Khareef special plates draw strong demand

MUSCAT: There has been a strong response to the optional Khareef commemorative number plates introduced by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) for the Khareef Dhofar Season, with several hundred special plates issued so far.
The ROP introduced optional white commemorative vehicle registration plates for the Khareef Dhofar Season 2026, valid from June to December 2026. The seasonal plates are available on an individual, request-only basis to eligible vehicle owners for RO 70.
Speaking to the Observer, a spokesperson from the ROP Public Relations Department said the initiative gives motorists an opportunity to feature a custom-designed plate celebrating one of Oman’s most popular seasonal events.
“The Khareef commemorative plates have been warmly welcomed by motoring enthusiasts since their launch in June this year,” he said. “The plates feature a distinctive design incorporating the ‘Khareef Dhofar 2026’ branding alongside the standard registration details.”
Vehicle owners can retain their original registration number while using the commemorative plate. The special plate is optional, and all applicable traffic, registration and insurance rules governing the original vehicle registration remain in effect.
Requests for the commemorative plates can be submitted through the ROP portal and mobile application, or at ROP service centres.
The ROP Traffic Department has traditionally introduced special commemorative vehicle registration plates during the annual Khareef Dhofar Season. For many visitors, the plates have become a popular souvenir of Salalah and Dhofar.
Some rare Khareef plates, particularly those bearing “KH” prefixes, have also attracted interest among collectors and have been resold at significantly higher prices.