Despite plenty of flights to fly to Salalah, there are many visitors who opt to drive across, especially from the United Arab Emirates.
The summer getaway, Dhofar, has been growing in popularity and there are extensive network of roads. Due to this demand, Observer spoke to Ahmed al Mahrouqi, adventurer and traveller who is also health and safety expert, a person who has travelled to the summer destination by road as well as on camels. He said there are three different ways one can manage the road trip to Dhofar.
“A popular route is to cross the border entering Al Batinah Governorate from Suhar, Batinah Expressway and then join Muscat Expressway to spend one day in Muscat before continuing the journey,” said Ahmed.
The journey then would start from Muscat to Dakhiliyah Governorate to reach Nizwa and there are clear sign boards indicating the route to Salalah.
One would have to go through Izki, Adam, Ghaba, Haima, Al Ghaftain, Maqshin, Qatbeet, Dokha, Thamrait and Salalah.
Ahmed added, “Dokha is the area in the Empty Quarter where agriculture is being introduced and you can see a variety of vegetables grown amidst the desert. The sight is magical!”
He explained the other route for visitors from UAE, “The other route is from Al Ain entering through the border to Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate. From Ibri to Awaifiya near Fahud from here you drive to Ghaba and then follow the same route.”
The most beautiful journey is the long one and can be difficult and Ahmed said this route has to be taken slowly, taking breaks for two to three days.
“The beach road is the most beautiful experience. It will take two to three days. Once you enter the Sultanate of Oman the route to take is Muscat to Sur to Salalah,” he said.
The factors to keep in mind are weather related aspects such as wind, dust, dust storms in addition to rain if any.
As recently the Royal Oman Police had issued an alert to the public road users in Maqshin, as there was a decrease in the level of horizontal visibility due to dust, and had requested everyone to take care and be cautious. When there is strong wind there could be sand on the roads.
Ahmed said the points to remember are the vehicle should be well maintained with strong tires. One should always maintain the distance and speed, he pointed out.
“Maqshin to Thamrait the drivers have to watch out for camels on the road. Remember to always carry water with you. Just multiply the number of passengers with two. Petrol pumps can be found each 150 km,” Ahmed advised.
Most importantly, the objective is to enjoy the journey and the trip so as to drive safely and rest when you are tired to drive as well as maintain speed limit.
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