A ‘monsoon treat’ during the scorching summer sun

Referred to as the 'Arabian Switzerland,' the Dhofar region in the Sultanate of Oman boasts one of the oldest cultures in Arabia, largely due to the frankincense trade and its status as a resting place for several figures revered in Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
In addition, it offers an enchanting blend of breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls and unique natural wonders for visitors.
Ancient trade routes connected this region to other empires, ensuring it remained an important global trading hub throughout history. The customs and traditions of the peoples in the Islamic East received significant attention from travellers during the Islamic era.
'Dhofar's strategic location overlooking the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, combined with its natural resources such as frankincense, myrrh, and ambergris, played a major role in its prestigious commercial and economic relations and status throughout the ages,' states a research report in the Journal of Strategic and Military Studies.
Dhofar boasts many attractions that appeal to both locals and visitors. The dunes of the Rub al Khali desert, also known as The Empty Quarter, are located in the northern part of the governorate, while the Dhofar Mountains arc through the central region.
The expansive, unspoiled coastline of Dhofar, along with the museums at the Al Baleed Archaeological Site, Sumhuram Ancient City, and the legendary city of Ubar, are also significant. Additionally, there are numerous unidentified ruins scattered throughout the region.
What makes Dhofar truly unique is the Khareef, the monsoon season. Although Khareef means 'autumn' in Arabic, in Dhofar it refers to summer monsoon that brings drizzle, low clouds, and mist across the Dhofar mountains. While temperatures exceed 40 °C in other parts of the Gulf region, they typically range between 20 °C and 27 °C in Dhofar.
This natural phenomenon attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area annually, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information in Oman indicates that 1,027,255 tourists visited Dhofar during the 2025 Khareef season, representing a 2.1 per cent increase compared to 2024.
According to reports, visitor spending during the 2025 season reached approximately RO125 million, compared to RO121 million in 2024 and RO103 million in 2023.
During the period of the festival, Salalah hosts a diverse programme of cultural, tourist, and entertainment events, establishing itself as one of the region’s premier summer destinations.
This year’s programmes include performances of Arabic music, traditional dances such as the Al Bar’ah, craft exhibitions, and a diverse culinary selection featuring Omani cuisine.
The main event will be the Khareef Dhofar Festival, scheduled from mid-July to late August. It will feature live concerts, cultural performances, traditional markets and activities for the entire family.
Shopping enthusiasts delight in the Khareef Festival, where markets overflow with souvenirs, frankincense, crafts, and regional goods. Many visitors combine this experience with a frankincense tour in Salalah or a heritage exploration of the Khareef Festival to better understand Oman’s history.
For nature lovers, the season offers opportunities such as excursions to the green mountains of Salalah, wildlife expeditions, visits to the rose gardens, and garden explorations during Khareef.
Adventure enthusiasts organise trekking expeditions in the Dhofar Mountains, Salalah, during the Khareef season or embark on a scenic journey from Muscat to Salalah. This route passes through deserts, wadis, and coastal areas.
Salalah offers excellent connections to modern transportation networks, accessible by road from various locations across Oman or by air through Salalah International Airport. Accommodations, vacation resorts, shopping centres, and entertainment facilities are just a few of the many integrated tourism services available.
Featuring a distinctive blend of climate, culture, and entertainment, Khareef 2026 reinforces Salalah’s status as a premier highlight of Oman’s tourism agenda, attracting thousands of local and international visitors annually.