Latest news with #Mirbat
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar gears up for Khareef 2025 with new tourism projects and expanded promotions
Muscat: Dhofar Governorate is set to welcome visitors for the 2025 Khareef season with an array of new tourism projects and intensified promotional efforts, building upon its already rich offerings. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is actively opening new facilities and refining strategies to enhance the visitor experience and boost tourist numbers. New additions to Dhofar's tourism landscape In preparation for the upcoming Khareef season, several new tourism projects are being inaugurated: • The Dhofar Private Museum • A three-star hotel in Mirbat with 84 rooms • Luxury hotel apartments in Salalah boasting 216 rooms These additions bring the total number of licensed residential and commercial buildings in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering over 8,000 hotel rooms. Furthermore, a new tourist information center will open at the Haffa Beach Market to better serve visitors. Dhofar: A Unique Summer Escape Khalid bin Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, highlighted Dhofar's distinct appeal as a summer destination. He noted its exceptional climate during Khareef, which draws diverse visitors from across the globe. The governorate's natural diversity, encompassing beaches, mountain valleys, golden sands, and nature reserves, creates an ideal setting for adventure, water sports, camping, fishing, turtle watching, and kitesurfing. Additionally, visitors can explore traditional shipbuilding workshops, adding a cultural dimension to their experience. The presence of green turtles nesting from June to August further enhances its unique tourist appeal. Strategic Promotional Plan The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has developed a comprehensive action plan for the Dhofar Khareef season's tourism promotion, alongside a broader marketing program for all tourism seasons this year. This proactive approach aims to attract various segments of the global market. Key promotional activities include: • Targeting foreign markets through tailored programs, workshops, field visits, and media newsletters. • Participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025 exhibition in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality's Chairman announced the season's events. • Organising promotional workshops in Saudi Arabia to highlight new direct flights to Salalah Airport via Flynas and Flyadeal, with collaboration from Omani airports and tourism companies. • A press conference in Kuwait with Dhofar Municipality to promote the 2025 Dhofar Autumn Season's programs and events. • A special promotional campaign in Kuwait coinciding with Eid Al Adha, featuring information, offers, and packages, supported by direct flights from Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. Objectives for Khareef 2025 The Ministry aims to achieve three main objectives through its promotional programs for the upcoming season: 1) Promote the entire 100-day period of the Khareef season, starting from its beginning. 2) Distribute tourist flow more evenly by segmenting the season (June 21 to September 21) into three periods to manage peak times: • Period 1 (June 21 - July 14): Expected hotel occupancy rates of 35-40%. • Period 2 (July 15 - August 30): Considered the peak tourist season. • Period 3 (September 1 - October 10): Expected hotel occupancy rates of 30-35%, with efforts to shift regional and international conferences to this period. 3) Increase tourist numbers from GCC markets by intensifying marketing campaigns and leveraging the expanding airline network, especially direct flights from Saudi Arabia via Saudi Airlines and Flyadeal (a new operator to Dhofar). Flynas will continue its direct flights to Salalah. The Ministry is also collaborating with tourism sector partners to design appealing tourism packages. These packages aim to boost domestic and Gulf tourism during off-peak times, such as the start of the school year, by maximizing direct flights from key Gulf markets. The Dhofar Khareef season has consistently shown strong growth. In 2024, the number of visitors reached 1,048,000, marking a 9% increase compared to the 962,000 visitors recorded in 2023, underscoring the region's increasing popularity as a premier tourist destination. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
11-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dhofar readies for biggest Khareef with 100 hotels for 100 days of tourism
