This Omani city turns into a tropical paradise every summer: Here's why you can't miss it

TL;DR:

• Every year from late June to early September, Salalah in Dhofar transforms under the monsoon (Khareef), turning desert into lush greenery and driving tourism.
  
  
• The region has extended the season, welcomed eco‑friendly investments, and expanded hotel capacity to meet rising demand.
  
  
• Visitors flock to waterfalls, misty mountains, cultural festivals, and heritage sites for both natural beauty and local experiences. Khareef has become a key pillar in Oman’s broader tourism and economic diversification under Vision 2040.

What Is the Khareef Transformation?
Each summer, Salalah is enveloped by the Khareef monsoon, a phenomenon unique to Dhofar. Moist ocean air collides with cool upwelling off the Arabian Sea, condensing into fog and gentle rains. The result is astonishing: barren hills and wadis burst into vibrant green landscapes, with waterfalls, natural pools, and dramatic coastal fog creating an oasis in the desert.

This seasonal metamorphosis draws visitors from across the Gulf, seeking respite from the region’s intense summer heat. Temperatures dip into the mid‑20s °C, providing refreshing relief and scenic allure.

A Tourism Strategy for 100 Days
In 2025, Dhofar’s Khareef tourism calendar was officially extended to run for 100 days, from June 21 to October 10. The region launched government-backed projects, including a private museum, new hotels in Mirbat and Salalah, and enhanced visitor facilities at Al Haffa Beach Market.

Together, over 8,000 hotel rooms were made available in Salalah and Mirbat to support elevated tourism demand. As a result, Dhofar aims to host family-friendly tourism, eco-education, and cultural events across a longer, staggered season to better distribute visits.

Places You Cannot Miss

• Wadi Darbat: A lush valley transformed into a scenic wonderland with waterfalls, lagoons, and boat rides popular with families and photographers.

• Ayn Khor and Ayn Razat: Natural springs and pools nestled within misty landscapes. Wadi adventures often end with serene moments among trees and clear waters .

• Al Mughsail Beach: A stretch of blowholes and dramatic cliffs where waves and mist collide, ideal for photography and scenic sunset walks.

• Ittin Mountains: Cloud-blanketed peaks offering cool trekking and panoramic views over Salalah, an appealing mix of seclusion and scenery.

• Khareef Festival and Heritage Sites: Salalah hosts over 180 cultural events each season, including folk music, dance, crafts, food stalls, poetry, and storytelling across Salalah, Mirbat, Taqah, and Mekhlaf.

Why Khareef Tourism Matters

• Nature-Driven Diversification: Khareef stands apart from the Gulf’s desert image and adds a green tourism season that supports Vision 2040 economic goals. Regional government officials aim to cement Salalah’s status as a unique, year-round tourism option.

• Infrastructure and Access: The introduction of the Middle East’s first drive-through check-in at Salalah Airport illustrates efforts to streamline tourist flow. Saudi, UAE, Kuwaiti, and international flights were coordinated with expanded travel packages and bus services across the GCC, including direct connections.

• Community and Environmental Focus: Local initiatives such as Khor Al Mughsail Nature Reserve: a youth-led eco-tourism project highlight Salalah’s dual focus on tourism and ecology, integrating conservation and community empowerment.

Economic and Cultural Impact

• Boost to Hospitality and Jobs

With the seasonal surge, new hotels, resorts, restaurants, tour operators, and transport providers emerged across Dhofar. Tourist guides, cultural performers, and artisanal markets all benefit from the broader seasonal economy.

• Cultural Revitalization

Khareef Festival’s blend of heritage performances, crafts stalls, and storytelling is reviving Dhofar’s cultural identity. Heritage zones and local craft participation preserve traditions and foster pride.

• Long-Term Strategic Gains

Dhofar’s push for eco-tourism and soft infrastructure builds a sustainable model for niche tourism. Investments in green belts, smart signage, and waste management indicate that Khareef is more than a seasonal novelty, it is a lasting asset.


Challenges Ahead

• Infrastructure Management

Investments continue in smart timing, visitor flow, and support facilities, but balancing environment protection and tourism expansion remains challenging .

• Sustainability and Conservation

Rising visitor numbers may create risks to sensitive areas like wadis, coral reefs near beaches, and cultural sites. Ongoing efforts in environmental education and regulations aim to offset these concerns .

• Seasonality and Economic Balance

Khareef’s strength lies in its stark contrast to harsh summers but dependency on a limited three-month window means expanding year-round attractions will be essential. Events, bird-watching, and niche tourism options are already being introduced .

Salalah is shaping itself as a green tourism destination, an Arabian anomaly that adds monsoon magic to Gulf schedules. With continuous investment in eco-education, digital storytelling, direct flight routes, and high-end hospitality, Khareef is expected to remain a cornerstone of Oman’s strategy to attract new markets and diversify beyond oil revenues.
Salalah’s Khareef season transforms not only landscapes but economic models and cultural identity. By combining natural beauty, heritage revival, festival energy, infrastructure innovation, and community-driven sustainability, Salalah redefines Gulf summer tourism. If you want a summer destination that isn’t scorching desert, Salalah may just be Oman’s most inspiring answer.

FAQs:

• Q1: What is the Khareef season in Salalah?

The Khareef season refers to the annual monsoon period in Salalah, Oman, typically from late June to early September. During this time, the region transforms with lush greenery, misty mountains, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures, creating a unique contrast to the Middle East's usual summer heat.

• Q2: Why is Khareef season significant for Oman?

Khareef is a major tourism driver for Oman, especially for the Dhofar region. It supports economic diversification by attracting domestic and international tourists, boosting local businesses, and promoting cultural heritage. It also aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 to diversify beyond oil-based revenues.

• Q3: What are the top attractions during Khareef in Salalah?

Key attractions include Wadi Darbat, Ayn Khor, Ayn Razat, Al Mughsail Beach with its famous blowholes, Ittin Mountains, and numerous cultural festivals like the Khareef Festival that feature music, dance, food stalls, and heritage displays.

• Q4: Is Salalah suitable for eco-tourism during Khareef?

Yes, Salalah’s unique monsoon landscape makes it ideal for eco-tourism. The region offers nature reserves, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism initiatives such as youth-led eco-projects and guided nature tours.

• Q5: Are there direct flights to Salalah during Khareef?

Yes, direct flights from GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait operate frequently during the Khareef season, along with international options, to cater to the tourism surge.