
Events, avenues announced for Dhofar Khareef 2025
Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, said the season will showcase Dhofar as an integrated tourist and cultural destination. Activities will be spread across five main locations: Ittin Square, Al Saada area, Awqad Park, Ittin Plain and Salalah Public Park. Each site will feature distinct events designed to reflect the region's natural and cultural diversity. The municipality confirmed that the venues have been prepared in cooperation with supporting institutions to ensure high standards and varied content. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani at a press conference on Saturday
Alongside the main sites, several other venues will host public and cultural activities, including the frankincense market, the 'Al Gharf' event at a Salalah farm, events at Raysut Beach, and artistic murals on Al Nahda Tower using modern visual displays.
Additional events are planned in the wilayats of Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah, as well as at Al Hafa Beach Market and Samharam Village in Salalah.
The season will also feature major sporting events such as the Salalah International Cycling Tour, the Dhofar International Drag Racing Championship, the Salalah Marathon and the Dhofar Khareef Traditional Weapons Competition. 'These aim to attract wider participation and position Dhofar as a destination for quality sports tourism.'
Cultural activities include theatrical performances and seminars at Al Murooj Theatre in Salalah, with contributions from local and international writers and thinkers. Dhofar Municipality also plans to allocate dedicated space during the khareef season for small and medium enterprises, allowing entrepreneurs to present their products and promote local heritage as part of the visitor experience.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
GREEN SPACES AT RISK FROM OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Some phenomena continue to spoil the experience of enjoying the natural beauty of Dhofar Governorate throughout the year, particularly during the khareef season. One of the most damaging is the random passage of vehicles across green plains and mountain slopes. Protecting nature - especially vegetation - has become an urgent priority that requires collective effort. The benefits of preserving these green landscapes are universal, especially during khareef, when Dhofar transforms into one of the most verdant and captivating regions in the Arabian Peninsula. Adorned with a lush green blanket, the governorate draws thousands of visitors from within Oman and abroad. Dhofar Governorate alone is home to 900 species, representing 64 per cent of Oman's total flora. These plants flourish in areas blessed by seasonal rains, making the governorate especially attractive during khareef season. In response, the Dhofar Municipality has launched a project to protect these vital green spaces from uncontrolled vehicle traffic. This initiative underscores the Municipality's commitment to preserving one of the governorate's most important natural assets - its vegetation cover that spans mountains, plains and popular tourist spots. However, increased tourism and the widespread use of private vehicles in natural areas have given rise to serious threats. Irregular vehicle movements crush plants, damage root systems and disturb the soil structure, reducing its capacity to retain water and air-essential elements for plant growth. Over time, this leads to gradual vegetation loss, eventually transforming once-green areas into barren lands. The Nature Conservation Society, operating under the Environment Authority, has stepped up efforts to address this issue through an 'Awareness Initiative.' Key elements of this initiative include: Cooperation with authorities such as the Environment Authority, Dhofar Municipality, and Royal Oman Police to close dirt roads before khareef season begins. Educational outreach to residents and visitors on the importance of protecting green spaces. This involves distributing brochures, conducting biodiversity lectures and sharing multilingual awareness messages on social media. Combating invasive species like Parthenium hysterophorus and mesquite trees (Prosopis juliflora), which threaten native vegetation and biodiversity. Pest control efforts targeting harmful insects such as stem borers and termites that damage trees including baobab, wild figs (Ficus sycomorus), wild olives (Olea europaea) and frankincense (Boswellia sacra). Pruning and maintenance of perennial trees in cooperation with relevant agencies. The Society has also praised efforts to prohibit vehicle entry into green spaces and establish designated parking areas along roadsides. Vegetation is the backbone of ecological systems, stabilising soil against erosion, enriching it, purifying the air, absorbing carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. It also plays a key role in moderating temperatures, promoting rainfall through transpiration and shielding the Earth's surface from excessive heat. Despite active measures by the Municipality, Environment Authority, police and conservation groups, the phenomenon of vehicle-induced damage persists - sometimes due to ignorance, lack of enforcement, or deliberate violations. As khareef season returns, community involvement is crucial. Highlighting these issues is not meant to generalise or blame all visitors, but to encourage a deeper sense of responsibility and shared stewardship for Dhofar's green treasures.


Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Bank Muscat partnering to enhance National Initiatives in Khareef Dhofar 2025
Muscat: In line with its commitment to participate in different local events and extend support to tourism promotion initiatives, Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, extended its support to Khareef Dhofar 2025 activities. The Bank has taken a lot of efforts to enhance its partnership with various government and private institutions in different sectors including tourism; aiming to uphold its social and developmental responsibilities, striving to collaborate with all segments of society and serve the community. Participating in such events confirms the Bank's commitment to translate the goals of Oman Vision 2024. During this year's Khareef Dhofar season, the Bank launched a campaign themed 'Bilad Wasiea.' This initiative aims to highlight the natural and tourism attractions of Dhofar Governorate while informing the Bank's customers and visitors about the banking services and facilities offered. These include both the Bank's widespread branches across the governorate and the digital services available, particularly through Mobile Banking and Internet Banking. Bank Muscat's participation in the Khareef Dhofar 2025 reaffirms its commitment to promoting tourism as a key pillar of the national economy. The Bank aims to build sustainable relationships with local communities and enhance cultural awareness, contributing to the overall tourism experience in Oman and reflecting its beauty and cultural diversity. Dhofar Municipality recently announced the details for the Khareef Dhofar 2025, which will run from June 21 to September 20. This year's season features enhanced programmes designed to provide unique experience for visitors and strengthen the governorate's status as a popular tourist destination. Officials highlighted a renewed vision focused on establishing Dhofar as a comprehensive cultural and tourist hub, with activities scheduled at five key locations: Atin Square, "Return to the Past" in Al Saada, Awqad Park, the Modern Front in Atin Plain, and Salalah Public Park. On this occasion, Taya Eid Bait Sabeea, Deputy General Manager – Interior Regions, Bank Muscat, said: 'The Bank is dedicated to offering a range of banking services to all visitors, with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and supporting events that highlight the Sultanate as a key tourist and economic destination. Khareef Dhofar attracts visitors due to the region's exceptional climate. The Bank acknowledges the significant role of Dhofar Municipality in organizing events that promote tourism and economic growth. The Bank reaffirms its commitment to providing top-tier services through various channels across Dhofar and beyond, embodying its vision "To serve you better, every day." Bank Muscat is committed to providing comprehensive banking services to all customers, making it easier for them to meet their financial needs, especially during important events and tourist seasons. With the start of the Khareef Dhofar activities, visitors can benefit from the banking services offered by Bank Muscat along the road leading to the governorate, in addition to its network of 14 branches distributed according to population density and economic growth in the governorate. As the leading financial institution in the Sultanate, Bank Muscat has an extensive branch network comprising more than 190 branches and more than 900 ATMs and cash deposit machines spread across all governorates. Customers can also benefit from the various services offered by the Bank's mobile and internet banking, as well as the 24/7 contact center. The Bank will continue to develop its services to ensure that they reach everyone in the Sultanate.


Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Saudi tourism delegation explores Dhofar in promotional visit
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the Dhofar Khareef 2025, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism organised an introductory trip for Saudi tourism agency representatives to Dhofar governorate from July 8 to 13. The initiative comes under the umbrella of the ministry's wider 'Make Your Summer Green' campaign, which targets Gulf markets to showcase Oman's unique summer tourism offerings—particularly the cool, lush appeal of Dhofar during the khareef season. The delegation toured various natural, historical, and cultural landmarks in and around Salalah, engaging with local experiences and tourism operators. The visit aimed to familiarise Saudi tourism stakeholders with Dhofar's potential as a destination for Gulf travelers, encouraging future cooperation in tourism promotion and package development. The ministry stressed that such trips help build cross-border tourism ties and position Oman – especially Dhofar – as a top regional choice for summer holidays, thanks to its cool climate, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. The 'Make Your Summer Green' campaign will continue throughout the season, with further tours planned from other Gulf countries.