TAQAH: Civil Defence and Ambulance teams are maintaining an enhanced field presence in Jibjat as visitor activity in Dhofar shifts from the Khareef season to Sarb, when clearer weather draws families and campers to the governorate’s open plains.
A mobile Civil Defence and Ambulance centre is operating in Jibjat in the Wilayat of Taqah, positioning emergency response teams closer to an area experiencing increased visitor activity as the Khareef fog recedes.
The deployment reflects the seasonal shift in visitor movement across Dhofar rather than an end to heightened emergency preparedness.
Sarb follows the Khareef season and is characterised by clearer skies and gradually lower humidity, while the mountains and plains remain green following the monsoon rains. The period traditionally brings renewed activity to inland areas as residents and visitors head to open landscapes for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.
Jibjat has emerged as one of the prominent destinations during this period. Its broad plains and natural setting attract families, campers and other visitors as visibility improves, while seasonal activities have further increased visitor movement in the area.
Preparations for the 2026 Jibjat Sarb season have included coordination among government and service authorities in the Wilayat of Taqah, covering site readiness, visitor services and seasonal activities.
The area is also hosting initiatives involving local communities and productive families, adding a commercial and social dimension to the seasonal gathering alongside camping and recreational activities.
First Lieutenant Abdullah Tabook, an officer at the Relations and Media Department of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, said emergency preparedness in Dhofar continues throughout the year but is strengthened during periods of increased visitor movement.
He said the Authority adjusts its field deployment as activity shifts towards plains, open areas and camping locations following the clearance of the Khareef fog, taking into account visitor concentrations and the nature of each site.
The mobile centre in Jibjat is part of this approach, bringing Civil Defence and Ambulance services closer to visitors and supporting a faster response to emergencies.
Tabook said field plans are based on continuous assessment of conditions and potential risks.
Among the main concerns during the post-Khareef period are grass and pasture fires as vegetation begins to dry, as well as fires associated with camping, cooking equipment and other sources of ignition.
Teams are also prepared to respond to road accidents, injuries and medical emergencies that may occur as traffic and visitor numbers increase around seasonal gathering points.
Open and relatively remote locations present an additional operational challenge, particularly when emergency teams need accurate location information to reach an incident quickly.
The Authority deploys personnel, vehicles and equipment according to the nature of each location and the expected level of activity, while continuing to monitor areas frequented by visitors and campers.
It has urged the public to choose safe camping locations, avoid lighting fires near dry grass or other combustible materials, and ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving.
Visitors have also been advised to handle gas cylinders and cooking equipment with care, supervise children and comply with safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
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