Saturday, May 24, 2025
It was indicated that Oman’s Dhofar region experienced a significant surge in tourism during the Khareef season, which officially spanned from June 21 to September 20. This period marked the monsoon rains that transformed the area into a verdant landscape, drawing visitors seeking a unique natural environment and cultural experiences. The season was characterized by substantial rainfall that, although sometimes arriving early or late, usually led to lush greenery within two to three weeks after the onset of rains. This climatic phenomenon elevated Dhofar as an ideal summer travel destination, particularly for residents and citizens of the UAE and other neighboring countries.
The impact on the travel industry was notable, with thousands of travelers crossing from the UAE to Oman annually, especially during this season, to enjoy cooler temperatures, rain showers, and scenic beauty that was rare in the broader Gulf region. Such a seasonal influx affected regional transport, hospitality, and visa services, compelling authorities and businesses to adapt to growing demands.
Visa Policies and Border Access: Facilitating Regional Tourism Growth
Several entry points existed between the UAE and Oman, including routes through Hatta, Al Ain, and various northern emirates. It was emphasized that UAE nationals did not require visas for entry into Oman, easing cross-border travel. Expatriate residents of the UAE, however, needed visas, which could be obtained either at border crossings or preferably online beforehand to streamline the process and reduce delays.
The Royal Oman Police promoted an eVisa system as the preferred gateway for tourists, highlighting its efficiency and the smoother experience it afforded upon arrival. Although paper visa applications remained available under exceptional circumstances, online applications were strongly encouraged for convenience and safety. The tourist visa fee was relatively modest, set at five Omani riyals, equivalent to about Dh48, facilitating access for a wide range of visitors.
Visitor Demographics and Regional Trends
In 2023, approximately one million tourists visited Oman during the Khareef season, representing a diverse demographic profile. Around 70 percent of these visitors were Omani citizens and residents, with 20 percent hailing from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and the remaining 10 percent originating from other international markets such as China, Egypt, India, and Iraq.
Among the GCC countries, the UAE accounted for the largest number of visitors to Dhofar, followed by Saudi Arabia. However, officials noted a rapidly narrowing gap as tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia were increasing at a significant rate. Additionally, there was an observable growth in Chinese tourists, reflecting Oman’s expanding appeal to Asian markets.
Dhofar’s tourism authorities expressed ambitions to boost tourist numbers from both the UAE and global sources by at least 10 percent annually over the next three years. This goal was supported by ongoing investments in infrastructure designed to increase the region’s capacity and tourism pace.
Transportation Patterns and Visitor Access
Most UAE travelers reached Salalah, Dhofar’s capital, either by car or air. Some tourists preferred driving to northern Omani cities such as Sohar or Muscat, followed by bus transportation to Salalah. These diverse travel options underscored the region’s connectivity and the evolving travel preferences among visitors.
This trend had implications for the travel industry, encouraging airlines, bus operators, and road transport providers to adapt services to meet seasonal demand fluctuations. The availability of multiple entry points and modes of travel contributed to greater accessibility and flexibility, enhancing Dhofar’s appeal as a summer destination.
Hotel Capacity Expansion and Market Diversification
In response to growing tourist volumes, the Dhofar municipality was collaborating closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to expand accommodation options. This included increasing hotel and resort capacities to meet demand, especially during peak Khareef periods.
Plans were also underway to attract tourists from emerging markets, including Russia. New hotel properties were expected to open during the ongoing Khareef season, with additional openings slated for the winter months. Last year’s Khareef season saw some hotels achieving full occupancy, indicative of strong demand that placed pressure on existing hospitality infrastructure.
These developments signaled positive trends for the regional travel and hospitality industries, which were preparing for continued growth by expanding service capacity and diversifying their market reach.
Cultural and Natural Attractions: Enhancing the Visitor Experience
The Khareef season featured a rich program of activities and attractions designed to engage tourists culturally and recreationally. Visitors could enjoy carnivals, drone shows, dancing fountains, theatrical performances, and light displays throughout the region.
Dhofar was home to several natural and historical sites that stood out as key draws. The Ramlat Jadilah sand dune, renowned as the world’s largest, was a prominent feature. Numerous waterfalls, verdant landscapes, and cultural landmarks further enriched the tourist experience.
One unique attraction was the Chinese monument in Salalah, the only one of its kind outside China. This monument honored Zheng He, the famed Chinese sailor and navigator who undertook seven voyages and made multiple stops in Oman. His historical ties and cultural contributions were commemorated here, adding an international cultural dimension to the region’s appeal.
Additionally, Salalah’s extensive white sandy beaches and historic forts were especially popular among visitors from GCC countries and Western nations, highlighting the region’s multifaceted tourism offerings.
Impacts on the Regional and Global Travel Industry
The expansion and popularization of Dhofar’s Khareef season had wide-reaching implications for the travel industry, both regionally and globally. The annual influx of tourists contributed to increased demand for transportation services, accommodations, and tourism-related infrastructure. Airlines servicing the Oman-UAE corridor and local travel operators were witnessing growing business, necessitating enhancements in fleet capacity and service quality.
Furthermore, the growing diversification of tourist origin countries, with rising numbers from Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, and others, indicated an expanding international footprint. This required the travel industry to adopt more globalized marketing strategies and tailor services to accommodate diverse cultural preferences and language needs.
The seasonal nature of the Khareef tourism spike also presented challenges and opportunities. Travel companies and hospitality providers had to optimize resource allocation to handle peak periods effectively while ensuring sustainability and service standards. Investments in digital tools, AI-powered booking platforms, and real-time traveler information systems were becoming increasingly important to manage visitor flows and enhance customer experiences.
On a broader scale, Oman’s success in leveraging natural phenomena like the Khareef season to drive tourism could inspire other countries to explore eco-tourism and climate-based travel experiences. The emphasis on infrastructure development, visa facilitation, and multi-channel transportation connectivity reflected best practices likely to influence tourism development models in similar emerging markets.
Summary of Tourism Development and Travel Industry Effects
- Growth in Dhofar’s Khareef season tourism drives regional economic diversification and infrastructure investment.
- Visa policy improvements and enhanced border access facilitate smoother travel flows from the UAE and beyond.
- Expanding hotel capacities and new market targeting (Russia, China) reflect rising demand and diversification.
- Multi-modal transportation options support increased accessibility to Salalah and surrounding areas.
- Cultural, natural, and historical attractions combined with entertainment offerings enrich visitor experiences.
- Regional travel industries, including airlines and hospitality providers, adapt to seasonal demand and internationalization.
- Success in Dhofar could serve as a model for sustainable, climate-linked tourism initiatives globally.
The overall trajectory suggested that Oman’s Dhofar region was poised to solidify its position as a premier summer travel destination within the Gulf and MENA region, with rippling effects on global travel patterns. The country’s strategic focus on infrastructure, technology, and cultural heritage preservation were integral to this growth, promising enhanced experiences for travelers and new business opportunities for the international travel industry.
(News Source: Khaleej Times)
