Latest news with #KhalidbinAbdullahalAbri
Observer
11-06-2025
- Observer
New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef
SALALAH: In preparation for the upcoming Khareef Dhofar Season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several new tourism projects across the governorate. The newly opened facilities include the Dhofar Private Museum, an 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah with 216 rooms. These additions bring the total number of licensed tourism establishments in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering more than 8,000 hotel rooms. A new tourist information centre has also opened at Al Haffa Beach Market to enhance visitor services. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director-General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the significance of the khareef season as one of Oman's most important tourism events. Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), he noted that the unique monsoon climate makes Dhofar a prime destination attracting visitors from different countries. New projects inaugurated ahead of Khareef The ministry has implemented a comprehensive promotional campaign for this year's khareef season as part of its broader tourism strategy. Early marketing efforts included participation in international travel exhibitions such as the Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality officials held a press conference to announce the season's events. Additional promotional workshops were conducted in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, highlighting new direct flight routes to Salalah Airport operated by airlines including Flynas, Saudi Airlines (Flyadeal), Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. Al Abri explained that the ministry's strategy focuses on extending the tourism season over 100 days while managing visitor distribution across three distinct periods between June 21 and October 10. The peak season from mid-July to late August typically sees the highest occupancy rates, while the ministry is working to boost visitation during the shoulder seasons through targeted marketing and special travel packages. — ONA
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Dhofar region gears up for khareef
Muscat – Dhofar governorate is preparing for the 2025 khareef season with a series of new tourism projects aimed at improving visitor experience and increasing regional appeal. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) is set to open the Dhofar Private Museum and a new three-star hotel in Mirbat offering 84 rooms. Additionally, 216 luxury hotel apartments will be inaugurated in Salalah. These additions will raise the number of licensed tourism establishments in the governorate to 100, with a combined capacity exceeding 8,000 rooms. A tourism information centre is also scheduled to open at the Al Haffa Beach Market in Salalah to support visitors. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the khareef season remains one of the most important periods for domestic and regional tourism, drawing large numbers from across Oman and the wider Gulf region due to the governorate's unique monsoon climate. The ministry's strategy for 2025 includes extending the season to 100 days, dividing it into three operational phases, and increasing GCC tourist numbers through targeted promotions and improved connectivity. From June 21 to July 14, occupancy rates are expected to range between 35 and 40%, with the peak period from July 15 to August 30 drawing the highest footfall. The final phase, from September 1 to 21, is projected to see occupancy between 30 and 35%, bolstered by regional and international conferences continuing through October. To improve access, Salalah will be connected by direct flights from Saudi Arabia via flynas and flyadeal. The ministry has also stepped up regional promotions, including participation in Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality held a press conference to announce seasonal events. Promotional campaigns were also launched in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with flynas, flyadeal, Oman Airports and tourism firms. In Kuwait, the ministry unveiled a series of khareef travel packages during Eid al Adha in coordination with Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, which will operate direct seasonal flights to Salalah. Abri said the ministry continues to work with the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, to position Khareef Dhofar 2025 as a distinctive and sustainable destination. He noted that marketing plans are guided by performance metrics aimed at increasing arrivals and spreading visitor activity across the entire season. The 2024 khareef season attracted over 1,048,000 visitors, marking a 9% rise compared to the 2023 total of approximately 962,000.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tourism Ministry unveils new projects and plans for Khareef 2025
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a number of key tourism projects in the governorate aimed at enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the sector's capacity. The initiatives include the launch of luxury serviced apartments in the wilayat of Salalah, offering 216 rooms, as well as a new three-star hotel in the wilayat of Mirbat, with a total capacity of 84 rooms. Additionally, the Dhofar Private Museum has been opened to highlight the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. These developments come as part of the ministry's broader strategy to boost tourism infrastructure and attract more visitors during the khareef season, known for its unique weather and lush landscapes that distinguish the governorate from the rest of the Sultanate of Oman. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said the Khareef Dhofar season remains one of the most significant tourist events in the Sultanate of Oman, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. He noted the season's exceptional weather conditions and the natural beauty of the governorate, which make it a major destination for both domestic and international travellers. As part of its promotional programmes for Khareef Dhofar 2025, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism aims to achieve three key objectives: Maximising visibility: Promote the season from the outset, ensuring wide coverage and awareness. Visitor distribution: Manage tourist flow during peak periods by segmenting the season into three phases. Increasing arrivals: Target GCC markets through intensified marketing campaigns to attract more tourists. The ministry has outlined three key periods for Khareef Dhofar 2025 to facilitate visitor planning and optimise the tourism experience: First period: June 21 – July 14 Second period: July 15 – August 30 Third period: September 1 – October 10 These efforts reflect the government's commitment to developing tourism as a vital contributor to the national economy and to promoting Dhofar as a leading cultural and natural destination in the region.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Tourism ministry steps up efforts ahead of Dhofar khareef
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has begun reviewing readiness of hotels and tourism establishments in Dhofar ahead of the 2025 khareef season with the aim of improving service quality and ensuring compliance with updated regulations. The efforts include inspections and consultations with licensed establishments across the governorate. An introductory workshop was held at Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah on Monday, where tourism operators were briefed on the ministry's expectations and support tools for the upcoming season. Key areas of focus included hotel service standards, complaint resolution mechanisms and promotional strategies tailored to the monsoon season. Participants were introduced to the 'Tajawub' platform, a digital system designed to manage visitor complaints and respond to tourism-related enquiries. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the workshop was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to uphold service standards. 'We currently have 80 licensed hospitality establishments in the governorate and expect this number to reach 120 by the end of 2025,' he said. Abri also outlined MHT's promotional strategy for the season developed in coordination with tourism offices, airlines and car rental companies. The plan includes packages designed to attract a wide range of visitors to Dhofar. The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 21, continues to grow in popularity. More than 1mn tourists visited Dhofar during the 2024 season, up from 962,000 in 2023, confirming its status as a key event in Oman's tourism calendar.
Muscat Daily
21-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tourism ministry steps up efforts ahead of Dhofar khareef
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has begun reviewing readiness of hotels and tourism establishments in Dhofar ahead of the 2025 khareef season with the aim of improving service quality and ensuring compliance with updated regulations. The efforts include inspections and consultations with licensed establishments across the governorate. An introductory workshop was held at Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah on Monday, where tourism operators were briefed on the ministry's expectations and support tools for the upcoming season. Key areas of focus included hotel service standards, complaint resolution mechanisms and promotional strategies tailored to the monsoon season. Participants were introduced to the 'Tajawub' platform, a digital system designed to manage visitor complaints and respond to tourism-related enquiries. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the workshop was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to uphold service standards. 'We currently have 80 licensed hospitality establishments in the governorate and expect this number to reach 120 by the end of 2025,' he said. Abri also outlined MHT's promotional strategy for the season developed in coordination with tourism offices, airlines and car rental companies. The plan includes packages designed to attract a wide range of visitors to Dhofar. The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 21, continues to grow in popularity. More than 1mn tourists visited Dhofar during the 2024 season, up from 962,000 in 2023, confirming its status as a key event in Oman's tourism calendar.
