SALALAH, AUG 25
Ain Athum Waterfalls, about 33 km from Salalah in southern Dhofar Governorate, are in full flow during the khareef (monsoon) season, turning the rocky escarpment into a 20-metre cascade that feeds a clear blue pool and attracts families from across the GCC.
The site is seasonal. In most years the waterfalls peak from mid-August as khareef rains recharge underground aquifers that supply the spring. Flows then taper off after the monsoon ends, though the source spring continues to provide water.
Ain Athum serves a dual role as both a tourist draw and a practical resource.
Local residents temporarily relocate to the valley during the season to benefit from the water, and beekeepers also rely on the spring for apiaries set up in the surrounding greenery.
Facilities include a stone-paved walkway shaded by trees, seating areas and kiosks offering snacks and children’s games, making it a convenient stop — often combined with a visit to nearby Wadi Darbat. Access is via the Taqah road and the Nashib roundabout, with recent improvements easing the descent to the base of the falls.
Visitors say the spectacle is at its best after heavy rainfall. “I never expected to find a place this beautiful in the GCC,” said a tourist from Saudi Arabia. “We arrived just after days of strong rain and were lucky to witness the waterfall in full force.”
Dhofar, bordering the Arabian Sea in the south, experiences a unique monsoon (June–September) that cools temperatures and blankets the mountains in mist — unusual for the Arabian Peninsula. Salalah is the regional capital and the main gateway for khareef travellers.
Travellers should note that the terrain can be slippery during peak flow. Visitors are advised to follow local safety signage, avoid venturing onto wet rocks and respect the natural environment.
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