Dubai is a paradise for tourists in all months, be it the summer season or the cooler periods from December to February. But there is another destination that is getting up to speed and seeing a significant increase in popularity, especially during the Khareef season.
It is Salalah. From June to September – the Khareef season – this place in the neighbouring Oman ensures more lush green landscapes, denser mists surround the mountains and the entire place changes into something more magical.
Not just for residents in Oman, people in the UAE also flock to Salalah as the Khareef season takes hold. It is a refreshing escape from the summer heat in the UAE as temperatures in multiple parts of the country easily cross 40 degrees Celsius.
Top things to do in Salalah for Khareef season
Salalah in the Dhofar region of Oman is a popular summer escape for people in the UAE and other countries across the GCC. From late June to September, the tourist destination transforms into a lush, green landscape full of cool breezes and misty mountains.
This dramatic shift makes Salalah an incredible place do explore and beat the summer heat at the same time. You can find a lot of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are top 10 places to explore in Salalah during the Khareef season.
1. Mughsail Beach
Mughsail Beach is one of the most fun things to do in Salalah. This beautiful beach boasts a picturesque stretch, is perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics and just looking at the natural beauty all around for some time.
You can also find dramatic cliffs framing Mughsail Beach, adding to the scenic beauty of the location. The Khareef season is a popular time to come to this place because of the pleasant conditions and greenery. There are no entry fees.
2. Museum of the Land of Frankincense
The unmissable Museum of the Land of Frankincense in Salalah is a paradise for history and culture enthusiasts. It features multiple exhibition halls featuring the rich heritage of the frankincense trade and ancient maritime history.
You can also find an actual frankincense tree, highlighting the significance of frankincense in Oman’s culture, tradition and history. This museum is air-conditioned and is possibly the only major museum in southern Oman. Don’t miss it on your Dubai to Salalah trip.
3. Taqa Beach
Serenity meets the sea. Taqa Beach is another incredible beach in Oman, nestled along the eastern coast of Salalah. The pristine shores and tranquil ambience offer a memorable escape for those looking for a bit of relaxation in nature.
Located just 30 km east of Salalah, Taqa Beach makes for a perfect stop on a trip through the Dhofar region’s incredible coastal destinations. On either side of the beach, rocky cliffs rise from the shoreline, offering scenic glimpses of the sea. Plus, a photo opportunity, too.
4. Plantations in Salalah
Salalah is home to a number of lush plantations, particularly coconuts and bananas. The Khareef season turns this place in Oman into a much greener paradise, in complete contrast to the more typical desert landscapes.
Don’t forget to sample fresh fruit at roadside stands, including the refreshing king coconut. These stands stay open for quite a long time and represent the true essence of Salalah’s rich agricultural landscape. You are going to remember this experience for a lifetime.
5. Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve
Jebel Samhan or also identified as Mount Samhan if the highest series of the three that forms the majestic Dhofar Mountains. It is on the eastern side of Salalah. You can indulge in a bit of hiking, camping or just exploring the serene atmosphere.
Jebel Samhan is a truly unforgettable experience. You can also find a number of rare and endangered species, including Nubian ibex and Arabian leopard. It is one of the most important protected areas in southern Oman and should not be missed.
6. Marneef Cave
Salalah in Oman is famous for its landscapes. You can find beaches, mountains, sinkholes and so much more. Salalah is also home to plenty of caves, including the popular Marneef Cave. It is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Dhofar.
Marneef Cave is located close to the stunning Mughsail Beach, one of the most popular picnic spots in the region. Both local and international tourists adore this place, recognised for its memorable scenery and relaxing atmosphere.
7. Sultan Qaboos Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is the largest mosque in all of Salalah and a popular attraction among tourists from different countries. The mosque features a beautiful combination of Islamic, Middle Eastern and Omani architectural styles.
The interior of the mosque is also equally beautiful. You can find intricate mosaic patterns and a giant crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall. There are stunning landscaped gardens around the mosque, further adding to the place’s peaceful and serene ambience.
8. Wadi Darbat
Wadi Darbat is located in the Dhofar region of Oman. It is one of the most breathtaking tourist attractions in the region, especially as the Khareef season hits. You can also indulge in a bit of boating on the lake, explore the area on foot and admire the greenery all around.
Oman’s Wadi Darbat is also famous for its seasonal waterfalls. The monsoon season brings the place a much better look. It is easily accessible from different parts of Oman. Wadi Darbat is also home to numerous migratory birds and endangered species.
