Muscat: While much of the Gulf is engulfed in the peak of summer heat, southern Oman quietly welcomes its most beautiful guest: Khareef. But Dhofar’s monsoon is unlike any other. It doesn’t bring parched leaves or arid winds — instead, it arrives as a gentle whisper of mist and drizzle, waking the land into vibrant life, according to visitors.
“This is something out of a fairytale,” says Elise Kramer, a tourist from Germany visiting Dhofar for the first time. “I read about khareef, but nothing prepared me for the serenity and surreal beauty I’m witnessing here.”
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, over 820,000 tourists visited Dhofar during the 2024 khareef season — a 15% increase from the previous year. Of those, GCC nationals made up more than 65%, while international interest from Europe and Asia continues to rise.
The temperate climate, lush hills and soft monsoon rains attract families, nature lovers and photographers alike, all eager to escape the searing summer elsewhere in the region.
Fog-draped hills and softly gushing waterfalls are among Dhofar’s most iconic scenes. Locations such as Wadi Darbat and Ayn Athum offer breathtaking experiences.
Hala Morsi, a visitor from Cairo, said: “The moment I stepped out of the airport and felt the cool breeze, I knew this place was special. I’ve never seen such rich greenery in the Gulf. It’s peaceful, pure and soul-refreshing.” Data from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism confirms that Salalah’s sites are among the most visited during khareef, consistently drawing record numbers each year.
No trip to Dhofar is complete without experiencing its ancient gift to the world: frankincense. This aromatic resin, harvested from native Boswellia trees, has been traded for millennia across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
At Salalah’s traditional souqs, tourists can witness frankincense being burned, smell its earthy arom, and purchase raw resin or fragrant oils.
Maria Lopez, a tourist from Spain, describes it as magical: “It’s like stepping back in time. The scent is powerful, sacred even. I bought several packs and oils to take back to Madrid. This isn’t just a souvenir — it’s history in a jar.” Tourism-linked sales of frankincense products saw a 30% increase in the last khareef season, reflecting its cultural significance and growing international demand.
Khareef isn’t only about misty mountains — it’s also a celebration of Dhofari heritage. At Al Haffa Market, visitors are drawn to local handicrafts, spices and traditional clothing, all offered with a generous dose of Omani hospitality.
Amani al Zubaidi from Saudi Arabia said: “I loved the souqs — the colours, the people, the scents. You don’t feel like a tourist here, you feel like a welcomed guest.” Cafés, boutique stays and seasonal festivals help bring Dhofar’s cultural spirit to life during khareef, turning tourism into a truly immersive experience.
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