Oman: Khareef Dhofar draws record crowds as experts call for sustainable eco-tourism
The 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with popular sites like Wadi Darbat, Ain Razat and Al Mughsail witnessing heavy footfall. While the monsoon transforms the region into a lush haven, local guides and environmentalists warn that unchecked tourism is placing unprecedented pressure on fragile natural ecosystems. 'Khareef Dhofar is not just a season — it's a living system', said an ecotourism guide near Ain Hout, one of the lesser-known springs in Qayrun Hiyarti. 'And it's asking for our respect'.
More than 360 natural springs in Dhofar rely on consistent monsoon rainfall. In years of weak Khareef, water levels drop significantly and experts fear that increasing climate variability could worsen the situation. There are also growing calls to adopt a zoning model that classifies sites into conservation, eco-tourism and public use areas, ensuring a balance between access and protection.
Even remote locations such as Shaat Viewpoint and Fazayah Beach are showing signs of wear—rutted trails, discarded plastic and rising insect populations, all suggesting environmental strain. 'Even the insects are messengers', noted one inspector. 'They tell us when nature is out of sync'.
Cultural events are reinforcing the idea that environmental care is part of local heritage. 'Our ancestors lived in harmony with the land', said a craftswoman near Ain Sahalnoot.
Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
Abu Dhabi sets out Dh764m investment plan to boost tourism in Oman's Salalah
Abu Dhabi has set out a Dh764.5 million ($208 million) investment strategy to boost tourism in Salalah, Oman, with plans for a sprawling luxury resort and a marina and beachfront revamp that will help generate hundreds of jobs. The major development – set across a 2.5 million square metre area in Jinawf – aims to bolster Oman's rising status as a tourism hub in the region and globally. Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the Integrated Tourism complex project in Salalah on Monday, along with Omani authorities. The first phase, covering 604,000 square metres, will feature a high-end resort with more than 120 rooms and chalets, as well as the development of the marina and the regeneration of coastal and beachfront areas. The significant funding injection from ADFD will also support essential infrastructure works, including roads and public utilities. "This project is a testament to the deep-rooted strategic ties between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman," said Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD. "It reaffirms ADFD's ongoing commitment to supporting the development strategies of partner nations through investments that enable economic growth and generate a positive, sustainable impact for local communities. "The project also reflects our vision of economic diversification and our proactive approach to advancing sustainable development through meaningful regional partnerships and shared prosperity." Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman, said the scheme was expected to create hundreds of job opportunities while stimulating growth across key economic sectors. The project is central to Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a key driver of economic diversification. Salalah is already a popular tourist destination, particularly for travellers within the Gulf. Holidaymakers visit the city in large numbers during the Khareef season – typically from June to September – when monsoon rains turn the desert landscape into a vibrant sea of lush greenery, leading to cooler temperatures. Last year there were 15 million domestic tourists and four million internationally, exceeding previous record levels of 2019. The UAE, India, Germany and other western European countries were the main tourist source markets for the sultanate. The UAE and Oman last year established investment partnerships worth Dh129 billion across several sectors including renewable energy, railway, green metals and technology. The collaborations were announced following the state visit of Oman's Sultan Haitham to the UAE in April last year. The two countries will set up an industrial and energy mega project valued at Dh117 billion, with solar and wind projects, and green metal production units.
Cosmopolitan ME
4 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
Here's your OG BFF guide for International Friendship Day
Long-distance friendships hit different. Whether it's sending unhinged voice notes across time zones, telepathically sending love, or sharing a Pinterest fit inspo board, there's a kind of soul-deep connection that distance has nothing over. This International Friendship Day, we're raising an iced matcha (or hojicha) to the friends who hold us down despite borders. Maybe your best friend lives in another city, country, or continent. You miss the spontaneous brunches, the impulsive girls-night out, and the tender hugs. But the truth is distance has the power to strengthen a relationship, even if the hugs are rare. And when you finally do reunite, it's giving full bestie takeover. If you're planning that long-awaited trip together to Dubai, we've got you covered. We've curated a mix of where to eat, where to dance (or 'sit pretty'), and the chicest gift ideas to surprise your BFF. Here's your OG Friendship Guide. Bestie deserves a feast Jamavar Dubai Listed in the prestigious Gault & Millau Guide, Jamavar is the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty. It's an elevated dining experience that transforms a catch-up with your bestie into a full-blown event, the kind you'll want