Dhofar’s Seasonal Transformation: What the Sarb Winds Mean for Business and Investment Opportunities in Oman
Salalah: Dhofar has concluded its 2025 Khareef season, marking the end of a period that significantly boosted tourism and trade throughout the governorate.
As the monsoon recedes, Dhofar transitions into the Sarb season—a spring-like phase lasting from 21 September to 21 December—highlighting the region’s distinctive, vibrant seasonal changes.
Astronomically considered a spring period, the Sarb is most prominent along the coastline from Dalkut in the west to Mirbat in the east. During this time, temperatures become milder, sunlight softens, humidity decreases, and the sea calms. Once the thick Khareef fog dissipates, the scenery transforms: mountains, plains, and valleys remain lush and green, adorned with flowers and gently stirred by cool breezes.
For visitors, the Sarb offers a tranquil experience characterized by mild weather, expansive views, and leisurely days spent under shaded trees or across open plains, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Economically, the Sarb is a vital season for Dhofar. Farmers begin harvesting seasonal crops such as maize, beans, and cucumbers following the monsoon rains. Honey production increases, alongside traditional dairy products like ghee and the local qatmim butter.
The season also benefits the fishing industry, with abundant catches of high-value pelagic and demersal species including lobster, kingfish, and sardines, as well as local favorites like safi and sha’ari. This supports both food security and continued commercial activity.
For herders, the abundance of natural pasture during the Sarb is crucial. In late September, camel owners participate in khatil al-ibil, moving their herds to rich grazing lands that were off-limits during the Khareef season. This migration is often accompanied by traditional songs and heritage arts, reflecting Dhofar’s deep-rooted social customs.
From the rain-soaked monsoon to a mild, green spring, Dhofar once again demonstrates its identity as a land of distinct seasons—an all-year-round destination for nature and culture that enhances Oman’s standing on the global tourism stage.
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Dhofar’s transition from the Khareef monsoon to the Sarb season highlights a unique, year-round economic and tourism cycle that businesses in Oman can strategically leverage. The Sarb period boosts agriculture, fisheries, and traditional dairy production, presenting smart investors with opportunities to expand in seasonal food markets and eco-tourism ventures. Entrepreneurs should consider integrating sustainable practices that celebrate Dhofar’s cultural heritage and natural appeal, positioning themselves to benefit from growing global interest in Oman’s diverse, nature-based experiences.
