Salalah

Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. It is the second largest city in the Sultanate, and has the distinction of being the Sultan Qaboos' birthplace.

Understand

Central Salalah

For most visitors, Salalah is the gateway to Oman’s most southerly governate of Dhofar – a historically independent, and culturally and ecologically unique region.

As the traditional regional capital, the city’s history stretches back two millennia, when, thanks to its strategic location, it was an important stop on the frankincense and silk trading routes. In the 19th century the region was incorporated into the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, and Salalah served as the country’s capital from 1932 until the accession of Sultan Qaboos in 1970, who relocated the capital to Muscat. Salalah was the Sultan’s birthplace in 1940, and his mother was a member of a prominent regional Jebbali tribe; to this day the Sultan maintains close ties to the city.

Today Salalah is still known for the cultivation and trade of frankincense (albeit now on a smaller scale), and is famous for its summer khareef (monsoon) and annual Salalah Festival, when visitors flock to the region to escape the blazing hot temperatures elsewhere on the Arabian peninsula. As lodging and eating establishments outside the city are scarce, it serves as a useful and interesting base for travellers wanting to explore the wider area at any time of year.

Read

• Maria Dekeersmaeker, The DNA of Salalah, Dhofar: A Tourist Guide. Written by a Belgian journalist based in Salalah, this unusual book is a treasure trove of facts and history, organized thematically.

Climate

Most visitors come to Salalah during July and August to enjoy the annual khareef, when the nearby wadis are full of water. Occasionally streets flood, and ocean currents are too strong for swimming or diving. The crowds leave in September along with the rains, but the vegetation is still green, and hotel prices have started to come down.

Diving is only possible during the dry season, from October to the end of May, and this is also the optimal time for bird watching. May and especially June are the hottest months of the year, with humidity steadily increasing until the rains bring relief again in late June or early July.

Salalah
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       2.2     26 18       7     27 19       6.3     30 21       20     32 23       17     32 26       11     32 27       25     28 24       25     27 23       4.1     29 23       4.1     31 22       9.6     30 20       1.1     28 19 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source:w:Salalah#Climate
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.1     78 64       0.3     80 67       0.2     86 70       0.8     89 74       0.7     90 78       0.4     89 80       1     83 76       1     81 74       0.2     84 74       0.2     87 71       0.4     86 69       0     82 66 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

By plane

• Oman Air. Flies from Muscat to Salalah at least three times a day, with a flight time of 1hr 30min. Operates direct international flights from Dubai W-Sa, with a flight time of some two hours, as well as to Jeddah Th and Sa, with a flight time of 2hr 50min. 
• Air Arabia. Flies from Sharjah on Su M W Th, with a flight time 1hr 45min. 
• Qatar Airways. Operates direct flights from Doha 3 times daily, with a flight time of 2hr 10min. 
• Rotana Jet. Operates from Terminal 2 in Abu Dhabi. (updated Jul 2016)

Beware, the taxi from the airport is 10 or 20 times the normal taxi rate.

By car

It's a very long drive from Muscat

Driving to Salalah from Muscat takes roughly 12 hours, and can either be an amazing and memorable experience, or a very uncomfortable one depending on what kind of traveller you are. The first 5 hours are very scenic, as you pass Rusayl, Nizwa and other small towns. However, it's barren desert and oil fields for most of the remainder of the trip, with the only larger settlements along this stretch being Haima and Thumrait.

Travelling at night is usually better than driving in the heat of day (arriving in Salalah at night is a must, as the city lights from the high-altitude entry point are gorgeous). Watch out for renegade dunes on the way. There are several stops along the way for food, drinks, a cigarette break, or nature calls – you should take every opportunity to stop, as there might not be another one for many more kilometres.

By bus

• 🌍 ONTC Bus Station (next to the New Souq / Central Market), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Oman National Transport Company runs buses to/from the Ruwi station in Muscat three times daily, with the trip lasting 12 hours. RO 6 (one-way), RO 11 (return). 

Bus transport to/from Muscat is also offered by Malatan Trading (As Salam St, tel. [phone]) and Bin Qasim Transport (tel. [phone]), both with identical fares.

By boat

There is at least one operator in Muscat that will charter you to Salalah.

Cruise ships stop regularly at the commercial 🌍 Salalah Port, west of the city. Shuttle buses transport visitors from the ship to the port entrance, and taxis are also available. Visitors need to bring only their cruise boarding pass and their Tourist Entry Permit.

