UAE-Salalah travel: Best time to visit, visa requirements, cost revealed
The month of July is the best time to visit Oman’s Dhofar Region as it is at its zenith during the Khareef season when the area is vividly green.
“Khareef Season starts from June 21st to September 20th. It marks the period for Monsoon rain and associated activities. Sometimes it ealier or latter but by the end of June greenery starts coming up. In case of rain stte, the earth become green in 3 weeks time,” said Dr Ahmed Al Ghassani, Mayor of Dhofar, Oman.
UAE citizens and expats travel to Oman during the Khareef season in large numbers to experience scenic beauty along with cooler temperatures and frequent showers.
There are several border crossings from the UAE to Oman by land, including through Hatta, Al Ain and other northern emirates. There is no visa requirement for UAE nationals but expat residents may either obtain one at the border or prefer to acquire it online before.
Visa requirements and cost
"Applying for their visas online offers more safety and efficiency, as it takes less time,” Dr Ahmed recommended. “eVisa is your gateway to entering Oman, ensuring a smoother experience without delays upon arrival”, as stated on the Royal Oman Police website. While applications are primarily online, paper submissions may be accepted on rare occasions.
The fee for a tourist visa is set at five Omani riyals, which is about Dh 48.
Visitor numbers from UAE
Oman's Khareef season welcomed roughly a million visitors in 2023. Which included tourists from the Gulf countries, China, Egypt, India, and Iraq. Of those travelers, around 70% were citizens or residents of Oman, 20% were from other GCC countries, and 10% represented the rest of the world.
Dr Ahmed mentions, “Among GCC visitors, the UAE accounted for the highest number last year, followed by Saudi Arabia. While the UAE leads, the gap is closing as tourist numbers from Saudi Arabia continue to rise rapidly. We are also seeing a growing number of Chinese visitors.”
Dr. Ahmed further stated that “Dhofar's strategy encompasses an overall annual increase of 10% in tourist pull from the global UAE market over the next 3 years.” He also highlighted investments in infrastructure to enhance tourism volume and pace.
Most visitors from the UAE travel to Salalah by air, with a fair number also driving down. “Some groups drive to Sohar or Muscat and then take a bus to Salalah,” Dr Ahmed said.
Hotel capacity expansion
Due to the growing number of tourists, the Dhofar municipality is collaborating with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to improve the infrastructure of hotels and resorts.
Dr. Ahmed stated, “Plans are in place to target new tourist markets like Russia. For this purpose, we are adding new hotel rooms. Some new hotels will come into operation during this Khareef season and others are planned for winter.” During last year’s Khareef, some hotels had 100 percent occupancy rates.
What to see and do in Salalah
During the Khareef season, Dhofar is the place to be! Enjoy an array of activities like over-the-top carnivals, breathtaking drone shows, dancing fountains, light shows, and even theatrical performances.
Ramlat Jadilah, the world's largest sand dune, and countless waterfalls with mesmerizing landscapes are dhofars major highlights according to dr Ahmed. Not only does it contain natural beauty, but it also has cultural attractions.
He also added, “One of our standout attractions is the Chinese monument — the only one of its kind outside China. It honors Chinese sailor and navigator Zheng He, who toured the world seven times and made four stops in Oman. His cultural contributions are commemorated with this monument in Salalah.”
Western countries and GCC country tourists are very fond of Salalah. It offers an exquisite view of white sandy beaches alongside countless historical forts.
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