Thursday 12 / June / 2025
MUSCAT: Dhofar Governorate is preparing to host its most ambitious Khareef season yet, with 100 licensed tourism establishments (hotels) ready to serve visitors over an extended 100-day period, from 21 June to 10 October.
The 2025 Khareef marks a milestone not only in infrastructure but also in the duration of the season, which has been extended by nearly three weeks compared to last year’s conclusion on 21 September.
To accommodate growing tourist demand, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several key projects ahead of the season.
These include the Dhofar Private Museum, a new 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah offering 216 rooms.
A newly opened tourist information centre at Al Haffa Beach Market aims to streamline visitor services. With these additions, Dhofar now boasts over 8,000 hotel rooms after the latest opening of the 100th hotel, significantly enhancing the region’s ability to cater to both domestic and international visitors during the peak monsoon months.
Extended season, expanded strategy
Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the strategic importance of the Khareef season.
“This is more than a seasonal influx — it’s a cornerstone of Oman’s tourism calendar. Extending the season to 100 days gives us more room to welcome visitors and promote sustainable tourism,” he said.
The ministry has structured the season into three distinct phases: an early period starting 21 June, a peak season from mid-July to late August, and a post-peak stretch until 10 October. This staggered approach is designed to manage crowd flow and maximise the tourism window, including during school holidays and shoulder periods.
Targeted promotions and connectivity
As part of its tourism growth strategy, the ministry has conducted an aggressive promotional campaign across key markets.
This includes participation in Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality unveiled this year’s Khareef programme. Additional workshops and roadshows in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait highlighted Dhofar’s offerings and new direct flight routes.
Airlines including Flynas, Flyadeal, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways have added seasonal direct connections to Salalah Airport, greatly enhancing access from the GCC region.
Al Abri noted that the ministry is particularly focused on attracting GCC families and repeat visitors, with special travel packages and school holiday-aligned promotions now in place.
The extended season and new infrastructure build on the momentum of Khareef 2024, which saw 1,048,000 visitors, a 9% increase from 2023 when the arrival was 962,000 visitors.
Officials are optimistic that the 2025 season will surpass this, driven by improved air connectivity, diversified offerings, and broader international visibility.
Collaborations with private sector partners are also expected to play a major role in offering competitive experiences throughout the season, even during traditionally lower-traffic periods.
With 100 hotels, 100 days, and a refreshed focus on sustainable growth, Khareef 2025 is poised to cement Dhofar’s status as a premier regional destination for nature, culture, and monsoon magic.
(With inputs from ONA)
