Reasons To Visit Salalah, Oman – A gateway to the Arabian Peninsula

The Khareef season, which lasts from July to September, is one of the wettest times of the year in Salalah due to the monsoon. This causes the surrounding area to turn into a lush green landscape. This is one of the best times to visit the city, since the weather is so cool and refreshing, with breathtaking scenery. Tourists can explore lakes, mountains and waterfalls. The season also attracts many visitors from the Gulf region and other parts of Oman who come to escape the hot temperatures in their cities. During this time, visitors can also participate in the Khareef Festival, to learn more about the culture and take part in the festivities which offer family-friendly activities as well.

Salalah is also popular for its beautiful, unpolluted beaches. The beaches here are usually peaceful and deserted with few tourists. Birdwatching is a unique activity visitors can enjoy since many bird species flock to the shores. The beach is best visited in the evening when you can watch the sunset. Though there are many scenic beaches in Salalah, one of the best is Al-Mughsail, thanks to its fine white sands and rugged coastline, which turns green during the Khareef season. Another reason to visit is to view the Marneef Cave located nearby, with its amazing natural blowhole. Haffa Beach is another popular spot, with its palm trees dotting the shoreline. There are many luxury resorts in Salalah where visitors can stay, such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah, which offers top-notch services.

Salalah’s cultural identity has always been vastly different from the rest of Oman. Dhofar in Salalah, for example, is home to a group of mountain tribes called the Jabali who speak their own language unlike other tribes, who mainly speak Arabic. Their culture is different as well, with unique customs and traditions which have been upheld over the years. In addition, the region is also home to many Yemenis and Omanis of Yemeni descent living in this region, due to it being situated close to the Yemen border. As a result, many traditions and influences have come in from Yemen, and are still visible in the communities that live in Dhofar.

Salalah has many cultural sites and museums of interest to explore. One of the most famous of these is the Al Baleed Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This attraction is home to the ancient City of Zafar, which dates back to the pre-Islamic period. Zafar is known for having been a trading port in the past, which exported frankincense to places like China, India and Africa.

Omani frankincense is recognised as being the best in the world and is renowned for its superior quality. This valuable commodity was produced in Dhofar and was sent to Salalah to be traded. It was once a sought-after product that found its way to the Silk Route and was widely used in China and the western Mediterranean. The most famous Dhofari frankincense is the Hawjari variety, known for its silver hue and high price. Visitors who want to buy frankincense in Salalah can head to the Al Husn Souq - also known as the Frankincense Souq, which sells a variety of different types.