Monday 07 / July / 2025
Muscat: The Dhofar Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a stunning natural transformation that draws the attention of tourists from across the region and the world. This transformation begins with the onset of the Khareef (monsoon) season, which runs from July to September. This season is a unique climatic phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula, turning Salalah into a lush oasis blanketed in thick fog and dotted with seasonal waterfalls.
Amid growing demand for eco-tourism and cultural experiences, Hawana Salalah Hotels — one of Oman’s largest integrated tourism destinations — emerges as a successful model of sustainable tourism investment that fuses authenticity with quality. This leading hospitality complex comprises Fanar Hotel & Residences, Salalah Rotana Resort, The Club by Fanar, and Juweira Boutique Hotel.
Guests at Hawana Salalah don’t just enjoy luxury accommodations; They also explore breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural landmarks. These include Wadi Darbat, Ayn Athum, and UNESCO-listed archaeological sites like Sumhuram and Al-Baleed, in addition to thrilling adventures in Mughsail’s cliffs and its unique natural blowholes.
Coinciding with the tourism boom, multiple airlines from GCC countries operate regular, direct flights to Salalah International Airport, significantly easing access to the destination. These flights depart from major cities in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Taif, and Abha, operated by five carriers: Saudia, flynas, flyadeal, Oman Air, and SalamAir. Riyadh leads in frequency, with over eight weekly flights to Salalah, while other cities have varying schedules based on demand. A rise in flights is expected during July and August, aligning with peak season. Additional direct routes are available from other GCC nations such as Kuwait (via Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways), Doha, Bahrain, and UAE cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
In this context, Ahmed Afifi, General Manager of Salalah Rotana Resort, emphasized that providing luxury accommodations is not the sole goal. “Our ultimate aim is to embody the essence of Omani hospitality in its finest form,” he said. “We take pride in our Dhofari heritage and work to share it with guests from the moment they arrive, through culinary arts, architectural design, and the warm, genuine spirit of our staff. Our goal is to deliver experiences that exceed expectations and ensure guest loyalty and repeat visits. For us, success is measured by the guest’s smile—satisfaction is our key performance indicator.”
Hawana Salalah is a fully integrated tourism destination developed in the heart of Dhofar Governorate. It includes a variety of hotels, entertainment facilities, a marina, international restaurants, and open green spaces. The project is a standout example of a successful public-private partnership that boosts the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism in Oman, further cementing the country’s position as a premier summer destination in the Gulf and the Arab tourism map.