MUSCAT: Dhofar Governorate is preparing to host its most ambitious Khareef season yet, with 100 licensed tourism establishments (hotels) ready to serve visitors over an extended 100-day period, from 21 June to 10 October. The 2025 Khareef marks a milestone not only in infrastructure but also in the duration of the season, which has been extended by nearly three weeks compared to last year's conclusion on 21 September. To accommodate growing tourist demand, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has inaugurated several key projects ahead of the season. These include the Dhofar Private Museum, a new 84-room three-star hotel in Mirbat, and a luxury serviced apartment complex in Salalah offering 216 rooms. A newly opened tourist information centre at Al Haffa Beach Market aims to streamline visitor services. With these additions, Dhofar now boasts over 8,000 hotel rooms after the latest opening of the 100th hotel, significantly enhancing the region's ability to cater to both domestic and international visitors during the peak monsoon months. Extended season, expanded strategy Khalid Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the strategic importance of the Khareef season. 'This is more than a seasonal influx — it's a cornerstone of Oman's tourism calendar. Extending the season to 100 days gives us more room to welcome visitors and promote sustainable tourism,' he said. The ministry has structured the season into three distinct phases: an early period starting 21 June, a peak season from mid-July to late August, and a post-peak stretch until 10 October. This staggered approach is designed to manage crowd flow and maximise the tourism window, including during school holidays and shoulder periods. Targeted promotions and connectivity As part of its tourism growth strategy, the ministry has conducted an aggressive promotional campaign across key markets. This includes participation in Arab Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality unveiled this year's Khareef programme. Additional workshops and roadshows in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait highlighted Dhofar's offerings and new direct flight routes. Airlines including Flynas, Flyadeal, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways have added seasonal direct connections to Salalah Airport, greatly enhancing access from the GCC region. Al Abri noted that the ministry is particularly focused on attracting GCC families and repeat visitors, with special travel packages and school holiday-aligned promotions now in place. The extended season and new infrastructure build on the momentum of Khareef 2024, which saw 1,048,000 visitors, a 9% increase from 2023 when the arrival was 962,000 visitors. Officials are optimistic that the 2025 season will surpass this, driven by improved air connectivity, diversified offerings, and broader international visibility. Collaborations with private sector partners are also expected to play a major role in offering competitive experiences throughout the season, even during traditionally lower-traffic periods. With 100 hotels, 100 days, and a refreshed focus on sustainable growth, Khareef 2025 is poised to cement Dhofar's status as a premier regional destination for nature, culture, and monsoon magic.
Times of Oman
11-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dhofar gears up for Khareef 2025 with new tourism projects and expanded promotions
Muscat: Dhofar Governorate is set to welcome visitors for the 2025 Khareef season with an array of new tourism projects and intensified promotional efforts, building upon its already rich offerings. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is actively opening new facilities and refining strategies to enhance the visitor experience and boost tourist numbers. New additions to Dhofar's tourism landscape In preparation for the upcoming Khareef season, several new tourism projects are being inaugurated: • The Dhofar Private Museum • A three-star hotel in Mirbat with 84 rooms • Luxury hotel apartments in Salalah boasting 216 rooms These additions bring the total number of licensed residential and commercial buildings in Dhofar to 100, collectively offering over 8,000 hotel rooms. Furthermore, a new tourist information center will open at the Haffa Beach Market to better serve visitors. Dhofar: A Unique Summer Escape Khalid bin Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, highlighted Dhofar's distinct appeal as a summer destination. He noted its exceptional climate during Khareef, which draws diverse visitors from across the globe. The governorate's natural diversity, encompassing beaches, mountain valleys, golden sands, and nature reserves, creates an ideal setting for adventure, water sports, camping, fishing, turtle watching, and kitesurfing. Additionally, visitors can explore traditional shipbuilding workshops, adding a cultural dimension to their experience. The presence of green turtles nesting from June to August further enhances its unique tourist appeal. Strategic Promotional Plan The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has developed a comprehensive action plan for the Dhofar Khareef season's tourism promotion, alongside a broader marketing program for all tourism seasons this year. This proactive approach aims to attract various segments of the global market. Key promotional activities include: • Targeting foreign markets