SALALAH: For thousands of visitors travelling by car to experience the beauty of Khareef Dhofar, the journey begins long before reaching Salalah. The long roads connecting different parts of Oman and neighbouring GCC countries with the south offer breathtaking views and memorable stops, but they also demand careful planning, patience and responsible driving.
Road safety remains a key priority during the khareef season, as thousands of vehicles make their way towards Dhofar every year. However, traffic violations and risky behaviour continue to threaten road users. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) recently announced that two drivers were caught exceeding speeds of 200 km/h using mobile speed monitoring devices on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road towards Dhofar, with legal procedures being taken against them.
As families and visitors prepare for the journey, safety messages are being shared to ensure that the excitement of reaching Salalah is matched by a safe arrival.
At Wadi Hareet Police Station, one of the main gateways welcoming visitors to Dhofar, Lieutenant Hussain bin Ali Hardan from the Public Relations and Security Media Department of the Royal Oman Police highlighted the extensive preparations in place for the season. He explained that ROP has strengthened its presence along border crossings, highways and tourist locations to support visitors and ensure smooth traffic movement.
Lieutenant Hussein stressed the importance of remaining alert due to changing weather conditions, particularly fog and rain along parts of the route towards Salalah. He warned against distractions such as mobile phone use while driving and urged motorists to follow traffic rules, remain cautious on slopes and sharp turns, and ensure children stay safely inside vehicles throughout the journey.
Khalifa al Falahi, HSE Officer, encouraged travellers to avoid rushing, reminding them that reaching their destination safely is more important than arriving quickly. He advised drivers to follow speed limits, maintain a safe distance, take regular breaks when feeling tired and avoid reckless behaviour behind the wheel.
Similarly, Abdullah al Hashimi, an educator interested in social and volunteer work, highlighted the importance of preparation before starting the journey. He encouraged motorists to check their vehicles, rest whenever needed and remember that a few minutes of stopping can help protect lives.
Travellers should also remain aware of unexpected hazards on the road. The Omani Tent social media platform warned visitors about roaming camels, especially during the evening and night when visibility is reduced.
Meanwhile, social media influencer Adel al Abri shared advice for visitors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, encouraging them to plan their routes carefully, choose suitable roads and avoid excessive speeds during the long drive to Salalah.
Vehicle readiness is another essential part of safe travel. Mazen al Qasmi, an automotive engineering specialist, advised drivers to inspect important vehicle components before departure to reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns during the journey.
The road to Salalah is the first chapter of the Khareef experience. By planning ahead, driving responsibly and respecting road safety guidelines, visitors can ensure that their journey begins and ends with memories of Oman’s natural beauty rather than avoidable incidents.
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