Muscat: The first support force from the CDAA in Muscat Governorate set off today for Dhofar Governorate as part of early preparations for the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season, reflecting efforts to enhance field readiness and ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors during the annual tourist influx.
The deployment comes as part of the Authority’s operational plans to strengthen emergency response capabilities during the Khareef season, which witnesses a significant rise in visitor numbers from within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
Major General Khalifa bin Ali al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, met with the personnel of the support force prior to their departure. He praised their readiness and national commitment, urging them to exert maximum effort in serving visitors, extending assistance, and demonstrating professionalism, cooperation, and positive conduct that reflects the humanitarian role of the Authority.
The support force includes specialised personnel in firefighting, land rescue, water rescue, and emergency medical services, in addition to advanced equipment, vehicles, and operational machinery aimed at enhancing response capacity and readiness for various incidents and emergencies.
These efforts are integrated with forward response points activated along key roads leading to Dhofar during the peak tourist season to reduce response times and provide immediate emergency and rescue services to road users. This year, additional services have been introduced in al Ashkharah in South al Sharqiyah Governorate, emergency medical services in al Jazir in al Wusta Governorate, and new civil defence services in Shahb Asayb and Harit areas in Dhofar Governorate, as part of a broader plan to expand field coverage and improve readiness levels.
The Authority urged all Khareef visitors to adequately prepare for their journeys by carrying out regular vehicle maintenance, ensuring fire extinguishers are in working condition, and keeping first aid kits available. It also stressed the importance of adhering to speed limits, following traffic safety rules, and familiarising themselves with the locations of fuel stations and rest stops along routes leading to Dhofar.
It further called on institutions, companies, property owners, and tourism facility operators to comply with fire safety requirements, conduct regular maintenance, and ensure the readiness of fire protection systems, contributing to a safer environment for both visitors and residents. The Authority confirmed it will continue intensified inspection and monitoring campaigns throughout the season and take legal action against violators.
On the awareness front, the season will feature extensive media and educational campaigns aimed at promoting a culture of prevention and raising public awareness through social media platforms, television and radio channels, as well as field teams deployed in tourist sites and public gathering areas, highlighting the importance of community partnership in reducing incidents and enhancing public safety.
The CDAA also stressed the importance of adhering to safety instructions issued by relevant authorities and avoiding swimming in unsafe or unlicensed areas, including springs, pools, waterfalls, and beaches, particularly as Dhofar’s coastline experiences high waves and strong currents during the Khareef season.
It further urged parents to closely supervise children near water bodies and slippery or elevated areas, and to avoid hazardous locations, in order to protect lives and property and ensure that emergency services can perform their duties efficiently, contributing to a safe and enjoyable Khareef season for all.
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