According to the Times of Oman, the Dhofar region has seen a significant influx of visitors during the current Khareef season. Official data indicates that the number of tourists visiting the region reached nearly half a million by the end of July 2026, marking a 6.9 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
The Khareef season, which typically runs from late June to early September, transforms the Dhofar governorate into a lush, green landscape, drawing large numbers of domestic and international tourists seeking to escape the intense heat found elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula. Salalah, the regional capital, serves as the primary hub for these visitors, offering a unique climate characterized by mist and light rainfall.
This growth in tourism is a key component of Oman's broader economic strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond hydrocarbons. Local authorities have invested heavily in infrastructure and hospitality services to accommodate the seasonal surge, ensuring that the region remains a premier destination for summer travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
As the season progresses through August, tourism officials expect the numbers to continue rising. The sustained interest in the Khareef season underscores the region's importance to Oman's tourism sector, with ongoing efforts focused on enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices to preserve the unique environmental features of the Dhofar mountains.
The report is based on data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in Oman, which is the official government body responsible for such statistics. As an official government-sourced announcement, it meets the criteria for high-confidence verification.
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Original report: Times of Oman