through tailored programs, workshops, field visits, and media newsletters. • Participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025 exhibition in Dubai, where Dhofar Municipality's Chairman announced the season's events. • Organising promotional workshops in Saudi Arabia to highlight new direct flights to Salalah Airport via Flynas and Flyadeal, with collaboration from Omani airports and tourism companies. • A press conference in Kuwait with Dhofar Municipality to promote the 2025 Dhofar Autumn Season's programs and events. • A special promotional campaign in Kuwait coinciding with Eid Al Adha, featuring information, offers, and packages, supported by direct flights from Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. Objectives for Khareef 2025 The Ministry aims to achieve three main objectives through its promotional programs for the upcoming season: 1) Promote the entire 100-day period of the Khareef season, starting from its beginning. 2) Distribute tourist flow more evenly by segmenting the season (June 21 to September 21) into three periods to manage peak times: • Period 1 (June 21 - July 14): Expected hotel occupancy rates of 35-40%. • Period 2 (July 15 - August 30): Considered the peak tourist season. • Period 3 (September 1 - October 10): Expected hotel occupancy rates of 30-35%, with efforts to shift regional and international conferences to this period. 3) Increase tourist numbers from GCC markets by intensifying marketing campaigns and leveraging the expanding airline network, especially direct flights from Saudi Arabia via Saudi Airlines and Flyadeal (a new operator to Dhofar). Flynas will continue its direct flights to Salalah. The Ministry is also collaborating with tourism sector partners to design appealing tourism packages. These packages aim to boost domestic and Gulf tourism during off-peak times, such as the start of the school year, by maximizing direct flights from key Gulf markets. The Dhofar Khareef season has consistently shown strong growth. In 2024, the number of visitors reached 1,048,000, marking a 9% increase compared to the 962,000 visitors recorded in 2023, underscoring the region's increasing popularity as a premier tourist destination.
Times of Oman
31-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Environmental initiative to preserve wild trees in Dhofar
Muscat: In the enchanting mountains of the Dhofar Governorate, more than 5,000 wild trees , Arabian Dhofari Buttontree and wild fig trees were pruned during the years 2023 and 2024, as part of a qualitative initiative to protect them and enhance their growth, and The field results showed a significant improvement in tree health and growth. The Environment Authority has introduced a groundbreaking initiative focused on pruning wild trees in the mountains of Dhofar Governorate. This project aims to enhance the health of key native species, including the Arabian Dhofari Buttontree (Anogeissus Dhofaric)and wild fig trees (Ficus Acacia). By protecting these trees from environmental threats and pests, the initiative supports Oman's Vision 2040 for ecological sustainability. Scheduled to take place annually in May and June—just before the autumn season—the program has already demonstrated promising results. Field surveys have observed noticeable growth in new branches and overall improvements in tree health. Pruning statistics indicate steady progress: - 2023: 2,032 trees pruned - 2024: 3,180 trees pruned - 2025: 3,000 trees targeted for pruning The effort spans multiple areas, including Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Rakhyut, and Dhalkut. Experts predict that this focused approach will contribute significantly to preserving Dhofar's natural environment and ensuring sustainable practices for future generations.
Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Heroic 25-minute CPR saves life of a child
MUSCAT: A young child was brought back to life after nearly drowning off the coast of Mirbat in Dhofar Governorate, thanks to the determined efforts of a Coast Guard officer and two citizens who refused to give up. The child was found unresponsive in the water, and the rescue team quickly pulled the child to shore. With no signs of breathing or movement, the officer and the two men immediately began CPR. For 25 minutes, they took turns performing chest compressions and rescue breaths, continuing even when there was no immediate response. Their persistence paid off — the child finally showed signs of life and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Experts say that prolonged CPR —especially in drowning cases — can mean the difference between life and death, and that survival is possible even after extended periods without consciousness if immediate action is taken. As Oman's coastline sees increasing activity with the onset of warmer months, authorities continue to urge families to remain vigilant near water and to consider CPR training — a skill that can turn ordinary people into life-saving heroes.
