Salalah... A Charming Destination Where Autumn Tells Its Story

“Return to the Past” Revives the Five Dhofari Environments, Recreating the Details of Old Life Through Live Performances, Crafts, and Folk Arts

Heritage markets, farms, mountains, and coastlines shape a tourist experience that blends nature with cultural identity

Development projects and infrastructure have bolstered Salalah’s status as one of the region’s premier tourist destinations

Salalah welcomes its visitors with a scene that needs little description: mountains shrouded in mist, green valleys, and coastlines stretching as far as the eye can see, alongside a heritage that remains vibrant in its markets, villages, and old homes.

This unique landscape has made the city one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Gulf, and the emblem of the Khareef (monsoon) season, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

During a visit organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, in cooperation with “Gulf Air,” the Kuwaiti media delegation moved between stations that encapsulated the beauty of nature and the richness of Omani heritage.

Our journey to the enchanting Dhofar Governorate in the Sultanate of Oman began with a visit to the Al-Sa’ada area, which overlooks a living window into the memory of the place and the details of old Omani and Dhofari life.

In the Khareef atmosphere, where the breeze of drizzle mingles with the fragrance of heritage, the event offers a comprehensive experience that transports visitors through the various environments of Dhofar Governorate, introducing them to traditional lifestyles and the associated professions, crafts, folk arts, and social customs that have remained present in the collective consciousness of society across generations.

“Return to the Past” revives the details of authentic life in Dhofar through realistic scenes that mimic marine, urban, agricultural, rural, and Bedouin environments, alongside old markets, a corner for family-based enterprises, the Omani Women’s Association, folk theater, and a food court area. The event does not merely display heritage artifacts; it gives visitors the opportunity to live the experience through live performances, chants, folk arts, and handicrafts, making it both an educational and recreational journey that connects new generations with the legacy of their fathers and ancestors.

The journey began in the marine environment, which embodies the close relationship between the Dhofari people and the sea. Traditional fishing tools, old boats, and net-making were displayed, along with marine arts and chants that sailors used to recite during fishing trips to boost morale and foster a spirit of cooperation.

Among these arts were “Al-Shabaniya” and “Al-Dawari,” as well as folk games played by children, such as Al-Hawaliss and Al-Sayyad.

The event also evoked the scene of “Al-Safara,” the welcoming of travelers and the announcement of their arrival, in a tableau reflecting the joy of locals at their safe return, accompanied by chants expressing longing and delight.

The agricultural environment, meanwhile, reflects the Dhofari people’s connection to the land and its produce, which the governorate was historically known for, such as “Mashli” (coconut), bananas, papaya, and lemons, along with various vegetables and fruits. The environment showcases farmers’ customs and their cooperation in planting and harvesting, as well as the tradition of honoring guests with farm produce and products. It also highlights traditional attire associated with the lives of locals in the farms. The agricultural environment includes a collection of old shops that were part of traditional markets, such as shops selling honey, fruits, vegetables, birds, sheep, and selling Fandal (a type of local fruit), watermelon, Mashli, and agricultural seedlings. It also displays the plowing, irrigation, and harvesting tools used by farmers in the past. Furthermore, it illustrates the barter system that was prevalent in the past, where goods and products were exchanged among locals, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and interconnectedness that characterized Dhofari society.

The rural environment takes visitors to the mountains of Dhofar, where it showcases the traditional rural house, once a cornerstone of local life. Constructed from locally available natural materials such as clay, stone, and wood, the house contains tools used by residents in their daily lives, including water skins and vessels made from palm fronds, reflecting the simplicity of life and human adaptability to their environment.

The rural environment also demonstrates the preparation of traditional dishes, most notably Al-Madbi, dried meat cooked over tree branches, and milk boiled using hot stones. It features traditional clothing known as “Al-Nileeya,” worn by both men and women, and the Khanjar (traditional dagger) as part of the traditional attire. Additionally, it displays houses built from thatch, stone, and clay, which provided coolness in summer and warmth in winter thanks to the insulating properties of thatch and earth. The rural environment is rich in folk arts associated with social occasions, such as “Al-Raqeed,” performed by men at weddings; “Eli Maqbool,” presented in pairs; the vocal art “Nana,” performed solo or in pairs; and “Ad-Dibrat,” a poetic dialogue where poets exchange composed verses. It also features children’s folk games, such as Tab.

The Bedouin environment transports visitors to desert life, characterized by generosity, courage, and mutual support. It is divided into two sections. The first displays a Bedouin tent made from animal wool and a majlis (gathering space) where locals welcome guests with coffee, highlighting the importance of hospitality in Bedouin society. It also includes a special frankincense exhibition showcasing a frankincense tree model, the stages of its extraction, collection, and journey via ancient trade caravans to various countries, alongside traditional crafts such as palm weaving, pottery, leatherwork, and water skins.

The second section illustrates the daily life of Bedouins through their tents and stone-built kitchens, along with traditional Bedouin clothing like the Khanjar and Khizam. It presents several folk arts, including “Al-Taghrud,” sung during frankincense caravan journeys to ease the hardships of travel; “Mirad Al-Ibil” and “Shaddad Al-Ibil,” considered energetic arts; and “Al-Haboot,” performed at social occasions. It also reenacts traditional wedding ceremonies and the “Al-Maghboor” custom, where camels and sheep are gifted to the groom as support.

