Dhofar To Host World Theatre Festival As Tourist Numbers Hit Record High

Dhofar is witnessing a significant rise in cultural and tourism activities, with visitor numbers during the khareef season exceeding 1 million. The governorate is also preparing for the World Theatre Festival in October, which will be the largest event of its kind in the Arab world. Additionally, the 'Marhaba Dhofar' initiative to enhance tourism cooperation with Saudi Arabia is set to commence on Monday.

Data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveals that by the end of August, Dhofar had welcomed 1,006,635 tourists. This marks a 9% increase compared to the previous year. Omanis made up the majority of these visitors, totalling 713,105, followed by tourists from GCC countries at 171,762.

Dhofar is gearing up to host the World Theatre Festival in October. This festival is described as the largest in the Arab world and ranks as the fifth-largest globally. It is expected to attract participants from various countries. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, stated that this event would elevate Dhofar's cultural standing and foster global cultural exchange.

Dr Ghassani shared these insights at the conclusion of the inaugural Dhofar International Film Festival on Wednesday. He highlighted how this festival showcased Omani cinematic achievements and supported young filmmakers. The first edition featured 200 films from 18 countries, with 41 films making it to the final competition.

The chairman emphasised that film festivals play a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness. He noted that Oman has achieved significant success in documentary filmmaking, earning several international awards this year. He also mentioned that Oman is experiencing a cultural renaissance with robust support for art and cinema.

The 'Marhaba Dhofar' initiative will begin on Monday with participation from 40 Saudi tourism companies and 13 media professionals. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, this event aims to highlight Dhofar's main tourist attractions such as Salalah's beaches, green mountains, and archaeological sites while fostering closer tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Dhofar's scenic landscapes and cool weather during khareef continue to draw large numbers of tourists, most of whom travel by land. The region's natural beauty remains a significant attraction for visitors seeking a unique experience.

The World Theatre Festival represents a major cultural milestone for Dhofar as it prepares to host an event of such magnitude. This festival not only enhances local culture but also promotes international cultural exchange.

As Dhofar continues to attract more tourists each year, initiatives like 'Marhaba Dhofar' are essential for strengthening regional tourism cooperation and showcasing Oman's rich heritage.

The ongoing surge in visitor numbers during khareef season underscores Dhofar's growing appeal as a prime tourist destination. With events like the World Theatre Festival on the horizon, Dhofar is set to further cement its status as a cultural hub in the Arab world.