Oman - Region Dhofar - Salalah

No other country in the Orient is as diverse as Oman. Oman is located on the Arabian Peninsula and offers nature, culture and pleasantly warm temperatures. In contrast to the neighboring Emirates, the Omanis live millennia-old traditions. Oman is - despite all the modernization efforts of the last few years - a very original country. There are no eccentric large buildings such as in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Also due to the just blossoming tourism, the oriental flair like from 1001 nights can still be felt. Traditions are carefully cultivated. Regardless of whether in Muscat or in the middle of the desert: The overwhelming Omani hospitality meets with enthusiasm everywhere!

The Dhofar administrative district covers approximately one third of the total area of ​​the Sultanate of Oman and forms its southern area. The peculiarity of Dhofar is the diversity of its nature. The coast meets mountains and desert in wonderful harmony. The up to 1,500 meter high mountains meet a flat plain, which is embraced by sandy beaches and stretching over hundreds of kilometers. Salalah is located on the Indian Ocean and about 1000 kilometers south of Muscat, the capital of Oman. Salalah is the largest city in the south of the country and the capital of the Dhofar region. It is also known for its incense trees, beaches, and the green mountains and wadis during the monsoons.

In the recent past, several high-class holiday resorts have settled below the imposing Dhofar Mountains, which have made a major contribution to the region's tourist boom. Salalah International Airport has several flights a day from Muscat, Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Climate

Salalah and the Dhofar region on the Indian Ocean have a climate that differs significantly from the rest of Oman. The main reason for this is the strong influence of the Khareef monsoon wind, which from mid-June to early September ensures an extraordinary rainy season and a consistently mild climate between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius in Salalah.

Although the climate table for the region shows very little rain that can actually be measured, the Khareef monsoon resembles a kind of spray frost - comparable to damp clouds of fog - and conjures up lush green vegetation with beautiful wadis in the otherwise barren sultanate. For Europeans, the Khareef period is usually felt to be rather oppressive and too humid. We therefore recommend the period from September to May as the best travel time in Salalah.

Security

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the safest travel countries in the world! The Arab country is clearly ahead of Germany and many other European countries. This emerges from the "Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019", published by the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, in which, among other things, travel safety in various countries was examined.

Communication

The official language in Oman is Arabic. Due to the large number of guest workers from Southeast Asia, other languages ​​are also widely spoken. Since the level of education is generally very high, you can communicate very well in English in all parts of the country. English is particularly widespread in cities and among younger people. If, contrary to expectations, there should be difficulties communicating, this is usually not a problem. The locals are very hospitable and helpful. Outside of Hawana Salalah, care should be taken to keep shoulders and knees covered - this is a courtesy to Omani culture.

Traffic

Traveling through Oman by rental car is easy and safe. In Oman there is a speed limit of 120 km / h - and lots of stationary and mobile radar systems ensure compliance. The roads are generally in very good condition, but the heat or water can cause unforeseen potholes, especially on the remote desert roads. Also watch out for camels on the road.