Dhofar Municipality on Monday unveiled the details of the 2026 Khareef Dhofar Season, which will run from June 21 to September 21, featuring 125 cultural, artistic, sporting and entertainment events across multiple tourist destinations and wilayats of Dhofar Governorate.
The announcement was made at a press conference chaired by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, who reviewed the new programmes, event highlights, and the organisational and service preparations for the season.
This year’s edition introduces a renewed identity for event venues and programmes, aligning with visitor expectations and enhancing the quality of the tourism, entertainment and cultural experience that distinguishes Dhofar during the Khareef season, Dr Al Ghassani said. The new approach gives each venue a unique entertainment and cultural character drawn from its natural surroundings, diversifying visitor experiences across different locations.
He added that key venues include Ittin Square, which in its new format offers a blend of international shows and entertainment and cultural events, and the City Centre area in the Ittin Plain, featuring gardens, markets, live performances and public events, as well as light and spectacular shows.
He explained that other event locations include the Modern Waterfront in the Ittin Plain, the Health Garden at Salalah Public Park, Al Morooj Theatre, and the 'Child’s Time' event at Awqad Public Park.
He added that the season also features new and renewed destinations such as the Osara project on Raysut Beach, Nova Entertainment, the Al Gharif event, Raysut Marina Waterfront, Lamer Al Mughsail, and Samharam Heritage Village. These sites offer diverse entertainment programmes and family activities, along with restaurants, cafes, rest areas and shopping facilities, providing visitors with experiences that blend entertainment and relaxation for all ages and interests.
The Chairman of Dhofar Municipality explained that the 'Return of the Past' event embodies Oman’s civilisational and cultural heritage through displays of customs, traditions, traditional arts and handicrafts, reflecting the authenticity of Omani society and its cultural identity.
To highlight the contemporary aspects of the season, he noted that a range of modern events and interactive activities are being held in the Modern Waterfront area in the Ittin Plain of Salalah, which is currently hosting the Salalah Festival for World Cup football fans.
Meanwhile, the Health Garden at Salalah Public Park offers sports, health and awareness programmes targeting various segments of society. Al Morooj Theatre will host a variety of artistic and cultural events, including theatrical performances, concerts and cultural seminars.
This year, Dhofar Municipality has dedicated a space for children under the title 'Child’s Time' at Awqad Public Park, creating an educational and entertainment city that allows children to explore various professions and specialisations through practical applications simulating real work environments. This also includes a 'Children’s University' featuring interactive educational activities and specialisations, helping to develop their skills and creative abilities.
On the artistic and cultural front, the programme features a number of musical, vocal and choral performances, including heritage symphonies, as well as choral performances from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt, alongside diverse artistic shows from several countries and improvisational comedy performances with Arab artists.
In the sports domain, the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality said this season’s events include the Dhofar Marathon, the cycling race, the Tour of Salalah, and various races at several locations across the governorate, in addition to the traditional weapons shooting championship at Samharam Village, enhancing the presence of sports activities within the season’s programme.
He added that the 2026 Khareef Dhofar Season events are not limited to Salalah but extend to the wilayats of Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah, as well as other tourist sites such as Samharam and Al Mughsail, helping to distribute tourist and economic activity across the governorate and highlight its natural, cultural and heritage assets.
Regarding distinctive international events, he noted the second edition of the Dhofar International Theatre Festival, to be held from September 14 to 22, with the participation of theatre practitioners and creatives from around the world.
The festival comprises three main tracks: Elite Performances, Major International Performances and Dhofar Theatre, with prizes of up to $50,000 for each track, enhancing the governorate’s standing as an international platform for performing arts and cultural exchange.
The Chairman of Dhofar Municipality also highlighted the inaugural edition of the Dhofar International Sculpture Festival, which brings together artists and sculptors from around the world to create works inspired by Oman’s environment and the cultural identity of Dhofar Governorate. The festival aims to enrich the artistic landscape and enhance the governorate’s presence on the global visual arts map.
Ammar bin Obad Ghawas, Director of the Events and Awareness Department, said that the vision for the 2026 Khareef Dhofar Season is centred on delivering an integrated experience that reflects the diversity and uniqueness of Dhofar Governorate. This is achieved through events organised according to specialised themes catering to different interests, with a focus on quality of content and organisation to enrich the visitor experience.
The season encompasses a diverse array of events covering sports, culture, arts, entertainment and heritage, Ghawas explained. These include events with regional and international presence, as well as heritage programmes that reflect the authenticity of Omani heritage, alongside activities for all ages and interests.
The heritage events play an important role in enhancing awareness of Omani identity and introducing younger generations to elements of the national heritage, he noted. What distinguishes the Khareef Dhofar Season is the gathering of such a wide variety of programmes and events — many of which are independent festivals in their own right — within a single season that offers visitors a comprehensive experience blending cultural, entertainment, sporting and heritage aspects.
The 2026 Khareef Dhofar Season is expected to attract large numbers of visitors and tourists from within Oman and abroad, capitalising on the unique natural attributes of the governorate during this time of year, alongside the wide diversity of programmes and events catering to various interests and age groups. - ONA
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