MISTY DHOFAR BECKONS
The largest segment of visitors to Dhofar are Omani citizens, accounting for roughly 70 per cent to 75 per cent of total seasonal visitors, driven by domestic tourism from Muscat and other governorates. This is followed by citizens from neighbouring GCC countries, making up around 15 per cent to 17 per cent of arrivals, followed by other international visitors from various Asian, European, and African countries, who account for the remaining 10 per cent to 12 per cent of total tourists.
Published: 05:08 PM,Aug 12,2026 | EDITED : 09:08 PM,Aug 12,2026
The misty Dhofar, drenched in the Khareef, has been a hotbed for tourists from across the world since the season officially began on June 21, while sweltering summer is pushing everyone indoors in the rest of the country.
The mighty mountains of Dhofar wear green velvet robes during the Khareef Dhofar Season, which is typically from June to mid-September, transforming the governorate from a desert into a lush green paradise with misty mountains, cool drizzle, and flowing waterfalls.
While Wadi Darbat, one of Salalah's most famous attractions during the Khareef season, boasts lush green landscapes, seasonal waterfalls, boating activities and attractions for families and friends alike, Al Mughsail Beach, one of Oman's most spectacular coastal destinations, offers natural blowholes, stunning coastal scenery and scenic mountain roads.
Places like Ayn Athum, which is a sure bet for nature lovers for the seasonal waterfalls, beautiful hiking trails, and misty mountain landscapes, mesmerise visitors. Ittin Mountain, Salalah's most popular viewpoint during Khareef, offers kaleidoscopic city views, with cool weather and foggy scenery.
A favourite destination for families and visitors seeking a peaceful atmosphere, Ayn Razat is home to beautiful gardens and natural water streams offering a bucketful of mind-soothing spots and relaxing picnic areas.
For the history-loving, discerning visitor, Khor Rori offers a treasure trove of stories from a bygone era. The site has earned a reputation as one of Dhofar’s most important historical and natural attractions.
Residents say the occasional rains and the mist are the two factors that attract regional as well as international tourists to the ‘Land of Frankincense’.
The official total cumulative visitor count for the ongoing 2026 Khareef season in Dhofar has not yet been fully published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. However, data tracking the early weeks of the season shows that Salalah International Airport handled 154,529 arriving passengers between June 21 and July 31, 2026, marking an 8percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The largest segment of visitors to Dhofar comprises Omani citizens, who account for roughly 70 to 75 per cent of total seasonal visitors, driven by domestic tourism from Muscat and other governorates. This is followed by citizens from neighbouring GCC countries, making up around 15 per cent to 17 per cent of arrivals, followed by other international visitors from various Asian, European, and African countries, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent to 12 per cent of total tourists.
According to reports from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, as many as 154,529 passengers arrived via Salalah Airport from June 21 through July 31, 2026. During the same period, inbound flights to Salalah increased by 7 per cent, reaching 1,758 flights.
“We are targeting over 1 million total visitors for the full June 21 to September 21 season, following last year's final count of 1,070,738 visitors and with this trend, we are hopeful that we can achieve this,” a spokesperson from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said.