Get around

It is possible to explore parts of Salalah on foot, as most places of interest are close to each other. During warmer times of year, though, walking may not be the best idea.

The usual unmetered Omani taxis operate here, with the average taxi fare for travel within the city 500 baiza.

If you hire a car, 2WD cars are adequate for most sights within Salalah itself. Outside of Salalah, however, many places of tourist interest lie off road, and SUVs are recommended particularly during the khareef season because of slippery terrain. Book your car well in advance if you plan to visit during this peak period, as rental agencies often run out of vehicles.

See

Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Corniche in Al Haffa

Burj an-Nadha

The old city is confined to the area called Al Haffa (Hafah), on the seafront.

• 🌍 Al Baleed Archeological Park, As Sultan Qaboos St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Sa-W 9AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Th-F 4PM-8PM. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these extensive ruins were once the 12th-century trading port of Zafar, visited by Marco Polo in 1285. RO 2 (includes admission to the Frankincense Museum). 
• 🌍 Museum of Frankincense Land, As Sultan Qaboos St (on the grounds of the Al Baleed Archeological Park), ☎ [phone]. Sa-W 8AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Th-F 4PM-8PM. This excellent museum has displays on the history of the port and of the region. Admission included with Al Baleed entrance fee. 
• 🌍 Salalah Museum (in the Salalah Cultural Center). Sa-W 8AM-2PM. This museum houses an eclectic collection, with sections devoted to regional geology and history. There is also a permanent display of Wilfred Thesiger's photographs. Free. 
• 🌍 Burj an-Nadha (Burj al-Nadha, Clocktower). The clocktower may not be a sky-scraper but it is indeed the icon of Salalah, featured in the coat of arms of Dhofar Governate. The tower looks stunning during nights due to the colorful light display. 
• 🌍 Tomb of Nabi Umran (Tomb of Nabi Imran), Al Matar St (next to Lulu Hypermarket). Umran (Imran) was a local Arab prophet, believed by some to have been the father of the Virgin Mary, and believed by others to have been the father of Moses. The sarcophagus is 33 m long. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their heads with a scarf. Free, tips gratefully accepted. 
• 🌍 Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, 23 July St and An Nahdah St. Sa-Th 8AM-11AM (for non-Muslims). Completed in 2009, this mosque can accommodate 14,000 people. Conservative dress required; women must have their ankles, wrists and hair covered. 
• 🌍 Sultan Qaboos Palace, Al Bahri St. Sultan Qaboos was born in a fortress at this location, which is now the grounds for a modern palace. It is not open to the public, but tourists may photograph it from the outside. 
• 🌍 Traditional Dhofari houses, Al Bahri St (along the coast). To see some older Yemeni-style architecture, drive east on Al Bahri Street along the beach. 
• 🌍 Footprint of Prophet Saleh's Camel, A Daqah St. A shrine housing the footprint of an enormous camel in the bedrock. According to the Quran, the camel was said to have appeared from nearby mountains as a miracle, yet was killed three days later by unbelievers who refused to recognize the Prophet Saleh. In punishment a severe earthquake was said to have destroyed the entire city and its inhabitants. As in other religious sites, visitors are requested to remove their shoes and women should cover their hair. Free. 
• 🌍 Gun Souq, As Sultan Qaboos St. A small informal open-air market for vendors selling all types of weapons, from antique rifles to traditional knives and daggers. Best in the early morning. 

Do

Dance performance during the Salalah Festival

Salalah beachfront

A khawr (khor) in Salalah

• Salalah Tourism Festival (Salalah Festival / Khareef Festival). Jul-Aug. Held annually during the khareef period, this festival celebrates Dhofari culture and traditions with food, music, and entertainment. 
• 🌍 Khawr Salalah (As Sultan Qaboos St and Al Khawr St). Nov-Apr. Avid birdwatchers can find many species of birds within the city itself, as this lagoon is noted for attracting flamingos, ospreys, and many migratory birds. Bring your binoculars. Free. 

Diving

• Extra Divers Salalah (in the Crowne Plaza Resort), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 4PM-6PM. Organizes guided tours for diving and snorkeling, and conducts a full range of PADI courses. Most of their dives take place outside of Mirbat, where they also have a dive centre. The centre is closed during the khareef from the end of May until 1 October. 
• SubAqua Dive Center (in the Hilton Hotel), ☎ [phone], [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Offers full dive packages in the waters by Salalah as well as by Mirbat. Offers PADI courses. 

