Salalah is the capital and largest city of Dhofar, southern Oman. Birthplace of Sultan QaboosbinSaid, Salalah attracts people from other parts of Oman and PersianGulf during monsoon when the city and its surroundings turn green. The climate of the region despite being hot humid due to desert, its summer are little cool and the region receives heavy rains during monsoon that allows for growing a wide variety of vegetable and fruits. Known for its greenery, Salalah was the traditional capital of Dhofar, which reached the peak of prosperity in the 13th century.
In the 19th century, it was absorbed into the Sultanate of Muscat. Salalah has the presidential palace of SultanQaboos. The port of Salalah is one of the largest ports on the Arabian Peninsula for container shipping in the area; connecting Africa, MiddleEast, and Asia. It is also the largest private employer in the Dhofar region. The Salalah Free Zone beside the port is emerging as a new center for heavy industries in the Middle East. Known for its green mountains and hills.
Salalah is an important destination in the Middle East for tourists during the months of June to September. Salalah is known for its numerous waterfalls that are prime destinations to visit, such as at Wadi Darbat, Ain Athum, Ain Tubrook, and Ain Khor. Salalah is also a major pilgrimage spot with tombs of 4 Islamic prophets. The Salalah carnival, which includes rides, family activities, concerts, cultural events, and vendors is also a major tourist attraction.
Salalah is also known as sportinghub with some of the best football clubs in Oman located here and which draw huge crowds. The education system has improved here since 1970. Well-connected by road, sea, and air Salalah is the 2nd most popular destination for visitors in Oman. Salalah is also a major shopping destination with numerous shopping malls and markets also called souq that sells a variety of traditional and modern products. Also worth visiting is the AlHaffa beach with its pristine sands and palm trees and ideally suited for sunset viewing.
There are numerous hotels and resorts that offer luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. Salalah Is also known for its delicious cuisine with restaurants selling arabic Indian and chinese cusine at reasonable prices. Alcohol is available in select restaurants and hotels. Known as the place of camels and cars, Salalah is the hub for moving around other tourism centers in southern.
Oman includes Al-Mughsayl beach, Ayn Athum waterfall, Marneef Cave, Mirbat Castle and harbor, and Wadi Darbat. Also worth visiting are Al Fizayah Beach, Sumhuram Old City, Jebel Samhan, Taqah Castle, Hawana AquaPark, 11. Museum of the Land of Frankincense, Tawi Atair Sinkhole, Anti-Gravity Point, and Al Balid Archeological Site. Overall is the most visited place in Oman after Muscat and is ideal for an extended weekend visits.
