Salalah: The Wilayat of Taqah is set to host a vibrant cultural programme starting today (Thursday) in celebration of the Khareef holiday season in Dhofar Governorate.
Taqah is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including beaches, creeks, mountains, deserts, valleys, caves, and springs. This rich environment has helped the local community adapt to changing weather conditions.
The two-week cultural programme, running until August 15, aims to engage various segments of the community. Events will take place at prominent locations such as the Main Al-Fardah Theatre, Al-Midan Square, and Tilly Match Village by the coast.
The programme offers a wide range of activities encompassing culture, arts, environmental initiatives, entertainment, and heritage. Highlights include opening ceremonies, artistic performances, operettas, and environmental events focused on marine and terrestrial conservation. Attendees can also participate in beach games, electric entertainment, and a heritage exhibition showcasing Omani traditions.
Key attractions of the programme include cultural competitions for all ages, art workshops, local family product exhibitions, a consumer fair, and captivating artistic evenings. The events aim to celebrate the autumn season, promote cultural heritage, boost domestic tourism, and provide family-friendly entertainment.
Taqah lies just south of the Tropic of Cancer and north of the Equator, serving as a gateway to Dhofar’s eastern provinces. It connects Mirbat to the east, Salalah to the west, and Thamrait to the north, with the Arabian Sea to the south.
The wilayah’s natural environment includes coastal areas like Taqah city, mountainous regions in Al-Haqq, and desert landscapes in Jabjat.
During the Khareef season, the mountains transform into lush landscapes shrouded in mist, while waterfalls like Darbat and Athum, and scenic beaches such as Khor Solei, Taqah, and Rori enhance the region’s beauty. The Taqah Plain, spanning 9 kilometres by 2 kilometres, showcases the blend of urban and rural landscapes, with mountains bridging the gap between desert and city.
Taqah’s environmental diversity supports a variety of bird and animal species and provides fertile soil for plants used in personal, medicinal, and commercial applications. Historical sites in Taqah include the ancient city of Samharam, Qasbar ruins, Darbat ruins, Taqah Fort, and Taqah Tower. The Sheikh Al-Afeef Mosque and the surrounding district also hold historical significance.
The Al-Askar Tower, situated on a rocky summit overlooking Taqah, combines heritage with modernity. Renovated in 2008 and opened as a tourist attraction in 2022, the tower features three observation towers offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It also showcases traditional Omani attire, heritage items, and a permanent exhibition on the tower’s history. The project, a collaboration with various government bodies, includes facilities such as a restaurant and café, making it an appealing year-round tourist destination.
Khor Rori, known as Samharam, is a World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance as a frankincense trade port. Protected for its ecological balance, the site is home to diverse species and connects to the Dhofar water drainage system.
In addition, the Generations Link Museum in Taqah, established by the late Tufoul bint Ramadan Awad Bamakhlaf, stands as Dhofar Governorate’s first private museum. It aims to preserve Omani cultural identity through exhibits on Bedouin life, urban heritage, rural traditions, and historical currency, fostering appreciation for Omani heritage across generations.
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