It’s almost the peak summer period in the UAE, schools are off, a little bit low-key than usual. This is the time when expats take a quick flight, while some opt for indoor experiences, to escape the heat. One place that gets all the attention during this time is Oman.
Not very far from the UAE, it invites travellers to experience a different kind of season, one defined by cooler climates, natural beauty, and soothing cultural experiences. And which is the spot that’s so Instagram-worthy today? Has to be the two wildly contrasting yet equally picturesque destinations – Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the north and Dhofar in the south. But with every year, Oman is redefining what a summer getaway in the region can feel like, a new experience altogether.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar at 2,000 Metres
High up in the Hajar Mountains, Al Jabal Al Akhdar (The Green Mountain) takes you to more than just spectacular views; it’s a cool-climate retreat where summer feels more like spring. Fresh air, bucolic surroundings, calming silence, terraced farms with pomegranates and peaches, walking trails around ancient villages, and the scent of wild roses, what else do you need to rejuvenate from your mundane routine?
To not miss, it’s also the Omani cuisine, which is like the cherry on the cake. Whether guests are enjoying a luxurious stay in a mountainside resort, meditating at sunrise, or dining on locally, the experience is one of serene sophistication.
What about Dhofar? A Season Like No Other
Oman’s Dhofar region, in the far south, is different from anywhere else in the Gulf. From June to September, as the Khareef season arrives, misty rains, lush green hills, and fog-shrouded mountains completely take over. It’s a little shift in the landscape, where summer isn’t dry and scorching, but moist, cool, and alive.
The city of Salalah, a paradise, celebrates this moment with Khareef Dhofar 2025, a festival of culture, entertainment, and community. You can expect flamboyant drone shows and light displays, international music performances, and themed carnivals like Emoji Parade and Carnival 100.
For the Adventurous Enthusiasts
For visitors who like to move, Dhofar delivers. There’s a Salalah Marathon that gives people a chance to test their inner sportsperson at the Dhofar Drag Racing Championship. Want to do something even more interesting? Try the Omani Heritage Shooting Competition. Also, not to miss how the cyclists from across the region descend on the Tour of Salalah.
Beyond the power-packed events, there are also Itin Square to Auqad Park, which are designed for everyday activity, with running tracks, cycling paths, sports courts, and wellness zones.
Away from the Chaos
During Khareef, once done with your all-day routine, people can take small strolls at local souqs and heritage villages. Wander through the Frankincense Souq, Sumhuram Archaeological Park, where folklore, crafts, and live music bring the region’s rich legacy into the spotlight. Take some time to also glance through Al Murooj Theatre, where live shows, forums, and thought-leadership events connect visitors to the soul of Dhofar, a little education about this glorious city.
How to get there?
With direct flights to both Muscat and Salalah from cities across the GCC, Oman is a convenient and accessible summer destination. There is a diverse range of accommodations, from luxury resorts perched in the mountains to boutique heritage lodges by the sea. Whether travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, visitors will find comfort, authenticity, and plenty of room to breathe.
What do travel lovers say?
Jash and Ankita, lovingly called “heartwantstravel” on Instagram, told F360, “We were absolutely mesmerized and blown away when we visited Oman, because it’s such an offbeat and affordable travel destination! It’s surprising that not a lot of people are travelling here coz it’s a hidden gem. From the crystal clear water of Damaniyat island or the hustle bustle of the Mutrah Souq to the beautiful caves & wadis, this country has it all. And if you’re someone who likes less crowd, Oman is just the right place for you. Since this country has not yet become so mainstream, you’ll often find yourselves at beaches alone or enjoying the entire wadi to yourself.”
“However, the best part of Oman? The people here,” Ankita shared with joy.
“We’ve never been to a country where people have been so sone friendly. From our car rental guy offering us free airport drop, to people inviting us to try Omani Halwa to people going out of their way to help us with directions, Omani people have such warm hearts,” they concluded.
Joe Baur, who has been a part of the five-day Oman Marathon, shared his exuberant experience with F360. He said, “The marathon was such a great, unique way to see the country. The start itself in Al Wasil was such a blast with a group of men dressed in dishdasha robes, muzzar turbans, and curved khanjar daggers around their waist greeting us and playing traditional music. Then, over the next five days, being alone in such remote, desert landscapes was unlike anything I’d done before. Schlepping up the dunes was such an incredible challenge, but worth it for those postcard views of the desert in its purest form.”
Meanwhile, Farah Khan, digital creator in UAE, was also quick to share her experience. She said, “I’ve explored some places in Oman like Wadi Shab, Bimmah Sinkhole, Nizwa fort, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and Kasfa Hot Spring. I visited Oman in 2024, and it was truly beautiful. People were kind, welcoming, and felt comfortable throughout the trip.”
She added, “Wadi Shab was the highlight for me. That almost two-hour hike through the canyon and caves was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oman is a hidden paradise for those who love swimming. The number of natural wadis offers a unique chance to dive into nature most refreshingly.” Oman has indeed been a delight for people who’ve visited it.
