Dhofar Prepares Secure and Attractive Business Environment for Khareef 2025: What Investors Need to Know
Salalah: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has announced the completion of preparations to welcome the Khareef Dhofar monsoon season for 2025, a key economic and tourism event in the governorate. These preparations involved extensive inspection campaigns and awareness initiatives aimed at maintaining a secure business environment and encouraging both local and foreign investments.
Mohammed Khalifa al Badrani, Director General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, highlighted that the Khareef season is a crucial period for boosting commercial and economic activities in the region. He emphasized the need for rigorous oversight of commercial establishments to ensure adherence to legal and professional standards, alongside educating shop owners on best business practices to stimulate market activity and protect consumer rights. Special attention is given to compliance with essential requirements such as electronic payment systems to enhance service provision.
Addressing Oman News Agency (ONA), Al Badrani explained that the Directorate has conducted comprehensive inspection campaigns over several months, covering markets, commercial complexes, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets, to ensure compliance with health regulations and commercial laws.
In collaboration with relevant authorities, the Directorate is also organizing workshops and awareness sessions aimed at fostering a culture of compliance and innovation among merchants and business owners, aligning services with visitor expectations during the Khareef season.
Al Badrani pointed out significant growth in Dhofar’s commercial sector, with 718 new commercial registrations recorded by the end of Q1 2025. Construction and contracting lead the licensed commercial activities, with 2,100 licenses issued by the end of Q1 2025, compared to 1,274 in 2024, demonstrating momentum in infrastructure development.
Regarding new investments, the governorate saw 1,217 new investors and 88 commercial registrations in Q1 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence. The Directorate plays a pivotal role in facilitating procedures and supporting investors, while efforts continue to localize projects that enhance trade and industry across Dhofar’s wilayats. Integration of industrial cities, free zones, and effective utilization of Salalah Port are key strategies to boost commercial activity.
Although 9,527 commercial licenses were issued in Q1 2025, down from 13,800 in 2024, this decline is attributed to the reorganization of certain activities and updated procedures designed to improve service quality and sustainability. In the industrial sector, 1,155 licenses were issued in Q1 2025, compared to 1,742 during the same period in 2024.
Preparations for this year’s Khareef Dhofar season follow a coordinated action plan involving Dhofar Municipality, Royal Oman Police, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Consumer Protection Authority. This collaborative approach ensures a secure investment and business climate, enhancing Dhofar’s attractiveness as both an investment and tourism destination.
Al Badrani detailed the rigorous preparations, including fuel station inspections for supply and equipment safety, market monitoring for compliance with health and environmental standards, and ensuring availability of essential goods at reasonable prices. Awareness campaigns aimed at merchants and consumers promote safe purchasing and discourage negative practices. A 24/7 hotline has been established to address feedback and inquiries promptly, boosting visitor confidence.
The Directorate aims to provide a safe and comfortable shopping experience by improving sales facilities and strategically distributing commercial activities to meet demand. Business operators are urged to comply fully with legal standards, while continuous efforts educate investors to capitalize on the economic opportunities the Khareef season offers. These initiatives drive commercial and industrial growth, improve the business climate, stimulate the local economy, and enhance services for both residents and visitors.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The robust preparations for Khareef Dhofar 2025 signal a prime opportunity for businesses and investors in Dhofar, as heightened oversight and regulatory compliance promise a secure and attractive commercial environment. The evident growth in commercial registrations and infrastructure licenses highlights strengthening investor confidence and expanding market potential, particularly in construction and trade sectors. Smart investors should now focus on leveraging integrated local supply chains, enhancing service innovation, and aligning with regulatory standards to capitalize on the seasonal economic surge and sustained long-term growth.
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