Visitors make a beeline to beaches
Al Dahariz Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea with its soft white sands, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Wilayat of Salalah. This long, white sandy beach is surrounded by towering and picturesque coconut trees, making it a popular destination for families to enjoy leisure time and various water activities.
Spanning over 3,500 square metres, the beach offers numerous amenities, including restaurants, cafés, barbecue areas and public facilities. Nearby lies the Al Dahariz Lagoon Reserve (Khor Al Dahariz), rich in wildlife, featuring dense vegetation, diverse fish species and migratory birds such as flamingos and ibises.
Al Dahariz Beach has been designed with family-friendly tourism in mind, featuring well-lit walkways, parking areas, pedestrian paths and seating arrangements that enhance its night-time ambiance.
Located about 40 kilometres west of Salalah, Al Mughsail Beach is one of Dhofar's most famous tourist attractions, favoured by citizens, residents and visitors alike. It boasts a long stretch of blue waters and white sands, along with stunning natural scenery and unique natural fountains. Nestled between mountain ranges, the beach offers a distinctive natural backdrop.
Given the pleasant Khareef weather, Al Mughsail Beach welcomes visitors throughout the day to enjoy its scenic beauty and the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea, which peak during the Khareef Dhofar Season. Swimming is prohibited from June 21 to September 21 each year due to high waves.
Eftalquot Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea, features an elevated plain atop rolling hills — a green expanse stretching about three kilometres. Visitors can admire the beach, dotted with rocks and green hills, from a higher vantage point, making it a favourite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
In the Wilayat of Taqah, the beach extends over five kilometres, known for its soft silver sands and coconut trees lining the coastal road. Khor Rori Beach serves as a natural extension of Taqah's shoreline and is strategically located near the archaeological site of Samahram, a historically significant landmark in Dhofar. This beach lies directly by the ancient port of Samahram, once a major hub for exporting Omani frankincense worldwide.
Taqah is a coastal wilayat with diverse natural attractions, including beaches, plains, mountains, numerous caves, Khor Taqa, Khor Rori and several natural springs.
In the eastern part of Dhofar, the Wilayat of Mirbat stands out for its coastal location along the Arabian Sea, featuring varied beaches, coral reefs and captivating bays. Located about 76 kilometres from Salalah, Mirbat is one of the governorate's key historical and tourist cities.
Mirbat Beach is renowned for its natural beauty, silver sands, coral rocks and small inlets locally known as "Khiyas", which are rich in fish and coral reefs, making it a prime diving destination in Oman.
Mirbat experiences steady tourist activity year-round, especially during Khareef and weekends, as visitors come for fishing, relaxation, natural beauty and exploring historical sites and old neighborhoods, along with observing coral reefs and sea waves due to its rare marine biodiversity.
Among Mirbat's most prized marine catches are abalone (sea ear) and spiny lobster, with abalone found exclusively along the coasts between Mirbat and the Niyabat of Sharbathat in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands.
Additionally, the beaches of Fizayah, the main Rakhyout Beach, Shuwayb Beach and Al Hoota Beach in the Wilayat of Rakhyout are among the most stunning natural beaches, known for their unique charm and serene atmosphere, especially during the Khareef when they are adorned with misty skies and breathtaking views. These beaches feature soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. — AFP
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Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar's museums, heritage sites drive cultural tourism in khareef
Salalah – As Oman's southern governorate welcomes thousands of visitors during the khareef season, museums and archaeological sites in Dhofar are playing a central role in promoting cultural tourism, offering experiences that highlight the region's historical depth and national identity. Officials and stakeholders in the heritage and tourism sectors say that cultural tourism has become a key element of Dhofar's appeal, particularly during the monsoon period when interest in Omani history grows among domestic and international travellers. Ali bin Salem al Kathiri, Director of the Frankincense Land Sites Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the archaeological cities of Samharam and Al Baleed are prominent heritage destinations. 'These cities represent a unique model of ancient port settlements that flourished along the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and were vital to the maritime frankincense trade,' he said. He noted that both sites have been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2000 and reflect the succession of civilisations that shaped the cultural landscape of southern Oman. During last year's khareef, over 54,000 visitors toured the Land of Frankincense sites and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense. The number is expected to rise this season due to continued promotional efforts by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and its partners. To enhance visitor engagement, authorities are employing interactive educational displays, guided tours, and workshops. 'Visitor experience is evaluated through regular surveys and research, as well as feedback via the national Tajawub platform,' al Kathiri said. In the wilayat of Taqah, heritage investments are also gaining ground. Mohammed bin Ahmed Sawakhroon, supervisor of Al Askar Tower and Taqah Fort sites, said the sites have been developed into heritage tourism destinations. 'The tower now includes a restaurant, heritage café, and recreational facilities, surrounded by agricultural terraces. There are plans to connect it with Taqah Fort via a tourist route,' he said. He noted that the project has received support from the Dhofar Governor's Office, Dhofar Municipality, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, which also facilitated the inclusion of a crafts village during Khareef 2023. The newly opened Dhofar Museum in Salalah's old quarter is also attracting growing attention. Opened in July 2025, the museum houses more than 1,000 artefacts collected since the 1950s and is designed to narrate the story of the Omani people and their environment. Harith bin Mohammed al Ghassani, a member of the museum's board, said, 'The museum offers a cognitive experience that brings together historical understanding and cultural continuity.' In Taqah, the Museum of Communication of Generations has become the first private museum licensed in Dhofar. Its founder, Salem bin Ahmed al Amri, said the museum was inspired by his late mother's wish to preserve Omani heritage. Opened in 2023, it showcases local crafts, trade artefacts, and family history across four halls and an outdoor courtyard. For many visitors, the cultural experiences are a highlight of their khareef trips. Faiza bint Suwailem al Kalbani, a visitor from Muscat, said her professional visits during the monsoon season often include heritage stops. 'This time I toured the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, Al Baleed, Samharam, and coastal heritage sites. It added a cultural dimension to my work trip,' she said. Nasser bin Saif al Maamari, who visited Taqah Fort and Al Askar Tower, praised the preservation efforts and historical architecture. 'It reflects a strong commitment to protecting heritage,' he said. Kuwaiti tourist Abdul Hamid Mohammed al Khalidi described the Museum of the Land of Frankincense as an enriching stop. 'The exhibits highlight the region's historical role in the frankincense trade. The cultural and archaeological activity during khareef is clearly increasing, particularly among Gulf visitors,' he said.