9. Taqah Castle
Taqah Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks in Oman. Located in the beautiful fishing village of Taqah, this castle is gorgeous. You can find a couple of floors and a terrace. The ground floor has a reception area, a prison area, storage and more.
Taqah Castle also houses plenty of Omani artefacts and rifle collections. There are numerous restaurants and a supermarket in close proximity. Make sure to pay attention to all the palace rules and regulations for a better experience.
10. Anti-Gravity Point
Looking for the most intriguing natural phenomenon in Oman? Head to the Salalah Anti-Gravity Point. There is a mind-bending experience here as you can catch your car roll uphill in neutral gear – there is no acceleration.
Anti-Gravity Point has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Salalah and for all the right reasons. This spot defies logic and makes people of all ages immensely happy. You might call it a gravitational anomaly. But don’t miss this place on your trip.
Dubai to Salalah in Khareef season: The ultimate journey
1. Dubai to Salalah flights
Planning a trip from Dubai to Salalah? This article is the ultimate guide to ensuring a comfortable experience from Dubai to the destination in Oman and back. You can find regular flights from Dubai to Salalah and also, from Dubai to the capital of Oman, Muscat.
flydubai is one of the most reliable options for Dubai to Salalah flights. Flight FZ 039 departs Dubai for Oman on just Sundays. It takes 1 hour and 55 minutes, the same duration as Flight FZ 033. But the latter operates on all days.
| Flight Number | From | To | Departure Time | Landing Time | Frequency |
| FZ 039 | Dubai | Salalah | 4:15 am | 6:10 am | Sunday |
| FZ 033 | Dubai | Salalah | 3:35 pm | 5:30 pm | Monday to Sunday |
| FZ 040 | Salalah | Dubai | 7:10 am | 9:10 am | Saturday |
| FZ 034 | Salalah | Dubai | 6:30 pm | 8:25 pm | Monday to Sunday |
There are daily flights from Dubai to Salalah. The cheapest return fare can be Dh931. There can be just a single issue here. Flight prices start to soar in the months from June to September as the Khareef season tourism peaks.
| Flight Number | From | To | Departure Time | Landing Time | Frequency |
| G9392 – Air Arabia | Sharjah | Salalah | 4:15 pm | 6 pm | Daily |
| G9390 – Air Arabia | Sharjah | Salalah | 7:35 am | 9:20 am | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| G9391 – Air Arabia | Salalah | Sharjah | 10 am | 11:50 am | Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun |
| G9393 – Air Arabia | Salalah | Sharjah | 6:40 pm | 8:30 pm | Daily |
| 3L267 – Air Arabia | Abu Dhabi | Salalah | 8 am | 9:50 am | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| 3L268 – Air Arabia | Salalah | Abu Dhabi | 10:30 am | 12:15 pm | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| 5W 7019 – Wizz Air | Abu Dhabi | Salalah | 2:10 pm | 4:05 pm | Daily |
| 5W 7225 – Wizz Air | Abu Dhabi | Salalah | 7 pm | 8:55 pm | Thu, Sun |
| 5W 7226 – Wizz Air | Salalah | Abu Dhabi | 11:40 am | 1:30 am(Sunday – 7:30 pm – 11:20 pm) | Thu, Sun |
| 5W 7020- Wizz Air | Salalah | Abu Dhabi | 4:40 pm | 6:30 pm(Sun – 4:35 pm – 6:25 pm) | Daily |
Here is an important update though. Etihad is going to add seasonal flights to Salalah in the summer of 2026. The flights are set to launch on May 21 and operate until September 15. This is definitely a big benefit for all the people in Abu Dhabi.
During the Khareef monsoon season, Salalah puts on a more beautiful look. The region turns emerald green. The mist-shrouded mountains and cool coastal air offer the perfect escape from the soaring temperatures in Dubai and more Emirates.
2. Dubai to Salalah bus trips: Non-guided
There is another transport mode to choose. It is Dubai to Salalah buses. Compared to flights, these buses can be significantly more affordable. You can get spacious and comfortable seats, internet on some buses and beautiful sceneries throughout the journey.
The Dubai to Salalah bus journey can take 16 hours. It could be tiring but the pleasant sights all along the route can keep one energetic. But for a comfortable experience, choose a guided tour to explore Salalah and get back to Dubai at ease. More on this later.
