Latest news with #SalalahKhareefFestival
Observer
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Ittin Square comes alive as Festival blends culture, spectacle
SALALAH, JULY 18: Ittin Square, the vibrant centrepiece of the Salalah Khareef Festival, invites visitors into a world of entertainment and culture, featuring shopping, international acts and unique family experiences. This year's highlight is the festival's largest-ever theatre pavilion, inspired by the nearby mountains and equipped with interactive screens, laser games and cascading water features. Each night, the skies above Ittin Square light up with eco-friendly fireworks and captivating drone shows, offering a modern spin on traditional celebrations. A rich lineup of international performances adds to the festival's energy. Highlights include the futuristic Galaxy Shows with space-themed fashion and immersive lighting; the thrilling Crow Show with acrobatic stunts seen on America's Got Talent; the playful Emoji Festival bringing 20 animated characters to life; the mesmerising Shadow Fantasy Show; and live music from Mexico's Latin Band, the globally touring Argola Band, plus various Unesco-sponsored folkloric acts. Roaming musicians and dancers enliven the festival with events such as the Music Carnival, European Carnival blending Russian and Oriental sounds, the lively Carnival of 100 featuring a 100-performer parade, the all-female Peter Dance Carnival and the whimsical Balloon Carnival with performers in balloon-inspired costumes, culminating in the stunning Luminous Balloon Show, which reimagines hot-air balloon entertainment. Children enjoy endless fun at the Inflatable City, the region's largest inflatable amusement park, while Culture Street offers interactive displays celebrating writers, illustrators and poets. Adding a local touch, the Retail Area features women-led enterprises presenting a blend of traditional and contemporary products — from perfumes and incense to modern Omani fashion — reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of local artisans and the drive to support homegrown talent. As the cool Khareef mist settles over Salalah, Ittin Square once again pulses with music, lights, laughter and colour. From July 15 to the end of August, the iconic square hosts an energetic mix of entertainment that fuses tradition, innovation and family fun. At the heart of the festival is the International Folklore Show, running until August 30, featuring dance and music from around the world and drawing crowds from across Oman and beyond. Adjacent to the folklore stage, the Inflatable Entertainment City offers daily fun for children to bounce, climb and play to their hearts' content. Evenings at Ittin Square dazzle with nightly Fireworks Shows through August 30, alongside Drone Art Shows until August 13, where illuminated drones perform synchronised routines overhead. Music lovers can enjoy the upbeat Latin Band Shows (until August 3) and the immersive Galaxy Shows (until August 23). The Emoji Carnival has become a hit with younger visitors, while the Crew Show delivers acrobatic sports and daring choreography until August 3. The Lights World Carnival transforms the square into a luminous wonderland with walk-through installations. Coming up are the European Carnival (starting July 18) and the Illuminated Balloon Carnival (from July 20), both continuing into early August. The nostalgic Carnival 100 and the return of the Illuminated Balloon Shows will light the skies until August 29. August's lineup also features the circus-style Argola Shows, the energetic Peter Dance Carnival and the magical Shadow Fantasy Show — keeping the festival spirit alive through summer's end. This year's Ittin Square programme reflects a strong ambition to position Salalah as a top regional tourism destination during the Khareef Dhofar Season. Beyond entertainment, the festival boosts the local economy, supports vendors, encourages domestic travel and offers a family-friendly showcase of Omani hospitality.
Observer
07-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar Season: A strategic tourism opportunity
For Dhofar the khareef season is a crucial period for both tourism and economic growth. The authorities have confirmed their readiness for this important season, which draws a significant number of local and international visitors. The khareef season, which begins on June 21 each year, is a strategic platform to showcase Dhofar's economic potential. The khareef season transforms Salalah into a lush green paradise, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring Wadi Darbat, visiting Al Mughsail Beach, and shopping at Al Haffa Souq. The Salalah Khareef Festival, running from July 15 to August 31 is a major highlight, featuring cultural performances, local cuisine and adventure sports. The government is implementing a detailed plan to strengthen commercial oversight, boost investor confidence and safeguard consumer interests. Inspections are being conducted across markets, hotels, restaurants, and other service providers to ensure they meet legal and professional standards. Additionally, awareness workshops are also being held for business owners to improve service quality and raise awareness about consumer rights. The khareef season is a crucial period for Oman's tourism sector, offering a unique opportunity to attract visitors and boost economic growth. The hotel sector is also gearing up for the season, with over 8,000 rooms available across 100 licensed hotels in Dhofar. Many hotels are offering competitive rates, hospitality packages and customised tourism programmes to introduce visitors to Dhofar's rich cultural, natural and heritage attractions. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is actively promoting the khareef season in the GCC region through promotional campaigns and workshops. These campaigns highlight the diverse tourism experiences and activities available, including recreational events, nature exploration trips and visits to heritage sites. Direct flight options to Salalah are also being promoted to enhance accessibility. Promotional activities have been launched in key shopping malls across GCC cities, with the campaign theme 'Your Summer is Green'. The ministry participated in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in April 2025, and organised workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to promote the season. Direct flights to Salalah Airport will be operated daily during the khareef season. The khareef season, which typically lasts from June to September, transforms the previously arid landscape into a green haven, attracting tourists worldwide, especially from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This seasonal influx significantly boosts the local economy, increasing business for hotels, restaurants and other service industries. In 2024, Dhofar attracted over 1 million visitors during the khareef season, a 10-per cent increase compared to previous years. The season has become an important fixture in Oman's tourism calendar, drawing both domestic tourists and international travellers who wish to experience the governorate's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Dhofar offers numerous tourist attractions beyond the Khareef season, providing unforgettable experiences. The governorate is known for its rich cultural heritage, embodied in festivals, traditional dance and music. Despite the positive outlook, the governorate faces challenges such as managing the increased tourist influx and preserving the natural environment. However, with a strategic approach and sustainable development plans, Dhofar has the potential to become a world-class tourist destination. Dhofar's tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by its natural beauty, cultural richness and strategic investments in infrastructure and services. The governorate is poised to become a leading destination for both domestic and international travellers, contributing significantly to Oman's economic diversification and sustainable tourism goals.
