Oman Showcases Exciting Plans For Dhofar Khareef 2025 At Arabian Travel Market In Dubai

In a significant development for Oman's tourism sector, the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, together with Dhofar Municipality, has unveiled plans for the highly anticipated 2025 Dhofar Khareef season. This announcement, made during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event in Dubai, underscores Oman's dedication to showcasing one of the most distinctive seasons in the Arabian Peninsula on a global scale. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry, spearheaded the press conference, signaling a bright future for tourism in the region.

The Dhofar Khareef season, celebrated from 21 June to 20 September annually, transforms the southern part of Oman into a verdant oasis. This period offers visitors cool temperatures, mist-covered landscapes, and a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the area. The previous season witnessed a 9% increase in tourist arrivals, totaling roughly 1.048 million visitors. This growth attests to Dhofar's rising prominence as a top tourism destination both regionally and globally.

Enhancing the visitor experience for Dhofar Khareef 2025, His Excellency Dr. Al Ghassani detailed an array of new and expanded attractions. These updates promise a rich blend of entertainment, cultural activities, and family-friendly events spread across both established and newly developed venues.

Among the highlights, the "Return of the Past" event will once again captivate audiences with an expanded lineup. It aims to recreate Oman's traditional essence through authentic folk performances, vibrant heritage markets, and craft exhibitions. This initiative reflects significant site development efforts that meld historical charm with contemporary conveniences for an engaging heritage experience.

A Focus on Cultural and Entertainment Expansion

Dhofar is setting the stage for an enriched cultural scene with the introduction of Al Murooj Theater. This venue is slated to host a variety of cultural performances, including Omani, Gulf, and Arab theatrical productions. The aim is to offer visitors a dynamic cultural experience through a mix of audiovisual shows.

Athens Square is emerging as a central entertainment venue, set to host major international events, cultural activities, and shopping experiences. The area's upgrade includes an open-air theatre, shopping avenues, gaming zones, and improved dining options. Additionally, new lighting and laser shows are expected to enhance the square's appeal as an exciting nightlife spot.

Awqad Park is being revamped as a family entertainment center, offering a range of activities tailored for families and younger visitors. Similarly, the Uptown Site at Ittin Plain is earmarked as a natural retreat, focusing on outdoor recreational activities set against picturesque backdrops.

Salalah Public Park is evolving into a hub for sports activities during the Khareef season. It will host various tournaments and community sports events, providing inclusive activities for all age groups, including people of determination.

Expanding the Tourism Infrastructure

To cater to the anticipated surge in tourists, Dhofar Municipality is fast-tracking development projects across the Governorate. These projects, undertaken in collaboration with government and private sector partners, range from developing natural viewpoints and upgrading tourist sites to beautifying public spaces and improving road infrastructure.

Currently, Dhofar boasts 83 licensed hotels, providing 6,537 rooms across different categories. With several new hospitality projects slated to launch by 2025, the region is set to significantly increase its capacity to host both domestic and international tourists.

Enhancing Global Visibility and Accessibility

To further elevate Dhofar Khareef's global profile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a comprehensive promotional campaign. His Excellency Al Busaidi mentioned key initiatives including participation at ATM 2025, engaging directly with international tourism stakeholders and media. The campaign extends to wide advertising across leading Arab media outlets and travel platforms, alongside targeted social media promotions, electronic advertising, and collaborations with influential content creators. This multifaceted approach aims to boost digital reach and awareness across key markets.

Additionally, the Ministry is organizing familiarization trips for international travel agencies and media representatives. These trips are designed to showcase Dhofar's diverse offerings firsthand. Tailored tourism packages are also in development, in cooperation with local and international tour operators, to ensure seamless travel experiences that highlight Oman's unique attractions.

"Our objective is to position Dhofar as a world-class destination that offers a unique combination of nature, culture, and heritage. We aim to attract visitors seeking authentic, high-quality travel experiences through our targeted campaigns and expanded tourism offerings," stated His Excellency Al Busaidi.

Dhofar offers a plethora of experiences beyond the Khareef season, with the Sarab and Winter seasons attracting nearly half a million visitors annually. The region's temperate climate and diverse natural landscapes, coupled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Samharam Archaeological Park, and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, underscore Oman's rich cultural heritage.

As preparations for the 2025 season progress, efforts from both public and private sectors are converging to ensure top-notch facilities, services, and tourism offerings. With Dhofar's consistent year-on-year growth and expanded attractions, the 2025 season is poised to set new records, further cementing Oman's position as a leading destination in the Arabian Gulf. This initiative reflects Oman's commitment to sustainable, authentic, and world-class tourism experiences for GCC visitors and beyond.