Beyond the mist

For decades, Dhofar’s tourism story has been closely associated with one spectacular phenomenon: Khareef. Each summer, mist descends over the mountains, rain transforms the landscape into shades of green, and visitors arrive in search of cool weather, waterfalls and a temporary escape from the heat of the Arabian Peninsula.
But a new tourism story is emerging in southern Oman, one that is less about simply seeing Dhofar and more about experiencing it. Adventure tourism is increasingly adding a new dimension to the governorate’s appeal, taking visitors beyond traditional sightseeing and into mountains, valleys, deserts, beaches and rural communities.
Dhofar’s geographical diversity, from mountain ranges and green valleys to vast deserts and the Arabian Sea, gives it an unusual advantage as a year-round During Khareef, hiking through mist-covered mountains, exploring valleys and waterfalls and discovering remote viewpoints become part of the attraction. Beyond the season, clearer skies open the door to desert excursions, camping, coastal exploration, diving, horse riding and cycling. Official tourism platforms now promote experiences ranging from mountain adventures and hiking to e-bike tours and horse riding.

What is changing is not only the number of activities available, but the expectations of the visitor. Increasingly, travellers want to go beyond photographing a destination.
They want to understand it, interact with its people and experience something they cannot easily reproduce elsewhere.
That is particularly evident among international visitors exploring Dhofar outside the peak Khareef period. While Omanis and Gulf visitors remain a major presence during the monsoon season, travellers from countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Eastern Europe are increasingly drawn to Dhofar’s cooler winter climate and its combination of mountains, coastline and desert.
For young visitors, the appeal is often the freedom to move between completely different landscapes within the same journey. Faisal al Salami, a young Emirati visitor who experienced Dhofar through adventure activities, described the experience as different from a conventional holiday. What stood out, he said, was the opportunity to combine outdoor exploration with discovering local culture rather than spending the entire trip moving between familiar tourist attractions.

For him, the mountains and coastline were not simply scenery. They became part of an active journey full of activities and joy, one that offered a stronger sense of discovery, excitement and a closer connection to the destination.
Adel bin Salim, an Omani young visitor, shared a similar perspective, noting that adventure tourism is changing the way even local travellers look at Dhofar. Instead of returning only to the familiar Khareef sites, young Omanis are increasingly interested in discovering lesser-known areas, trying outdoor activities and experiencing the governorate from a more adventurous perspective. Their experiences reflect a broader shift: Dhofar is becoming a destination where the journey itself is part of the attraction.
This emerging approach is being reflected by local tourism entrepreneurs such as Dhofar SAS Trips, founded by Abdulaziz bin Said al Awaid.
The company brings together adventure specialists, local experience providers and tour organisers, creating programmes that combine outdoor exploration with cultural and rural life. “We want to present Dhofar in its finest form, reflecting authentic Omani culture through a modern approach, while giving visitors an exceptional experience throughout the year,” Al Awaid says.

Its experiences can take visitors into mountain homes, traditional dress, folk songs and dances, traditional cooking and local customs. The aim is to turn heritage from something visitors simply observe into something they participate in.
The company also works with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and local individuals providing tourism experiences, reinforcing the role of communities in the development of adventure and experiential tourism.
For Al Awaid, the most meaningful outcome is not measured only by visitor numbers.
Some guests have returned repeatedly, formed lasting friendships with local residents and even developed such a strong connection with Dhofar that they chose to purchase homes there. That may ultimately be the most powerful side of Dhofar’s emerging adventure tourism story.
Dhofar’s adventure tourism scene is also expanding with activities that bring visitors closer to its diverse landscapes. Alongside hiking and horse riding, tourists can now enjoy ziplining, quad biking, motorcycle trips, kayaking, diving and rafting. These activities offer more than sightseeing, allowing visitors to explore mountains, valleys, deserts and the coastline in an active and exciting way. For young travellers especially, the mix of nature and adrenaline is becoming a major attraction.
Together, these experiences are giving Dhofar a new tourism identity and creating more reasons to visit beyond the Khareef season. And beyond the famous Khareef mist, that may be the new adventure waiting to be discovered.