Dhofar governorate gearing up for khareef

With the khareef season around the corner, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has activated all its arms to prepare for the influx of tourists with all the necessary facilities in place.

The Directorate General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar governorate is taking the lead in making sure all preparations are complete before the onset of khareef, which officially starts from June 21 and lasts till September 21.

Jamal Abdullah al Hinai, Director General in Dhofar governorate, said that his department held an extensive meeting with a number of government agencies and concerned private sector institutions in the governorate to prepare in advance.

“Matters related to the provision of commodities, foodstuff, bank services, and raising the efficiency of fuel station services were discussed.”

The directorate coordinated with commercial banks in the governorate to carry out necessary maintenance of automatic teller machines (ATM) and deposit machines in markets, malls and commercial centres, to ensure their smooth and uninterrupted operations.

Salalah enjoys a massive influx of tourists during the khareef season, the most pleasing weather condition that no other region in the GCC and beyond experiences.

The number of tourists landing in Salalah Airport during the three months of khareef season in 2022 was 463,848, an increase of 46 per cent compared to the same period in 2021.

“The airport saw flights, both incoming and outgoing, during khareef in 2022 increase to 3,385, up 49 per cent compared to 2021,” said an official at Salalah Airport, adding that the month of August witnessed the maximum flights operating to and from the airport. The number of flights per week averaged 352 during that month.

Matters related to the provision of commodities, foodstuff, bank services, and raising the efficiency of fuel station services were discussed Jamal abdullah al hinai