Definition
The Khareef is the annual monsoon season that affects the Dhofar region of southern Oman, typically occurring from late June through early September. During the Khareef, moist south-westerly winds from the Indian Ocean bring persistent drizzle, fog, and cooler temperatures to the mountains and coastal plains around Salalah, transforming the normally arid landscape into lush green terrain. The phenomenon is unique in the Arabian Peninsula and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Context in Oman
The Khareef transforms Dhofar into a strikingly different landscape compared to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. Temperatures drop to around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius while the rest of the Gulf swelters above 45 degrees. Waterfalls appear, wadis flow, and the Jebel Dhofar mountains become carpeted in green vegetation. The Salalah Tourism Festival coincides with the Khareef season and features cultural events, markets, and entertainment. Visitor numbers during the Khareef can exceed 600,000, the majority from GCC countries seeking relief from summer heat. The Khareef is also ecologically important, sustaining frankincense trees, cattle grazing, and unique cloud-forest biodiversity.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Season duration | Late June to early September |
| Region affected | Dhofar governorate |
| Temperature during Khareef | ~20-25 C |
| Annual Khareef visitors | 600,000+ |
| Key festival | Salalah Tourism Festival |
Vision 2040 Connection
Tourism is a priority diversification sector under Vision 2040, and the Khareef is one of Oman most distinctive tourism assets. The strategy calls for expanding hotel capacity in Salalah, improving transport links (including the Salalah airport expansion), and extending the tourism season beyond the Khareef months by developing cultural and adventure tourism attractions in Dhofar year-round.
Further Reading
- [[What is an Integrated Tourism Complex]]
- [[What is Vision 2040]]
- [[Oman Frankincense Trade]]