It’s officially summer and right now most of us scrambling trying to find some cooler getaway destinations, if only for a weekend or more. And while searching for that destination with a more accommodating climate, I stumbled upon Dhofar in Oman. It is right next door to the UAE, but apparently, has a pleasant tropical climate this summer season. It was also interesting to learn that the Dhofar governorate offers a unique summer getaway with its natural beauty. The icing on the cake of this unique summer getaway is that you will be enjoying the charming tropical climate during the Khareef season (monsoon season).

Even though areas in Oman experience high temperatures during summer (more or less like the UAE), Dhofar, which is located in the south is different with its amazing moderate temperatures. The region is characterized by mountainous slopes, plains, and valleys; with its beaches extending along the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Unique Summer Getaway in Oman this Khareef Season

The Dhofar governorate has many tourist attractions that deserve a visit during Khareef season. From June to September, the mountains and plains in the region become lush green, making Dhofar an important tourism destination. Visitors and tourists are also treated to the region’s important tourism events and activities that are organized in the province.

Salalah Tourism Festival

Set to begin on 30th June, the Salalah Tourism Festival is currently the most important annual festival of the Dhofar region. To make for a unique summer getaway, it includes many activities that take place in Salalah city and beyond. The festival carries a sense of excitement through the many cultural activities and events that are conducted – targeting different groups of visitors, and providing an opportunity to experience Oman’s rich cultural heritage and traditional arts.

In addition, you can also visit the various exhibitions and marketing events that are held at the festival’s grounds, which attracts traders from different parts of the world. The festival has something for everyone, including a nightlife that varies between poetry and concert-like stage performances, which take place at Al Murooj Theater that is in the City’s Entertainment Center in Ateen Mountain. The beauty of this mountain adds a unique flavor to the atmosphere of the festival.

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Al Hafa Souq

Located next to Al Husn Palace, the Al Hafa Souq has a vast variety of locally made perfumes from frankincense. There is also powdered incense called Bakhoor that is available in an extraordinary range of fragrances. North from the souq and just next to As’ Salam Street, is the Gold Souq, where one can not only buy gold but also traditional silver which is designed based on Omani traditions.

Mugsayl Beach

Probably the most famous attraction of Dhofar, are the ‘blow-holes’ at Mugsayl, that are located to the west of Salalah. Small holes in the rock just above the sea allow a forceful fountain of sea water to explode into the air whenever the sea is slightly rough. Overlooking the blow-holes is Al Marnif Cave that provides a sheltered place to relax and enjoy the views and sea breeze. Mugsayl Beach’s soft white sand stretches for six kilometers, with its small picturesque shelters. The area also has some of the most accessible frankincense trees of the region, and what unique summer getaway would it be without frankincense?

Al Baleed

Al Baleed is considered a cultural and archaeological site by UNESCO. It is also a combination of two aspects – an open-air archaeological site, as well as The Museum of the Frankincense Lands. The Museum of the Frankincense Lands, in turn, focuses on two themes that are located opposite each other. The first is The Governorate of Dhofar’s historical and archaeological heritage; and, the second is the maritime tradition of The Governorate of Dhofar and Oman. You can be able to see the site and the ruins of Al Baleed from a small boat sailing along the creek, or by a private vehicle exploring the monuments to view the ancient extension of Omani culture.

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Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is located in the mountains overlooking the site of Khor Rori, just after Taqah on the coast. It allows views over wide areas of the coastline. Within the Wadi are ribbons of small lakes overlooked by undulating hillsides. During Khareef season, due to torrential rains, the water in the Wadi is replenished and may remain so throughout the year. The grasslands formed during Khareef season provides scenic areas to have picnics with family and friends while enjoying the pleasant climate that is characteristic of the region during Khareef season.

It seems that Oman’s Dhofar region is the perfect place to seek reprieve from the heat of the moment, in addition to experiencing the distinctive Khareef season. And if you prefer a longer stay, the region and activities will make for one unique summer getaway never to be forgotten.

xoxo