Dhofar Khareef 2026 set to welcome over 40,000 Kuwaiti visitors as numbers top 1.07 million
- Visitor arrivals to Dhofar reached a record 1.07 million in 2025, up from 1.05 million in 2024 and 962,196 in 2023, highlighting the destination’s growing popularity.
- The 2026 season will feature attractions such as Atin Square, the “Return to the Past” heritage experience, the Frankincense Market, and the “Children’s Time” Festival, offering entertainment for all age groups.
- Oman is enhancing key tourism sites, including the Aftalqut Viewpoint, Deem Viewpoint, and the Shaat Viewpoint Project, with new walkways, rest areas, and visitor facilities to improve the tourist experience.
- Running from June 21 to the end of September, the Khareef season transforms Dhofar into a green oasis with cool temperatures, mist-covered mountains, waterfalls, and rich cultural attractions,
The Sultanate of Oman is preparing for an expanded and ambitious Dhofar Khareef 2026 season, backed by new tourism projects, enhanced infrastructure, and a diverse calendar of cultural and entertainment events, as it seeks to build on record visitor numbers and strengthen tourism ties with Kuwait.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Omani Embassy in Kuwait in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al Kharousi, said the Sultanate expects the number of Kuwaiti visitors to exceed 40,000 during the upcoming season, supported by increased direct flights and growing travel demand between the two countries.
Ambassador Al Kharousi highlighted the steady growth in tourism exchanges, revealing that Kuwaiti visitor arrivals to Oman increased by 17.2 percent between 2024 and 2025. He attributed the growth to the strong fraternal ties between the two countries and the increasing appeal of Oman as a preferred destination for Kuwaiti tourists.
The ambassador noted that Dhofar continues to strengthen its position as one of the Gulf region’s most distinctive summer tourism destinations, thanks to its unique combination of cool weather, lush green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, seasonal waterfalls, rich cultural heritage, and family-friendly attractions.
Running from June 21 until the end of September, the annual Khareef season transforms Dhofar into a natural oasis that attracts visitors from across the GCC and beyond.
Oman has continued investing in tourism infrastructure and sustainable services while expanding experiences tailored to families, children, young people, and adventure enthusiasts.
Officials from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism unveiled an extensive promotional and marketing campaign for the 2026 season, featuring a broad range of cultural, entertainment, and heritage events.
Key attractions include the popular Atin Square entertainment zone, the “Return to the Past” cultural experience showcasing traditional Omani life, the Frankincense Market celebrating Dhofar’s historic trading legacy, and the “Children’s Time” festival at Awqad Park.
Additional activities and events are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Tourism development projects also featured prominently during the conference. Authorities showcased upgrades to several of Dhofar’s most scenic sites, including the Aftalqut viewpoint in Salalah, the Deem viewpoint in Dhalkut, and the second phase of the Shaat viewpoint project in Rakhyut.
The developments include new rest areas, pedestrian walkways, and integrated visitor facilities designed to enhance the overall tourism experience and accommodate growing visitor numbers.
Officials stressed that these projects form part of a broader strategy aimed at improving services, preserving natural attractions, and supporting sustainable tourism growth throughout the governorate.
Statistical data presented during the conference reflected the continued success of the Khareef season. Visitor numbers rose from 962,196 in 2023 to 1,047,751 in 2024 before reaching a record 1,070,738 visitors in 2025.
According to Marwan Al Ghassani, Director of Tourism Promotion in Dhofar, GCC visitors accounted for approximately 30 percent of total arrivals, with Kuwaiti tourists recording one of the strongest growth rates.
The event also featured contributions from Kuwaiti writer and author of the “Atlas of Tourist Destinations in Oman,” Anwar Al Rasheed, who shared his experiences exploring various regions of the Sultanate.
Travel writer and explorer Salem Al Ajmi also highlighted Oman’s hospitality, safety, and ease of travel, while attendees viewed a documentary showcasing the country’s breathtaking mountain landscapes, natural reserves, and wildlife habitats.
Officials expressed confidence that continued investment, strategic marketing campaigns, and the expansion of tourism offerings would drive further growth in 2026, reinforcing Dhofar’s reputation as one of the Middle East’s premier summer tourism destinations and further strengthening tourism and cultural links between Oman and Kuwait.
