There are numerous historical sites linked to the trade of this precious commodity, including the legendary city of Ubar (which we discussed in another article), Khor Rori (or Sumhuram, possibly the summer palace of the Queen of Sheba) and Al Balid are all accessible and can be visited from Salalah.

Today, Salalah is a modern city, featuring a recently completed international airport, wide roads, and a lively souq.

At the crossroads of innovation and tradition, Salalah remains one of the favorite cities among Omanis, especially during the months of June, July, and August.

When the entire northern Oman struggles with high temperatures and oppressive humidity, the Dhofar region—between the ocean coast and the mountains—benefits from the refreshing Khareef (خريف), which translates from Arabic as “autumn.”

It is a monsoon season, with winds blowing from the southwest that push the cooler waters of the Indian Ocean toward the coast, making the air fresh and humid. The air is then lifted over the Dhofar mountains, creating thick fog and abundant rainfall.
Thanks to this climatic event, the area between the mountains and the coast becomes lush with vegetation, trees turn green again, and the springs of the wadis (the rivers) fill with precious water.

The Khareef season has been joyfully celebrated since ancient times, especially because most of Salalah’s water supply depends on the abundant summer rains!

To celebrate this event, the Salalah Khareef Festival is held every year between July and August. It is one of the most important festivals in the entire region and a major attraction for tourists from Oman and around the world.

Thanks to this event, Salalah comes alive with renewed spirit, celebrating its history and traditions with great enthusiasm!