Dhofar Municipality Unveils World-Class Khareef 2025: What This Means for Tourism and Business Opportunities in Oman
Salalah: Dhofar Municipality has announced an ambitious programme for Khareef Dhofar 2025, promising visitors an extraordinary blend of culture, entertainment, and innovation. This year’s season will feature international performances for the first time, alongside record-breaking attractions.
Ammar bin Obeid Ghawas, Director of Events and Awareness at Dhofar Municipality, explained that the season has been meticulously crafted to appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, merging modern interactive experiences with genuine Omani traditions.
“We are committed to delivering a season that integrates culture, entertainment, and innovation to meet the diverse expectations of our audience,” Ghawas told Oman Observer. This year’s highlights include attractions unprecedented in Oman—and some unique on a global scale.
Ittin Square, the central hub of the season, will host the world’s largest inflatable amusement park and the biggest stage of its kind, featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Visitors will enjoy eco-friendly fireworks, daily drone shows spanning 47 days, folklore performances from 18 countries, and bustling Omani markets showcasing products from small and medium enterprises.
A designated area will spotlight local brands led by Omani entrepreneurs. The modern promenade at Ittin Plain will include a walking track, “World Stations” designed for children, a Princesses’ Palace attraction, and a variety of restaurants and food trucks, creating a complete leisure and educational destination for families.
For heritage enthusiasts, “Awda” (The Return) offers a live re-creation of traditional Omani life, featuring folk arts, heritage souqs, and handicrafts. Awqad Park (Kids’ Time) will provide creative learning zones and interactive play areas within a safe, engaging environment. Wellness and sports will be highlighted at Salalah Park (the Health Park), which includes running tracks and activity zones promoting an active lifestyle.
Beyond Salalah, the programme extends to events such as Ausara, Avicennia, Al-Gharf, the Frankincense Market, and the Al Haffa Beach Market, with activities in Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah. Major international sporting events, including the Salalah International Cycling Tour, the Sand Drag Race Championship, and the Khareef Dhofar Traditional Shooting Competition, will also be featured.
Ghawas stressed that the season is designed to celebrate Omani identity, with over 1,000 Omani home-based businesses and entrepreneurs participating. All events will be managed and operated by Omani-owned companies, underscoring the Municipality’s dedication to supporting national projects, empowering youth, and positioning Khareef Dhofar as a genuine platform for sustainable development.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The Khareef Dhofar 2025 programme signals a significant boost for Oman’s tourism and cultural sectors, blending tradition with innovation to attract diverse visitors. Businesses, especially SMEs and local entrepreneurs, stand to gain immensely from heightened exposure and demand, while smart investors should consider the growing appetite for experiential and eco-friendly entertainment as a strategic opportunity. However, maintaining the quality and sustainability of these large-scale attractions will be key to long-term success and avoiding oversaturation risks.
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