Salalah, located in the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman, is known for a unique climatic phenomenon that makes it resemble a charming tropical oasis during the summer. The city transforms into a vast green expanse covered in dense fog, allowing visitors to enjoy a delightful autumn atmosphere in the peak of summer. But what lies behind this phenomenon that distinguishes this beautiful coastal city?
Autumn Season Dates in Dhofar 2024
The autumn season events in Dhofar Governorate started on June 21 and will continue until September 20, 2024. This season has seen a noticeable extension, lasting a full three months, which is considered double the usual duration in previous years.
The events include a variety of musical concerts and diverse entertainment activities aimed at enhancing the region’s appeal to visitors. These events are part of the efforts to attract more tourists and boost tourism in Dhofar during this period.
What is Salalah’s Autumn?
Salalah’s autumn is the local term for the period affected by the monsoon winds known as “the monsoon,” which brings light rain and continuous drizzle, contributing to a significant drop in temperatures. During this period, the plateaus are shrouded in dense fog, and nature transforms into a charming green canvas, where the plains and mountains are draped in lush greenery, creating a dream-like scenery. Typically, “Salalah’s autumn” lasts from mid-June until the end of September, making it a favored tourist destination, especially for visitors from Arab countries seeking to escape the intense summer heat to these cool and refreshing atmospheres.
Salalah Tourism Festival 2024
Every year, the Salalah Tourism Festival is held, a unique event that attracts families and visitors from inside and outside Oman. The festival includes a variety of activities and events suitable for all ages, including a family shopping village, an area dedicated to electric and inflatable games, alongside a heritage village showcasing aspects of traditional Omani culture. The festival also features diverse restaurants and trade exhibitions, in addition to various musical and cultural performances.
Salalah’s Autumn Location on the Map
Tourism Activities in Salalah’s Autumn
The festival includes live performances that showcase traditional Omani arts and local folk dances, alongside heritage shows and evening concerts, as well as various sports events. These celebrations typically last from July 11 to August 22, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of Salalah.
Salalah Autumn Events 2024
The Dhofar Autumn Season 2024 will be filled with various activities, as many new and innovative events are organized, in addition to improvements to traditional events. Here are some of the scheduled events:
1. Eton Square Events
| Event Name | Start Date | End Date |
| Screen Theater | 07/15 | 08/31 |
| Drone Shows | 07/15 | 08/31 |
| Challenge Village | 07/15 | 08/31 |
| Autumn Garden | 07/15 | 08/31 |
| Laser Fountain Shows | 07/15 | 08/31 |
| Stilt and Circus Carnival | 07/15 | 08/13 |
| Musical Band Parade Carnival | 07/15 | 08/13 |
| Light Carnival | 07/15 | 07/29 |
| Aerial Pole Show | 07/15 | 07/29 |
| Arjula Wonderland Shows | 07/15 | 07/29 |
| Mirror Wonders Carnival | 07/25 | 08/08 |
| Shadow Show | 07/25 | 08/24 |
| World Dance Carnival | 07/31 | 08/29 |
| Global Mobile Carnival | 07/31 | 08/29 |
| Hexa Team Show | 08/01 | 08/30 |
2. Kids Time – OQood Public Park
| Event Name | Start Date | End Date |
| Kids Business City | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Dhofar Shuttle | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Dudi City | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| One Thousand and One Nights Theater | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Cubes Village | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Madagascar | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Hakuna Matata Village | 07/01 | 08/29 |
| Bella Circus | 07/03 | 08/18 |
| Carnival Shows | 07/03 | 07/18 |
| Children’s Kingdom Carnival | 07/03 | 08/01 |
| Troll Show Village | 07/25 | 08/08 |
| PJ Masks Village | 08/13 | 08/29 |
| Melodies Carnival | 08/01 | 08/30 |
| Clowns Carnival | 08/01 | 08/30 |
| Electronic and Virtual Games | 07/01 | 08/30 |
| Maze Game | 07/01 | 08/30 |
3. Other Events
| Event Name | Start Date | End Date |
| Mural Paintings – Renaissance Tower | Mural Shows | 07/01 |
| Return of the Past – Happiness | Heritage Event | 07/10 |
| Salalah Public Park | Elite Academy for Martial Arts | – |
| Salalah Public Park | Various Sports Competitions | – |
| People’s Kitchen – Al Hafah Beach | Salalah Eats | 08/22 |
| Specialty Exhibitions – Sultan Qaboos Cultural Entertainment Center | Salalah International Exhibition for Gold and Jewelry | 08/04 |
| Dhofar International Theater Festival – Cultural Event | 08/20 | 08/28 |
| Osara – Rasut Beach – Entertainment Event | 06/21 | 09/20 |
| Oman Automobile Association – Celebration Field | Sports Event | 06/21 |
| Uptown – Sahl Ateyn Various Events | 06/21 | 09/20 |
| Drag Race Championship – Al Dumr Beach, Al Murbaṭ | Sports Event | 08/08 |
| Salalah International Tour – Sports Event | 09/08 | 09/14 |
| Dhofar Autumn Traditional Weapons Shooting Competition – Sports Event | Date to be determined later | Date to be determined later |
Impact of Salalah’s Autumn on Tourism
Thanks to Oman’s unique geographical location in the Arabian Peninsula, the Arab tourist finds Salalah to be an ideal destination for a unique vacation without the need for long flights, making it a preferred option to escape the summer heat in neighboring countries.
Dhofar Autumn Visitor Statistics 2024
According to preliminary estimates from the National Center for Statistics and Information, the number of visitors to Dhofar’s autumn season until July 31, 2024, was approximately 413,122 visitors, marking an increase of 4.3% compared to the same period in 2023 when the number of visitors was 396,108.
The preliminary statistics indicated that the number of Omani visitors rose by 3%, reaching 305,070 visitors, while the number of visitors from GCC countries saw a notable increase, totaling 66,998 visitors compared to 59,555 visitors during the same period the previous year. Visitors from other nationalities reached 41,054, compared to 40,418 visitors in the same period in 2023.
Regarding access routes, 316,434 visitors entered Dhofar Governorate through the land border until the end of July 2024, while 96,688 visitors arrived via air travel, representing a 7% increase compared to the number of air arrivals at the end of July 2023.
It is noteworthy that 95% of visitors to Dhofar’s autumn season until the end of July 2024 arrived during the period from July 1 to July 31, while 5% of visitors came during the period from June 21 to June 30, 2024.
Why Visit Salalah During Autumn 2024?
Salalah is a unique tourist destination that offers a distinctive experience combining natural beauty and Omani traditions, making Autumn 2024 an unmissable opportunity to explore the magic of this wonderful region.
Important Tips for Visitors to Salalah
If this is your first time visiting Salalah, here are some practical tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Currency in Salalah
The Omani Riyal is the main currency in Salalah and the rest of Oman, while credit cards are generally accepted, it is wise to carry some cash, especially when shopping in local markets or small shops. You will also find many ATMs available in tourist areas and shopping malls to meet your cash needs.
About electrical outlets
In Salalah and Oman as a whole, the G-type power outlet is used, which operates at 240 volts and 50 Hz. Therefore, if your devices use a different type of outlet, it is advisable to carry a suitable adapter with you.
Getting around Salalah and renting a car
You can easily get around Salalah by using taxis or local buses. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are many car rental options available. It is best to rent a private car if you want to visit more remote tourist attractions, especially if you will be driving in mountainous areas, where a four-wheel drive vehicle will be the best option.
