Oman’s 2026 Khareef season has closed with a notable rise in travel demand to Salalah, highlighting the growing appeal of Dhofar as a summer destination in the Gulf. The seasonal monsoon brings cooler temperatures, mist-covered mountains, green valleys and flowing waterfalls to a region that looks dramatically different from much of the Arabian Peninsula during the same period.
Between mid-June and mid-September, Oman Air carried 270,000 passengers into Salalah, representing a 9% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The passenger growth was accompanied by expanded airline capacity and additional regional connections, making it easier for travellers to reach Dhofar during its most distinctive season.
Salalah Stands Apart During the Gulf Summer
The Khareef season is central to Salalah’s tourism identity. As the southwest monsoon reaches Dhofar, moisture from the Arabian Sea creates a cooler and greener environment across the region.
The landscape changes from dry-season tones to shades of green, while fog and low cloud frequently cover the mountains around Salalah. Seasonal waterfalls, streams and lush valleys add another dimension to the visitor experience.
For travellers from other Gulf markets, the seasonal climate provides an alternative to the intense summer heat experienced across much of the region.
Passenger Growth Reflects Strong Seasonal Demand
Oman Air’s movement of 270,000 passengers into Salalah during the 2026 Khareef period points to continued interest in the destination during its peak summer tourism window.
The 9% year-on-year increase is particularly notable because the Khareef season operates within a defined period. Unlike destinations that can rely on relatively even visitor flows throughout the year, Salalah’s strongest tourism demand is closely connected to the seasonal transformation of Dhofar.
The latest passenger figures indicate that the destination continues to attract travellers during this concentrated period.
More Seats Open the Door to Dhofar
Air connectivity played an important role in supporting the seasonal demand.
Oman Air increased seat capacity to Salalah by 16% during the 2026 Khareef season. Additional services from key regional markets also gave travellers greater flexibility when planning summer visits.
Expanded capacity can make a seasonal destination more accessible by providing more opportunities to match flight schedules with accommodation and holiday plans.
For Salalah, stronger connectivity also supports the wider tourism ecosystem, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers and local businesses.
Regional Travellers Remain Important to Salalah
Salalah’s location gives it particular relevance for travellers within the Gulf and nearby markets. Its relatively cooler Khareef conditions offer a seasonal escape without requiring a long-haul journey.
The combination of air connectivity and distinctive weather helps position Dhofar differently from many other summer destinations. Instead of relying primarily on indoor attractions during the hottest months, Salalah’s tourism experience is closely connected to the outdoors.
Visitors can explore the mountains, valleys, coastal areas and seasonal waterfalls while experiencing the atmospheric conditions created by the monsoon.
Khareef Creates a Different Oman Experience
Oman is widely associated with desert landscapes, dramatic mountains, historic forts and rugged coastlines. Salalah adds another visual identity to the country’s tourism offering.
During Khareef, the surrounding hills become greener and mistier, while the coastline and countryside take on a softer appearance. Coconut palms, banana plantations and other vegetation around Salalah further distinguish the area from Oman’s northern landscapes.
This contrast allows travellers to experience two very different sides of the country within the same national tourism network.
Tourism Benefits Extend Beyond the Airport
The increase in passenger traffic has significance beyond airline performance.
More visitors create demand across the destination, from accommodation and dining to car rentals, guided excursions, retail and cultural experiences. Local businesses can benefit from the seasonal influx, particularly when travellers extend their stays and explore areas outside central Salalah.
The concentration of visitors during Khareef also makes planning important. Hotels, transportation providers and attractions need to manage peak-season demand while maintaining the quality of the visitor experience.
Dhofar’s Tourism Potential Continues Beyond Khareef
While the monsoon remains the defining tourism season, Dhofar’s attractions are not limited to the months of Khareef.
The region offers beaches, archaeological sites, frankincense heritage, mountain scenery and desert landscapes that can support tourism across a wider part of the year. Extending awareness of these experiences could help create a more balanced visitor economy beyond the seasonal peak.
For travellers, this also means Salalah can be considered as more than a short Khareef getaway.
Stronger Connectivity Supports Salalah’s Next Tourism Chapter
The 2026 season has provided another indication of the relationship between air connectivity and seasonal tourism demand. Oman Air’s 270,000 passengers, combined with a 16% increase in seat capacity, show how additional aviation access can support a destination during a concentrated travel period.
As Salalah closes another Khareef season, Dhofar’s distinctive combination of cooler weather, green mountain landscapes and Arabian Sea scenery continues to give Oman a unique summer tourism proposition.
The challenge ahead will be maintaining that appeal while expanding connectivity, supporting local businesses and protecting the natural landscapes that make the Khareef experience so distinctive.
