Dhofar Province Announces Details of the Dhofar Autumn Season 2024

His Highness pointed out that the Dhofar Autumn Season is the best choice for family and individual tourism. Last year, the governorate received nearly one million visitors, highlighting the importance of enhancing the province's tourism role, which is an important economic driver and contributes to empowering Omani entrepreneurs. A comprehensive plan has been set to enhance and develop various tourist sites, including improving natural sights, enhancing coastal fronts, and developing water spring locations, all while considering environmental sustainability.

His Highness said that this year's Dhofar Autumn Season is distinguished by extending the duration of events to 90 days, giving visitors a longer opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the province and its diverse activities. He emphasized that government entities and the private sector are keen on providing a unique tourist experience for all visitors by increasing event sites, diversifying their types, and providing all services and facilities.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohsen Al-Ghassani, Mayor of Dhofar Municipality, presented the main activities of the Dhofar Autumn Season 2024, which will be distributed across several existing and new locations. This aims to provide citizens, residents, and visitors with new and exciting experiences. His Excellency noted that, in welcoming the province’s visitors, efforts are being made to implement quality events focusing on five main aspects: environment and public health, youth, children, culture, and arts.

The mayor noted that last year's autumn events witnessed unprecedented turnout, with visitor numbers ranging between 400,000 to 800,000 per main site. Over 150 events were held last year, including artistic, sports, cultural, heritage, and entertainment activities. This year's events are expected to reach 180. The mayor also mentioned that last season, 1,733 individuals and institutions from across the Sultanate of Oman benefited from the events, with 334 operating companies involved. This year, more sites have been allocated for small and medium enterprises, offering more than 500 additional opportunities, creating temporary job opportunities for thousands of young people.

His Excellency Dr. Al-Ghassani confirmed the municipality's keenness to enhance the accompanying events of the Dhofar Autumn Season 2024 by holding them in various locations and Wilayas, including Thumrait, Taqah, Mirbat, and Sadah. The focus will be on diverse cultural, commercial, and entertainment activities, as well as holding specialized international exhibitions at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah.

Ammar Bin Oubed Ghawas, Director of Events and Awareness at Dhofar Municipality, mentioned that young visitors will enjoy many new and diverse events in various fields such as sports and entertainment. "Etten Square" will host many new games different from previous years. In addition, the theater has been equipped with the latest technologies for global shows. Visitors will also enjoy lighting displays, laser fountain shows, and drone shows, which are the largest in terms of number and duration this year.

The sports events will be diverse to suit different tastes and interests. Salalah Public Park will host "Throw Town" for the first time in the province, specializing in endurance and physical strength sports, held weekly. Several sports fields and equipment will be allocated for sports events during the Dhofar Autumn Season. The "Salalah International Cycling Tour" will return more distinguished after being officially registered and approved by the International Cycling Union, featuring four stages with over 100 cyclists from different countries, enhancing sports tourism in the governorate. Car enthusiasts of all ages can look forward to the "Oman Automobile Association" events filled with speed, challenge, and competition at the "Celebrations Square." The Dhofar International "Drag Race" Championship will see wide participation from the Arabic Gulf countries at Damr Beach in Mirbat. The Dhofar Autumn Traditional Shooting Competition will be the largest this year in terms of prize value and the number of local and Gulf participants.

The Director of Events and Awareness emphasized their constant care and attention, noting that the autumn schedule is full of many activities for children this year. One of the highlights is "Kiddy Time" at Aouqd Public Park, featuring many new and unique activities that will amaze and delight children. These include various international villages and cities, moving global shows, and beloved characters that children can interact and play with. Sports events will also be held weekly for different age groups at Salalah Public Park.

The entertainment options will be complete with "Uptown" in Ateen Plain, featuring various electric and inflatable games suitable for all age groups. This modern and fully serviced leisure spot offers scenic walking paths and green spaces.