\n
\nAmid the Khareef drizzle that touches visitors\u2019 faces and mountains draped in green, the activities of
\nKhareef Dhofar 2026 have begun, offering visitors to Dhofar Governorate an exceptional experience
\nthat will continue until September 21. The season combines enchanting nature with cultural, artistic,
\nsporting and entertainment events, reinforcing the governorate\u2019s position as one of the region\u2019s most
\nimportant tourism destinations during the summer.
\nThis year\u2019s season comes with a fresh look and a rich programme featuring more than 100 events
\nacross several locations and wilayats. It caters to different age groups and offers varied experiences
\nfor families, young people and children, alongside international festivals, global performances, and
\nheritage and cultural programmes. This reflects the diversity that distinguishes Dhofar Governorate
\nand its unique natural, tourism and cultural assets.
\nThroughout this period, the governorate is adorned with mist, drizzle, flowing wadis and green
\nplains. Nature itself becomes part of the visitor\u2019s daily programme, creating a scene in which the
\nenvironment and organised events come together to offer everyone an experience that is difficult to
\nreplicate anywhere else.
\nModern destinations combining sport, health and entertainment
\nThis year\u2019s season sees the launch of several new destinations that add a contemporary dimension
\nto the tourism experience. Foremost among them is the modern Up Town destination in Ateen Plain,
\nwhich hosts the Salalah World Cup Fans Festival. Football enthusiasts can enjoy the atmosphere of
\ninternational matches on giant screens amid accompanying activities and a festive setting. The
\ndestination also includes a modern amusement park, a recreational walkway and dedicated family
\nareas, creating an integrated space that combines sport, entertainment and shopping.
\nAt Salalah Public Park, the Health Garden introduces a new concept that combines entertainment
\nwith the promotion of quality of life through awareness programmes, health screenings, sporting
\nactivities and educational workshops. These encourage visitors to adopt healthy lifestyles in an
\ninteractive environment suitable for all ages.
\n\u2018Kiddy Time\u2019: An integrated city shaping the dreams of tomorrow
\nThe season dedicates considerable space to children through the Kiddy Time event, held at Awqad
\nPublic Park. It is one of the largest events designed for children, combining education, entertainment
\nand skills development.
\nThe event includes the Children\u2019s University, from which several specialised educational cities
\nemerge, including Aviation City, Engineering City, Future City, Talent City and Military Discipline
\nCity. It also features ultraviolet light shows, a spaceman character, a welcoming teacher character,
\nand cities representing different professions. These activities give children the opportunity to take
\npart in practical experiences that stimulate knowledge and creativity, nurture a spirit of discovery and
\nhelp shape their future ambitions in a safe and enjoyable environment.
\n\u2018Return of the Past\u2019: A journey through Dhofar\u2019s memory and authentic heritage
\nThe season maintains its heritage presence through the Return of the Past activities, which are
\namong the events most popular with visitors. They revive aspects of traditional Omani life in general<\/p>\n
Khareef Dhofar 2026<\/p>\n
and old Dhofari life in particular through heritage markets, traditional crafts, folk arts, old-style majlis
\nsettings and performances depicting authentic customs and traditions.
\nThe event allows visitors to experience life as it was in the past and learn about the cultural and
\nsocial heritage of Dhofar Governorate. It also contributes to strengthening national identity and
\nconnecting younger generations with their civilisational heritage.
\nAteen Square: A vibrant hub throughout the season
\nDuring the Khareef season, Ateen Square becomes a major centre for events, hosting a diverse
\ndaily programme that includes concerts, theatrical performances and public shows, alongside
\nentertainment activities for families and children.
\nThe square also hosts a large number of Omani projects and enterprises showcasing perfumes,
\nincense, traditional products, clothing and handicrafts, bringing entertainment and shopping together
\nin one location.
