide cultural material.
A comprehensive experience for individuals and locations.
Dhofar Municipality intends to provide an integrated tourism experience in harmony with the beauty of nature through unique events and sophisticated services that cater to visitor demands. Shopping malls and local businesses are prepared to handle the rise in commercial activity during the season, with a focus on traditional industries and local products such as frankincense, incense, silverware, pottery, Omani delicacies, and traditional cuisine.
Public and private organizations continue to prepare to greet guests by offering amenities and services, while a number of regional airlines have revealed direct flights to Salalah International Airport.
Full-scale preparations and unified efforts.
Dhofar Municipality has stepped up its efforts to clean and maintain parks and roads, expanding cleaning crews and installing trash containers and public amenities at attraction locations. Upgrades have been made to locations such as Darbat Waterfalls, Ain Razat, Sumhuram, and the Highlands, including parking, rest areas, and infrastructure.
Safety protocols have been coordinated with security and health authorities to ensure visitor wellbeing, including portable toilets, first aid stations, and other precautionary measures.
A distinctive climatic and tourist phenomenon
Khareef in Dhofar is a unique weather and tourism event in the area. The governorate has overcast, rainy weather and mild temperatures, particularly in high-altitude regions, which are frequently covered in mist.
The mountains and plains become bright green as a result of persistent drizzle and light rains, which nourish plants and natural grazing areas.
Water flows abundantly from renowned springs such as Razat, Hamran, Jarziz, Sahalnoot, and Tabraq, and spectacular waterfalls emerge, particularly in August, in Darbat, Athoum, Khor, Jojob, and Hawta in Rakhyut, attracting huge crowds.
Natural and Historical Identity
Dhofar has diverse topography, including coastal, agricultural, mountainous, and desert regions, as well as a considerable historical and archaeological legacy. It includes UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the AlBaleed and Sumhuram Archaeological Parks, as well as the Land of Frankincense Museum and historic forts in Rakhyut, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah.
The Salalah Plain produces tropical crops such as coconuts, bananas, papayas, and sugarcane, and the region is rich in creeks, protected natural reserves, and marine and wildlife.
The Khareef Dhofar season in 2024 attracted over one million visitors, a 9% increase over 2023, demonstrating Dhofar's increasing popularity.
Building on this momentum, the Khareef Dhofar 2025 organizers warmly invite both local and foreign tourists to discover the splendor of Dhofar and have an unforgettable experience of nature, culture, and the warmth of genuine Omani hospitality.
