Monday, September 16, 2024 The governorate of Dhofar in Oman is currently experiencing a significant boost in tourism, with visitor numbers surpassing one million during the ongoing khareef season, a notable 9% increase from the previous year. As part of this surge, Dhofar is gearing up to host the World Theatre Festival in October, an event that will elevate the region’s cultural standing as the largest theatre festival in the Arab world and the fifth-largest globally. Additionally, the “Marhaba Dhofar” initiative is set to further strengthen tourism ties between Dhofar and Saudi Arabia.
This cultural and tourism boom comes as Dhofar’s scenic landscapes and cooler khareef weather continue to attract tourists from Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and beyond. The region’s natural beauty and cultural offerings are positioning it as a premier destination for both leisure and cultural tourism, creating long-term benefits for Oman’s travel and tourism industry. Record-Breaking Tourist Influx During Khareef Season According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Dhofar had already welcomed 1,006,635 tourists by the end of August 2024, marking a 9% rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Omani nationals made up the majority of visitors, accounting for 713,105 of the total, followed by tourists from GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, who numbered 171,762. The khareef season, which brings cooler weather and lush landscapes to Dhofar.