\nInternational performances and carnivals captivate visitors
\nThe season features an international artistic programme that includes a wide range of daily
\nperformances and carnivals. These include acrobatic performances, water shows, fire shows and
\nroaming performances that create a festive atmosphere across the different event venues.
\nThe season also features a broad cultural and artistic presence through the Harmony Choir, heritage
\nsymphonies by artist Mohammed Al Qahoom, the Saudi Choir and the Basra Choir. In addition, Al
\nMurooj Theatre hosts stand-up comedy performances and a variety of artistic evenings, offering
\nvisitors multiple options suited to different tastes.
\nSport and international competitions strengthen public attendance
\nKhareef Dhofar places strong emphasis on sporting events through a number of championships and
\ncompetitions that attract athletes from within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad. Among the most
\nprominent are the fifth edition of the Dhofar International Drag Race Championship, the Khareef
\nDhofar Traditional Weapons Competition, and the Salalah International Cycling Tour.
\nThese events contribute to promoting sports tourism, strengthening youth participation and adding
\nfurther vitality to the season\u2019s programme through sporting competition.
\nTwo international festivals strengthen Dhofar\u2019s cultural standing
\nThis year\u2019s season includes two prominent international events that reflect Dhofar Governorate\u2019s
\npresence on the global cultural events map.
\nThe first edition of the Dhofar International Sculpture Festival will be held from August 15 to
\nSeptember 3, 2026, with the participation of leading sculptors and artists from different countries
\naround the world. Participants will produce artistic works inspired by the Omani environment and the
\ncultural identity of Dhofar Governorate. The sculptures will document Omani heritage and values
\nthrough a contemporary artistic approach.
\nThe governorate will also host the second edition of the Dhofar International Theatre Festival from
\nSeptember 14 to 22, 2026, with the participation of Arab and international theatre groups. The
\nfestival will provide a platform for theatre professionals to exchange expertise and experiences and
\nwill present diverse productions representing different theatrical schools, further strengthening
\nDhofar\u2019s position as a centre for cultural and artistic activity at the international level.<\/p>\n
Khareef Dhofar 2026
\nActivities extend across the governorate\u2019s wilayats
\nThe season\u2019s events are not limited to Salalah but also extend to several wilayats in Dhofar
\nGovernorate, including Mirbat, Taqah and Sadah. A variety of activities will make use of the natural
\nand tourism assets of each wilayat, allowing visitors to explore beaches, mountains, natural springs,
\ntraditional markets and heritage sites.
\nThis will make the visitor\u2019s journey more diverse and enriching while supporting tourism activity
\nacross different parts of the governorate.
\nA season reinforcing Dhofar\u2019s position as a global tourism destination
\nKhareef Dhofar 2026 reaffirms its position as one of the region\u2019s leading tourism seasons through its
\nunique combination of natural beauty, quality organisation and diverse events.
\nBetween mountains covered in mist, drizzle that gives the landscape its distinctive charm, and
\nprogrammes catering to the interests of every member of the family, visitors enjoy an integrated
\nexperience in which they create unforgettable memories.
\nThe season reflects a renewed vision for tourism development through diverse cultural, artistic,
\nsporting and entertainment content. It enhances the appeal of Dhofar Governorate and reinforces its
\nposition as an integrated tourism and cultural destination attracting visitors from within the Sultanate
\nof Oman and abroad year after year.
\nKhareef Dhofar remains an exceptional season unlike any other and an experience renewed each
\nyear with a fresh spirit and continuous creativity, making this year\u2019s edition truly \u2018Shay Thani\u2019 \u2014
\n\u2018Something Different\u2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Amid the Khareef drizzle that touches visitors\u2019 faces and mountains draped in green, the activities of Khareef Dhofar 2026 have begun, offering visitors to Dhofar Governorate an exceptional experience that will continue until September 21. The season combines enchanting nature with cultural, artistic, sporting and entertainment events, reinforcing the governorate\u2019s position as one of the …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":134385,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[439],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-134392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-english-news"],"yoast_head":"\n