Dhofar: Dhofar Municipality today unveiled the details of the 2026 Khareef Dhofar programme 'Monsoon Season,' which will run from 21 June to 21 September, featuring 125 cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events across multiple tourist destinations and wilayats of Dhofar Governorate. The initiative aims to strengthen the governorate's position as a global tourist destination and attract more visitors from within Oman and abroad.
According to Oman News Agency, the announcement was made at a press conference chaired by Dhofar Municipality Chairman Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, who reviewed the new programmes, event highlights, and the organisational and service preparations for the season. This year's edition introduces a renewed identity for event venues and programmes, aligning with visitor expectations and enhancing the quality of the tourism, entertainment, and cultural experience that distinguishes Dhofar during the Khareef season. The new approach gives each venue a unique entertainment and cultural character drawn from its natural surroundings, diversifying visitor experiences across different locations.
Key venues include Itin Square, which offers a blend of international shows and entertainment, and cultural events, and the City Centre area in the Itin Plain, featuring gardens, markets, live performances, and public events, as well as light and spectacular shows. Other event locations include the Modern Waterfront in the Itin Plain, the Health Garden at Salalah Public Garden, Al Morooj Theatre, and the 'Child's Time' event at Awqad Public Garden.
The season also features new and renewed destinations such as the Osara project on Raysut Beach, Nova Entertainment, the Al Gharif event, Raysut Marina Waterfront, Lamer Al Mughsail, and Samharam Heritage Village. These sites offer diverse entertainment programmes and family activities, along with restaurants, cafes, rest areas, and shopping facilities, providing visitors with experiences that blend entertainment and relaxation for all ages and interests.
"Return of the Past" event embodies Oman's civilisational and cultural heritage through displays of customs, traditions, traditional arts, and handicrafts, reflecting the authenticity of Omani society and its cultural identity. Modern events and interactive activities are being held in the Modern Waterfront area in the Itin Plain of Salalah, which is currently hosting the Salalah Festival for World Cup football fans. Meanwhile, the Health Garden at Salalah Public Garden offers sports, health, and awareness programmes targeting various segments of society. Al Morooj Theatre will host various artistic and cultural events, including theatrical performances, concerts, and cultural seminars.
A dedicated space for children under the title "Child's Time" at Awqad Public Garden creates an educational and entertainment city that allows children to explore various professions and specialisations through practical applications simulating real work environments. This also includes a "Children's University" featuring interactive educational activities and specialisations, helping to develop their skills and creative abilities.
On the artistic and cultural front, the programme features musical, vocal, and choral performances, including heritage symphonies, as well as choral performances from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt, alongside artistic shows from several countries and improvisational comedy performances with Arab artists.
In the sports domain, events include the Dhofar Marathon, the cycling race, the Tour of Salalah, and various races at several locations across the governorate, in addition to the traditional weapons shooting championship at Samharam Village, enhancing the presence of sports activities within the season's programme. The events extend to the wilayats of Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah, as well as other tourist sites such as Samharam and Al Mughsail, helping to distribute tourist and economic activity across the governorate and highlight its natural, cultural, and heritage assets.
Distinctive international events include the second edition of the Dhofar International Theatre Festival, to be held from 14 to 22 September 2026, with the participation of theatre practitioners and creatives from around the world. The festival comprises three main tracks: Elite Performances, Major International Performances, and Dhofar Theatre, with prizes of up to $50,000 for each track, enhancing the governorate's standing as an international platform for performing arts and cultural exchange.
The inaugural edition of the Dhofar International Sculpture Festival brings together artists and sculptors from around the world to create works inspired by Oman's environment and the cultural identity of Dhofar Governorate. The festival aims to enrich the artistic landscape and enhance the governorate's presence on the global visual arts map.
Ammar bin Obad Ghawas, Director of the Events and Awareness Department, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the vision for the 2026 Khareef Dhofar season is centred on delivering an integrated experience that reflects the diversity and uniqueness of Dhofar Governorate. This is achieved through events organised according to specialised themes catering to different interests, with a focus on quality of content and organisation to enrich the visitor experience.
The season encompasses a diverse array of events covering sports, culture, arts, entertainment, and heritage. These include events with regional and international presence, as well as heritage programmes that reflect the authenticity of Omani heritage, alongside activities for all ages and interests. The heritage events play an important role in enhancing awareness of Omani identity and introducing younger generations to elements of the national heritage. What distinguishes the Khareef Dhofar season is the gathering of a wide variety of programmes and events within a single season that offers visitors a comprehensive experience blending cultural, entertainment, sporting, and heritage aspects.
The 2026 Khareef Dhofar season is expected to attract large numbers of visitors and tourists from within Oman and abroad, capitalising on the natural attributes of the governorate during this time of year, alongside the wide diversity of programmes and events catering to various interests and age groups.