There are few places on Earth where rain is considered a blessing, let alone a full-blown tourism magnet. But in Oman’s Dhofar region, where the Khareef monsoon rolls in like a gentle tide each June, locals don’t just welcome the rain—they throw a festival for it.
At this year’s Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, flanked by Dhofar Municipality’s top brass, proudly unveiled the details of the 2025 Dhofar Khareef season. The press conference, which had the calm confidence of a country that knows it has something rare, was led by His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani and His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi. And for good reason—the numbers speak for themselves.
In 2024, more than 1.048 million visitors flocked to Dhofar during the monsoon months, marking a healthy 9% bump from the previous year. And if the 2025 season delivers on the promises made in Dubai, we could well be looking at another record-breaking Khareef.
From Desert to Dreamscape
Each year between 21 June and 20 September, something magical happens in Oman’s far south. The barren hills around Salalah shrug off their dusty coats and don lush green mantles. Temperatures cool, mist clings to banana plantations, and waterfalls tumble from nowhere. This isn’t your postcard Middle East—it’s a monsoon fairy tale with an Arabic script.
Omani officials discuss Dhofar Khareef 2025 strategy at ATM Dubai.
His Excellency Dr Al Ghassani announced that the 2025 edition of Khareef will stretch even further across Dhofar Governorate, thanks to upgraded infrastructure and a sprawling slate of events.
Heritage in High Definition
The “Return of the Past” heritage village, already a favourite among nostalgic locals and fascinated foreigners, will return with new vigour. Think of it as Oman’s living museum—folk dancers whirl to the rhythm of hand drums, potters shape clay with fingers steeped in centuries of tradition, and market stalls brim with dates, incense, and woven palm baskets.
But this year, it’s getting an upgrade. More immersive experiences, expanded sites, and a fresh layer of storytelling will bring the Sultanate’s rich past firmly into the present.
Lights, Laser, Action!
If traditional Oman is best savoured by lantern light, Athens Square is its electric counterpoint. It’s here that Khareef’s modern pulse beats loudest—with open-air concerts, laser light shows, artisan markets, and food trucks offering everything from shawarma to bubble tea. Add in newly upgraded gaming arcades and family zones, and you’ve got an entertainment hub fit for a regional capital.
“By day, you’ll smell frankincense. By night, you’ll hear the bass,” quipped one Dhofar official—part boast, part invitation.
Family at the Forefront
Awqad Park has long been a favourite among local families, but 2025 will mark its reimagining as a full-blown family entertainment zone. Children’s theatre, science shows, soft-play castles, and storytelling sessions under the rain-draped trees are all part of the plan.
Meanwhile, the Ittin Plain’s Uptown Site is set to dazzle with nature-based experiences. Think shaded walking trails, pop-up yoga retreats, and stargazing evenings with Arabian astronomers.
Audience engages as Oman reveals Dhofar Khareef 2025 at ATM.
For the more athletically inclined, Salalah Public Park is turning into Khareef’s sporting nerve centre. Football tournaments, cycling events, and inclusive community sports for people of all abilities are on the bill.
A Stage for Culture
Culture vultures, take note: Al Murooj Theatre is the latest addition to Dhofar’s monsoon makeover. Set to host Omani, Gulf, and broader Arab stage performances, this venue adds an artistic crescendo to the region’s seasonal song.
Expanding the Map
One of the more quietly ambitious announcements was Dr Al Ghassani’s plan to expand Khareef celebrations to coastal governorates beyond Salalah. Each town with a taste of the mist will get its moment to shine, from sea-view souqs to community parades and even beachside concerts under stormy skies.
Building for the Boom
Oman isn’t resting on its laurels. With visitor numbers on the rise, Dhofar Municipality has accelerated development across the board. Expect new scenic viewpoints with safety features, improved signage for self-guided travellers, more attractive public spaces, and smoother roads connecting attractions.
As of now, Dhofar boasts 83 licensed hotels and more than 6,500 rooms. Come 2025, that number is set to rise, with a suite of luxury resorts, boutique lodges, and eco-conscious stays on the horizon. It’s tourism growth with a conscience.
Selling the Story to the World
His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi laid out the Ministry’s global marketing blueprint. “We’re taking Dhofar to the world,” he said—an elegant summary of an ambitious plan.
There’ll be heavy promotion through Arab media, specialist travel networks, and collaborations with influential content creators. Tailored digital campaigns and electronic billboards will illuminate key markets, while travel agents and media representatives will be flown in to witness the monsoon miracle firsthand.
Tour packages are also being refined to ensure seamless experiences, linking Dhofar’s cooler coast with Oman’s more arid interior. From sunburnt dunes to emerald valleys, it’s a compelling duality that few destinations can claim.
Not Just a Summer Fling
While Khareef is the jewel in Dhofar’s crown, the region is no one-season wonder. Winter brings its charms—mild sunshine, crisp air, and even more stars than the monsoon sky can manage. Around half a million travellers already visit during the cooler months, drawn by Dhofar’s UNESCO-listed gems, such as Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense.
From coconut-fringed beaches to camel tracks in the Empty Quarter, Dhofar remains a place of contrast, character, and, increasingly, global curiosity.
The Final Word
If there’s one thing the Sultanate made clear at ATM 2025, it’s this: Dhofar is no longer a hidden treasure. It’s a headline act, and the world is finally tuning in.
Whether you’re an Australian yearning for a different kind of winter or a Gulf resident craving cool air and culture, Dhofar’s Khareef is calling. And this time, it’s turning up the volume.
By Jason Smith, filed from Arabian Travel Market, Dubai