to dress up for and enjoy some remixed Indian flavours such as the Tandoori Prawns or the Gulab Jamun Tiramisu. Supplied Reservations: +971 04 553 7852 TATEL Dubai If your reunion calls for something effortlessly chic and indulgent, TATEL Dubai is the move. This Spanish fine-dining hotspot is known for its lively energy and a menu that feels like a culinary love letter to Spain. The endless small plates are for the girls who love family style feasting. The burrata will melt in your mouth the drinks are just as iconic. Sip on the Palomita, a tequila spritz with lychee and rosemary. Fair warning, it is hard to hear bestie when the live music band is playing. Supplied Reservations: |+971 50 437 2238 (WhatsApp) Arrogante For a midday catch-up with your bestie that feels straight out of an Italian summer, Arrogante is the ultimate vibe. Sip on rosé or a mocktail with Ms. Khalifa as your iconic view. Starters include La Mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, a vibrant Italian salad with ricotta and kalamata olives, and a refreshing Salmon Carpaccio with dill dressing for the protein girlies. Supplied Reservations: reservations@ |+971 04 570 3653 'She's that girl' gift guide The Dyson Limited-Edition Kanzan Pink Airwrap Supplied Tell me about it your bestie wakes up flawless, always has her hair done (even for pilates), and might just be a beauty influencer in the making. Let's be honest, gifting her the Dyson is basically BFF royalty behaviour. Her salon-level blowouts will thank you. 💁🏻♀️ Flowwow's Flower Bag with Hydrangea and Rose Supplied Celebrate Friendship Day in style with this chic floral handbag handcrafted with fresh, seasonal blooms of spray roses, hydrangea, and lisianthus.🌸 This is the new Birken, no?🤭 The Djerf Avenue Robe Supplied For the bestie whose dream day starts with slow mornings, iced coffee, and 30 minutes of skincare. The iconic Djerf Avenue robe is cloud-soft, neutral-toned, and basically a hug.🎀 It's minimalist, super viral, and screams clean girl aesthetic meets soft luxury. Who doesn't want to wake up and lounge in an iconic robe?✨🧁 Ladies' night is for the girls' girls Bar Du Port and L'Occitane are spoiling the ladies with glamorous beauty treats on July 30 at 7 PM. All you have to do is arrive early and be one of the first 30 ladies to receive a bottle of the viral Almond Shimmering Oil. Told you they're generous.✨ Location: Bar Du Port Dubai, Dubai Harbour Craving that golden hour glow and unlimited sips? Mina Seyahi is giving everything the group chat needs. 💅🏼 Boho-chic poolside lounging, rooftop views that literally scream 'post me', and a menu worth posting twice about. Oh, and the ambiance? Don't even get us started — Instagram will be begging you to post. Let's just say your camera roll's about to be booked and busy. 😌 Location: Ginger Moon at W Dubai Check out this 'missing bestie emotional support' article next.🥹
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Blacklane accelerates growth in Dubai
Dubai, UAE: Ultra-luxury iconic car marque Rolls-Royce is now available as a new Platinum Class option from the global chauffeur service Blacklane. Initially in Dubai, the introduction of Rolls-Royce models to Blacklane is part of ongoing investment and expansion across the Middle East for the fast-growth business. The development follows the addition of Business Class - Blacklane's entry level vehicle option - in Dubai as operations in the UAE continue to expand. A fleet of all-electric Mercedes Benz EQEs were added to the Blacklane platform in March this year, boosting the already popular First Class service established in the city since 2023. Further recent growth in the GCC has included the roll-out of Lucid advanced electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia and new operations opening in Kuwait. Dr Jens Wohltorf, co-founder and CEO, Blacklane explains: '2025 has been a year of milestones for Blacklane in the GCC and we are hitting new achievements in luxury mobility month after month. Dubai is a city of opportunity and a fitting home for the first ever Rolls-Royce cars on our platform. Our investment is raising demand and excitement for first-class chauffeur services across the Middle East. I'm excited to plan the ambitious next phase of how our new Platinum Class comes to life around the world very soon.' Bringing an unrivaled level of luxury and exclusivity to Blacklane's Dubai presence, the Ghost Series II Rolls-Royce vehicles are complemented by new professional chauffeurs who have been onboarded by Blacklane for their track record with highly prestigious cars. The new Platinum Class chauffeurs have completed bespoke training at the Blacklane Chauffeur Academy in Dubai to bring the highest standards of service to guests. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II cars boast the signature Blacklane two-tone black and white exterior and are now available for both pre-booked journeys, including airport transfers, and immediate hailing from select locations in Dubai. About Blacklane: Blacklane is the global chauffeur service delivering premium, sustainable and reliable transportation in over 50 countries. With services ranging from airport transfers and city-to-city rides to on-demand and hourly bookings, Blacklane ensures a seamless travel experience for business and leisure guests alike. Headquartered in Berlin, the fast-growing scale-up employs 400+ people worldwide and partners with thousands of chauffeurs to deliver first-class service. As a leader in sustainable mobility, Blacklane drives innovation in electrification, training and technology, trusted by top luxury travel brands and discerning clients across six continents.
