Welcome to Salalah, Oman!

The governorate of Dhofar is located in the south of the sultanate, with Salalah as the administrative capital. the Dhofar region is rich in archaeological sites including the ruins of the ancient city of Samhuran. Frankincense was the main export that found its way to queen Hatshepsut of Egypt in 1500 BC - a drawing of a ship docked at Samhuran can be seen in a temple in the valley of the kings in Luxor. The climate in the Dhofar region is dramatically different to the rest of Oman due to the effects of the monsoon rains (Khareef) which arrive during the summer months, creating humidity and moderate temperatures of around 30C. As a consequence, the area becomes lush and green, with waterfalls and rivers feeding the surrounding pastures. The mountain ridge, which receives the most rain, stretches for 400 km from east to west. during the khareef, springs gush forth and provide plentiful water supplies for much of the rest of the
year. The Khareef itself is the major attraction during the summer period. People come from all over the world to enjoy the unique wonders of nature, rain, mist-soaked mountains, green-cloaked valleys, springs and waterfalls. The rugged beauty of its fertile plains, its freshwater springs, its bustling souq and tropical landscape leave a lasting impression on the visitor's mind. Besides its natural bounty, Salalah has many other attraction: gold souqs, hand-crafted jewelry and the Al-Hain souq for traditional and modern goods. These are just some of the many other attractions that are ready to be explored year round and all are within easy reach of Salalah.

Frankincense

Centuries ago, camel caravans crossed the Arabian peninsula, laden with frankincense, bound for Rome, Persia and the Far East.

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Frankincense was used very widely in the ancient world and was prized as highly as gold. To this day Omanis still use frankincense widely, burning it on glowing charcoal to fumigate rooms and clothing, and blending it in local perfumes. Frankincense is a resin hardened from the sap of the frankincense tree, a very unprepossessing plant that grows only in southern Oman, parts of Somalia and India. The ruins of the great frankincese port of Khor Rori can be seen on the road leading from Taqah to Mirbat. inscriptions found at the site indicate that it dates from the 1st Century BC.

Summer

This summer escape the searing heat of the Gulf and experience temperatures that average just 27°C in August. When most of the region hides from the intensity of the scorching summer sun, Salalah - the land of frankincense - wears a mantle of mist and lush greenery. This natural phenomenon of rain-bearing fog is known locally as the 'Khareef Season' which every year attracts many thousands of tourists, especially families.

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