- To mark the arrival of the khareef (monsoon) in southern Oman, a full programme of celebrations and events kicks off throughout July and August, taking advantage of pleasant temperatures of 25°C.
- A cultural event that, year after year, is gaining greater international recognition and which this year welcomes Sohar International Bank as a strategic partner for the Dhofar Khareef 2026 events.
- The Khareef events attract over a million visitors annually and generate an economic impact of more than 125 million Omani rials (around 300 million euros).
In southern Oman, every year between June and September, the Dhofar region undergoes a magical transformation thanks to the Khareef: a natural monsoon phenomenon that ensures cool, pleasant temperatures, turning the south of the country into the ultimate summer retreat. This rebirth of the environment coincides with the Khareef events, a cultural festival that, year after year, is gaining greater international recognition.
During this period, Salalah hosts a wide-ranging programme of cultural, tourist and entertainment events, establishing itself as one of the region’s leading summer destinations.
The main event will be the Khareef Dhofar Events, scheduled for mid-July to late August, which will feature live concerts, cultural performances, traditional markets and activities for the whole family.
The programme will include performances of Arabic music, traditional dances such as the Al-Bar’ah, craft exhibitions, as well as a varied culinary offering based on Omani cuisine. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy leisure areas with attractions, fairs and evening shows, culminating in fireworks displays. The Al Murooj Theatre in Salalah is usually the venue for these performances.
Likewise, those visiting the region during this season have the opportunity to discover local authenticity in specialist markets such as the iconic Al Haffa souk, famous for its stalls selling locally grown tropical fruits. During the Khareef events, this commercial hub is complemented by the regional government’s support for small and medium-sized enterprises, with dedicated spaces set aside for local businesses to showcase their products and bring the region’s rich heritage to travellers.
In addition, Sohar International Bank has signed a strategic partnership with the Dhofar Municipality to participate as a key partner in Khareef 2026. The agreement was signed on 17 May in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and reinforces the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to promoting tourism as an economic driver within the Vision 2040 plan.
The Khareef events attract more than a million visitors annually and generate an economic impact of over 125 million Omani rials, approximately 300 million euros.
Beyond its cultural offerings, the Khareef season is renowned for its exceptional natural surroundings, with mist-shrouded mountains, seasonal waterfalls and mild temperatures, making Salalah an ideal destination for outdoor activities and nature tourism. Among its most spectacular sites, Wadi Darbat stands out, inviting visitors to enjoy peaceful boat trips, allowing them to sail surrounded by lush vegetation and unique scenes, such as camels grazing by the riverbank.
Among the main attractions is the Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the ruins of the ancient city and port reflect its historical importance as a trading centre.
A few kilometres away, the fortified city of Sumhuram and the port of Khor Rori offer a unique landscape beside a natural lagoon, preserving key vestiges of the ancient incense trade.
With a unique combination of climate, culture and entertainment, Khareef 2026 reaffirms Salalah’s position as one of the highlights of Oman’s tourism calendar, attracting thousands of national and international visitors every year.
About OMAN
Located in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman boasts over 3,000 kilometres of coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman. Its territory features a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts and mountains to valleys, wadis, beaches and tropical areas in the south of the country. This natural diversity is complemented by a historical legacy that includes sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country boasts an expanding network of tourism infrastructure, international air links and a range of accommodation that combines major brands with lodgings integrated into the local environment.
Further information at: www.experienceoman.om
Source: THE BLUEROOM PROJECT