New Tourism Projects Inaugurated Ahead of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Salalah, 11 Jun (ONA) —- In preparation for the upcoming Dhofar Khareef season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several new tourism projects across the governorate.
The newly opened facilities include the Dhofar Private Museum, an 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah with 216 rooms. These additions bring the total number of licensed tourism establishments in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering more than 8,000 hotel rooms. A new tourist information center has also opened at Al Haffa Beach Market to enhance visitor services.
Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasized the significance of the Khareef season as one of Oman's most important tourism events. Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the unique monsoon climate makes Dhofar a prime destination attracting visitors from different world countries.
The ministry has implemented a comprehensive promotional campaign for this year's Khareef season as part of its broader tourism strategy. Early marketing efforts included participation in international travel exhibitions such as the Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality officials held a press conference to announce the season's events. Additional promotional workshops were conducted in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting new direct flight routes to Salalah Airport operated by airlines including Flynas, Saudi Airlines (Flyadeal), Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways.
Al Abri explained that the ministry's strategy focuses on extending the tourism season over 100 days while managing visitor distribution across three distinct periods between 21 June and 10 October. The peak season from mid-July to late August typically sees the highest occupancy rates, while the ministry is working to boost visitation during the shoulder seasons through targeted marketing and special travel packages. Particular emphasis is being placed on attracting visitors from the GCC countries, with new flight routes from Saudi Arabia expected to significantly increase arrivals.
The ministry is collaborating with private sector partners to develop competitive tourism offerings, especially during periods affected by the academic calendar. These efforts build on the success of last year's Khareef season, which welcomed 1,048,000 visitors - a 9% increase compared to 2023's 962,000 visitors. With the addition of new infrastructure and enhanced connectivity, the 2025 season is poised to further strengthen Dhofar's position as a leading regional tourism destination.
—- Ends/AH