Operated by Gulf Transport Company (GTC), a bus departs each day at 3 pm from Deira (near Palm Deira Metro Station). It reaches Salalah in Oman the next day around 7 am. This entire journey is full of Khareef season ambience and costs Dh180.
You need to arrange some documents. First of all, a passport valid for at least 6 months, UAE residence visa valid for at least 3 months, Emirates ID, an UAE exit fee of Dh35 and an Oman visa-on-arrival fee of OMR 5.
The bus takes around 16 hours to reach Salalah. There are multiple stops along the journey for prayer and snacks. You can find comfortable seats, shared TV, but no meals. Tickets cannot be booked online. Come to Gulf Transport’s Deira Office for bookings.
3. Dubai to Salalah bus trips: Guided
Like I had mentioned earlier, there are guided Dubai to Salalah bus trips for a more comfortable experience. These full bus packages also include tours, hotel stays and transfers inside Salalah. You need to keep the documents handy and the organisers can arrange the rest.
There are multiple Salalah bus tour packages from Dubai. These are ideal for people looking to skip the hassle of planning. These tours can last 4 days and 3 nights or a different duration. Passengers are guided throughout the trip by an experienced tour guide.
4. Dubai to Salalah car trips
Car trips from Dubai to Salalah can be a real charmer. You get a lot of independence to do things in a certain manner. The onset of monsoon transforms Salalah into a paradise from June to September. Explore all of the greenery and rich culture on a car trip this time.
But there are some things to take into consideration, such as border crossings. The Meyzad/Hafeet border can be the best choice. It is located at a distance of 160 km from Dubai and 180 km from the capital of the UAE.
This border crossing is suitable for those heading in the direction of Oman’s south, including Salalah. It offers a direct route to paradise, especially during the Khareef season that makes Salalah turn into a bigger destination for global tourists.
The Meyzad-Hafeet border is accessible from different parts of the UAE. Besides Salalah, it is also a common route for those heading in the direction of Jebel Shams. Roads can be a bit busier during peak seasons, but the experience is smooth.
Make sure to arrange all the necessary documentation to enter Oman. Be prepared to pay exit fees at the UAE border. Check if your car insurance is the right one for this trip. It is important to keep things as organised as possible for a better experience.
Dubai to Oman road trip: Orange card, car rentals, other documents
1. Oman visa-on-arrival and e-Visa for UAE residents
Your Dubai to Oman road trip could be quite a seamless experience as long as all the necessary documentation are arranged and things remain organised. Let us understand the visa scene first. UAE expats can explore other GCC countries at ease.
They just need a Oman visa-on-arrival or an e-Visa, depending on their nationality or profession. UAE residents can get a visa-on-arrival. Their nationality does not matter as long as their profession is confirmed by the Royal Oman Police.
You can stay in Oman for 14 days, exploring the different intricacies of Salalah and beyond. But if one is looking for a longer experience, apply for an Oman e-Visa. Only confirmed professions (there are more than 30 on the list) can apply for the online visa.
The Oman e-Visa system has four types of documents, including unsponsored and sponsored tourist visa, tourist visa for GCC residents and Express visa. The GCC Resident Visa is unsponsored. But if the occupation is not eligible, apply for a sponsored visa.
2. Orange Card
The Orange Card is also referred to as motor insurance for Oman. If your existing car insurance is applicable for Oman, place a request for the Orange Card. But if this is not the case, get a temporary Orange Card at the border crossing.
This documentation is a car insurance certificate applicable in Oman. It is often free of charge and can be requested from your insurer. But the temporary Orange Card can be a little bit tricky as it typically addresses third-party damages only.
3. Rental car
There are plenty of people renting cars for a Dubai to Oman road trip. This is certainly an experience of a lifetime. But it is necessary to keep all the required documents in order to not face any issues along the scenic journey.
You need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the rental company. It is also important to carry a valid driving licence, valid vehicle registration card and some more documentation. You can find more details on renting a car for Oman in our article.
Located in the southern part of Oman, Salalah is one of the best places to explore in the country. Tourists sing songs of Salalah’s natural beauty as they go back home. The Khareef season is especially popular as the arid landscape turns into a lush, green paradise.
Temperatures as the monsoon hits Salalah can range from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. Use this Dubai to Salalah guide to the maximum extent and ensure a seamless blend of scenery, comfort, safety and proper arrangements. Happy journey!
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