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Museums and archaeological sites boost cultural tourism during Khareef Dhofar season
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These cities undertook a vital role in the maritime trade network, especially the frankincense trade. He added that historical sources and excavation results at these two sites have revealed a succession of multiple civilizations, reflecting the rich civilizational heritage of southern Oman. Both sites have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Al Kathiri noted that the number of visitors to the Land of Frankincense sites and the Museum of the Frankincense Land during the last Khareef season reached 54,569. He anticipates an increase in this number during the current season due to promotional efforts by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with public and private sector partners. He explained that the visitor experience is evaluated through regular field surveys, research studies conducted by specialized scientific institutions, and the national "Tajawob" platform, which receives public feedback and suggestions. This contributes to improving services and enhancing community interaction with these sites. He added that efforts include using interactive and educational displays, providing specialized guides, and organizing educational workshops and activities for visitors and students. The local community is also involved in museum initiatives, which enhances awareness of cultural heritage and national identity. Mohammed Ahmed Sawakheroon, supervisor and investor in the Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle sites, explained that these projects form two integrated heritage and tourist destinations in the Wilayat of Taqah. They were developed in cooperation with several government entities to enhance the visitor experience and enable young Omanis to engage in sustainable projects. He pointed out that the Burj Al Askar site received support from the Dhofar Governor's Office and was included in official visit programs. Dhofar Municipality also assisted by paving the road to the top of the tower and providing essential services. The SMEs Development Authority contributed by choosing the site for a handicraft village during the Khareef 2023 events and organizing several activities during the winter season. He explained that the tower features a heritage restaurant and café, outdoor recreational facilities, and agricultural terraces surrounding the site, offering an experience that blends heritage with nature. He added that a new investment in Taqah Castle aims to connect the two sites via a single tourist route using dedicated shuttles to transport visitors between the tower and the fort. This includes organizing cultural tours within the old city of Taqah to revive its folk and historical heritage. Harith Mohammed Al Ghassani, a board member of the Dhofar Museum, stated that the museum serves as a window into the history of the Omani people since the first settlements. Located in the old quarter of Salalah, it is distinguished by its heritage design and its contents, which include over 1,000 artifacts collected by the museum's founder since the 1950s. It also offers translated information and integrated services. He noted that the museum attracts researchers, enthusiasts, and tourists for the insightful experience it offers, which tells the story of the Omani people, their environment, and their civilizational connections. For his part, Salim Ahmed Al Amri, owner of the "Tawasul Al Ajyal Museum" (Generations Continuity Museum) in Taqah Wilayat, said that the museum is the first private museum licensed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate. It aims to transfer authentic Omani heritage from previous generations to the next, affirming that preserving cultural memory is a shared responsibility between individuals and institutions. He added that the museum's idea was born from the dream of his late mother, Tuffoul Ramadan Bamukhalef, in the 1950s and came to fruition after her death with the museum's opening in February 2023 inside the family home in the old quarter of Taqah. It serves as a living extension of the memory of the place and its people. He explained that the museum includes four halls: the reception and library hall, the "Umm Salim" hall, which embodies the traditional urban environment, the crafts and industries hall that documents silver, pottery, palm-frond, leather, and perfume industries. It also features the "Dirham Hall," which displays rare historical coins and models of their trade routes through ports, as well as an outdoor courtyard with traditional doors, windows, and local trees. In the same context, several visitors shared their cultural tourism experiences with Oman News Agency. Faiza Suwailim Al Kalbani explained that her frequent visits to Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season, often for work-related conferences and media activities, are always accompanied by her deliberate effort to take time to visit archaeological and historical sites. She added that she began her visit at the Museum of the Frankincense Land, then moved to the Al Baleed archaeological site, which is on the World Heritage List, where she learned about the history of the frankincense trade. She then continued her tour to the ancient city of Samharam and the historical Khor Rori Port, passing by Taqah Castle and then Mirbat Castle, in addition to several natural sites like Al Mughsayl Beach and Al Marneef Cave. She confirmed that this experience added a cognitive and cultural dimension to her professional visit, making her trip to Dhofar Governorate a blend of work, history, and recreation. For his part, Nasser Saif Al Maamari said that during his visit to Taqah Wilayat, he was keen to visit Burj Al Askar and Taqah Castle. He expressed his admiration for the meticulous architectural design of the two sites and the archaeological contents that embody the local heritage, expressing his pride in the achievements that reflect the focus on historical heritage. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Khalidi, a visitor from Kuwait, described his visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land as an enriching experience. He noted the noticeable tourist activity at cultural and archaeological sites during the Khareef season, especially from Gulf and Arab visitors, due to the diverse content that reflects Oman's ancient history. He added that the exhibits at the museum shed light on the frankincense civilization, which was a vital hub in the region's trade. He explained that such landmarks enhance the appeal of Dhofar Governorate as a comprehensive tourist destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Muscat Daily
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Major agri-tourism projects on the anvil in Jabal Akhdar
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