Dhofar Autumn 2024 Unveiled: Where Culture Meets Sports In A Spectacular Season

Dhofar Province has unveiled the details of the Dhofar Autumn Season 2024 through the Information Ministry of Oman's Ain platform. This year's events began on June 21 and will extend for 90 days until September 20, offering a unique tourist experience with exceptional global events and cool weather.

His Highness Sayyid Marwan Bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, highlighted that the province welcomes its unique autumn season annually on June 21. He noted that Dhofar is an ideal tourist destination with its beautiful landscapes, diverse environments, and rich cultural heritage.

Focus on Tourism Development

The governor emphasized that last year, nearly one million visitors came to Dhofar, underlining the importance of enhancing tourism. A comprehensive plan aims to improve various tourist sites, including natural sights and coastal fronts, while considering environmental sustainability.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohsen Al-Ghassani, Mayor of Dhofar Municipality, outlined the main activities for this year's season. Events will be held across several locations to provide new experiences for citizens, residents, and visitors. The focus will be on environment and public health, youth, children, culture, and arts.

Diverse Activities for All Ages

Ammar Bin Oubed Ghawas from Dhofar Municipality mentioned that young visitors would enjoy new sports and entertainment events at "Etten Square." The theatre has been upgraded with the latest technologies for global shows. Visitors can also look forward to lighting displays and drone shows.

The sports events will cater to different interests. Salalah Public Park will host "Throw Town," focusing on endurance sports weekly. The "Salalah International Cycling Tour" will feature over 100 cyclists from various countries. Car enthusiasts can enjoy events by the "Oman Automobile Association" at "Celebrations Square."

Cultural and Heritage Highlights

The cultural axis includes the "Awdat Al-Madhi" village, which simulates Dhofar's different environments like urban and rural settings. It will also host Omani Wilayas from outside Dhofar for the first time. This village aims to reflect Oman's rich cultural heritage through arts and traditional markets.

This year marks the debut of the Dhofar International Theater Festival. It will feature theater troupes from inside and outside Oman across six tracks: adult, children, popular theater, monodrama, diorama, and street theater. The festival aspires to compete globally in terms of organization and performance quality.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

Dr. Al-Ghassani confirmed efforts to enhance accompanying events by holding them in various locations like Thumrait and Taqah. These activities include cultural exhibitions at Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex in Salalah.

The mayor noted that last year's events saw unprecedented turnout with visitor numbers between 400,000 to 800,000 per main site. Over 150 events were held last year; this year expects around 180 events with more opportunities for small enterprises.

The Director of Events emphasized a full schedule of children's activities this year at Aouqd Public Park's "Kiddy Time." Children can enjoy international villages and moving global shows featuring beloved characters.

Economic Impact

Last season benefited 1,733 individuals and institutions across Oman with participation from 334 companies. This year offers over 500 additional opportunities for small enterprises creating temporary jobs for thousands of young people.

Dhofar Province is a significant tourist destination due to its stunning nature and diverse global events. Visitor numbers are expected to exceed one million this year with direct flights to Salalah Airport from various Arab Gulf countries.