The old shops in Salalah take visitors on a journey into the details of daily life in the past. A tailor’s shop displays an old sewing machine, traditional fabrics, and clothing from the 1970s, demonstrating how women’s garments were tailored in earlier times, while introducing popular fabric names such as “Abu Tafahatayn.”

The old grocery store features products sold in that era, such as vintage soft drink bottles. The old photography studio exhibits traditional photographic equipment and the process of printing photographs that documented the features of life.

The “Doctor’s” clinic, or traditional healer’s office, showcases folk medicine practices, along with the tools, herbs, and natural oils used in the past. The old post office highlights the journey of letter delivery and displays vintage stamps, while the “Kuttab” (traditional school) illustrates the beginnings of education and Quranic memorization for children.

Finally, the Wali’s House highlights its role in monitoring citizens’ affairs and resolving their disputes, through dramatic scenes that reflect the relationship between society and its traditional institutions.

The “Return to the Past” event is one of the most prominent heritage destinations of the Dhofar Autumn Festival 2026, as it presents heritage not as a static display, but as a living experience that visitors engage with through observation, participation, tasting, and listening. It highlights the artistic and cultural legacy of the governorate, offering insights into the diverse Dhofari environments, their customs, arts, and crafts, ensuring that the memory of the place remains present in its authentic spirit, and enabling successive generations to maintain their connection to the roots of their fathers and ancestors.

The accompanying events organized by the Dhofar Municipality for the Dhofar Autumn Festival 2026 include the “Al-Gharif” project, located in the heart of enchanting nature, amidst the shade of banana and coconut trees and the murmur of irrigation channels. It stands as one of the newest eco-tourism destinations in Dhofar Governorate, showcasing a unique environment that blends the authenticity of Omani tropical agriculture with modern sensibilities. Situated on Al-Mutanahhij Street in Salalah City, it serves as a natural retreat, offering visitors a distinct tourism experience that reflects Dhofar’s agricultural identity.

Several events will be held in the “Al-Gharif” area throughout the season, running until early September. These activities, hosted in the designated event zone, include various competitions and family-friendly activities, as well as an exhibition featuring notable projects from productive families and university students.

The name “Al-Gharif” is derived from the Dhofari dialect, referring to an old farm or land that turns green after rainfall. The project covers an area of 35,000 square meters.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Batamira, CEO of “Al-Gharif,” stated: “Through the Al-Gharif project, we aim to align with the governorate’s strategic directions in tourism, agriculture, and commerce, positioning it as a valuable addition to Dhofar’s tourist attractions. It combines natural beauty, the authenticity of agricultural heritage, and sustainability concepts to offer visitors a comprehensive experience that reflects Omani identity and meets the aspirations of the modern tourism sector. The project supports small and medium-sized enterprises in marketing, agricultural management, facility management, and cleanliness to deliver integrated services according to the highest standards.”

Said Al-Amri, head of Al-Balid Archaeological Park, noted that the park is part of the Land of Frankincense sites, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000, along with three other sites under the same designation.

Al-Amri added that the park is among the most important tourist sites in the Sultanate due to its tourism potential and historical, civilizational, and cultural significance. He pointed out that the ancient city of Al-Balid dates back to various eras, starting from the Bronze Age around 2500 BC, through the Iron Age, and into the Islamic era.

He mentioned that the park comprises the ancient city of Al-Balid, the Land of Frankincense Museum (with its History Hall and Maritime Hall), which provides a comprehensive overview of Oman’s history, as well as Al-Balid Creek.

Al-Amri highlighted that the site also includes the Al-Balid Mosque, built in 850 AD. The mosque features 144 columns and covers an area of 1,742 square meters. It is located near Al-Balid Fort, which served as the residence of the ruler at the time. The city also contains more than 52 mosques distributed throughout its area.

Marwan Al-Ghasani, Director of Tourism Promotion at the General Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, stated that the directorate is keen on introducing visiting delegations to the most important tourist and heritage landmarks in the governorate, as well as facilitating visits to the various wilayats covered by the Dhofar Autumn Festival.

Abdullah Bamukhlaf, head of visitor services at the Land of Frankincense Museum, said the museum was inaugurated on July 23, 2007, and comprises two halls. The first is the History Hall, which covers Oman’s history from the Stone Age through the Islamic era, and includes a copy of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) letter inviting the people of Oman to Islam, noting that they embraced Islam voluntarily, without warfare.

Bamukhlaf added that frankincense varieties in Dhofar are classified as Hojari, Najdi, Shdhari, and Sha’abi. The Hojari variety is named after Wadi Hojari, located behind Jabal Samhan; the Najdi comes from the Najd plateau; the Shdhari from the Shdhari regions; and the Sha’abi from the wadi valleys.

He noted that frankincense was among the most important trade commodities of its time, rivaling the trade in gold and oil today, and was used for various purposes, including medicinal applications and as incense and perfume.

He added that the finest quality of frankincense is the Hojari variety, which is used for medicinal purposes, incense, and other applications.