Horseback riding

• Dhofar Waves Equestrian Club, Awqad St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Offers beach and sunset rides. It is a little bit difficult to find, so use Google Maps or let them pick you up. (updated Feb 2017)

Talk

Most residents speak some English, but if you know a bit of Arabic and Malayalam then conversation will be much easier.

Buy

Frankincense

Haffa Souq

Frankincense is the souvenir purchase in Salalah, and only visitors who avoid shopping will not be offered some. Frankincense is available in several different grades differentiated by colour, the lightest considered to be the highest quality and the costliest. Hand-crafted incense burners made of local Dhofari clay are also good purchases. Myrrh is relatively easy to find as well, as are the myriad Omani perfumes on offer throughout the country. You can also buy a khanjar, the traditional Omani dagger.

• 🌍 Handicraft Souq, Tatawur St and Al Marqaz At Tijari St (near KFC). Sa-Th 9AM-1PM, 4PM-10PM; F 4PM-10PM. A good place to pick up traditional hand-crafted items. 
• 🌍 Haffa Souq (Al Husn Souq), As Sultan Qaboos St. The Haffa souq (market place) is the best place for frankincense and incense burners, and a wide range of other collectibles including handicrafts and souvenirs. Haggling is necessary, or alternatively have a local so you know you are buying genuine goods. Payment can be made in Omani rials, euros, or dollars. (updated Aug 2017)
• 🌍 New Souq, 23 July St. 
• 🌍 Family Book Shop, Al Matar St (in Assafa House). Has books in English and Arabic, and a good selection of maps. 
• 🌍 Goal Sports, As Salam St (opposite HSBC Bank), ☎ [phone]. Has outdoor sporting goods, including camping supplies. 

Grocery stores

• 🌍 Al Isteqrar Hypermarket, Al Fayha St. Groceries are on the ground floor, and a food court upstairs. 
• 🌍 Lulu Hypermarket, Ar Rubat St and An Nama St, ☎ [phone]. Sa-Th 9AM-11PM; F 9AM-11PM, 4:30PM-11PM. A branch of the UAE chain. Good for picnic supplies or camping gear. (updated Jul 2016)
• 🌍 Lulu Supermarket, 23 July St and Al Matar St, ☎ [phone]. Sa-Th 8AM-11:45PM; F 8AM-11AM, 4:30PM-11:45PM. More centrally located than Lulu Hypermarket (see listing above), but with a much smaller deli and no camping gear. (updated Jul 2016)
• 🌍 Spinney's, An Nahdah St (by the An Nahdah Roundabout). Small supermarket with international food. 

Eat

Roadside fruit stand

If you decide to visit places outside Salalah city (good advice for traveling anywhere in Oman), remember to carry some food packed for emergencies (fruits, fruit juices, sandwiches recommended) as there are few restaurants outside the city. Always carry several bottles of drinking water since you may not find any store on the highways. There is, however, a delightful ocean-side cafe on the way to Mughsayl and the tidal geyser there.

Budget

• Al Kutaini Restaurant, 23 July St, ☎ [phone]. Offers a wide range of continental dishes but specialize in Pakistani cuisine. 
• 🌍 Annapoorna Restaurant (Al-Saf Saf), Al Ferdows St (off of 23 July St). A traditional South Indian Restaurant serving only vegetarian food. 
• 🌍 Bin Ateeq, 23 July St (New Salalah), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 9AM-1AM. Part of a small chain of Omani restaurants, and a good place for Omani food. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Bin Ateeq, 23 July St (Middle Salalah), e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 9AM-1AM. A second branch of the popular Omani restaurant. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Cascade Tandoori Restaurant, 23 July St (near Bank Dhofar), ☎ [phone]. Daily 11AM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-12:30AM. Offers a large range of Indian dishes, particularly well-known for their vindaloo. 
• 🌍 Chinese Cascade, 23 July St, ☎ [phone]. Chinese restaurant offering decent food. No buffet. 
• Chopsticks, 23 July St, ☎ [phone]. Indian-styled Chinese restaurant with decent food. No buffet. 
• 🌍 Hassan Bin Thabit Restaurant, 23 July St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 8AM-1AM. Serves Arabic, Chinese, European and Indian cuisines. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Ittina Cafe, Atin Rd (on the road to Ittin-Garziz, turn right at the second roundabout, about 10 min drive from Salalah), ☎ [phone]. Offers decent food and an excellent view of the city. 
• 🌍 KFC, Ar Rubat St. American fried chicken, sit-down restaurant and drive-through. 
• 🌍 Khareef Salalah Restaurant, Bldg No 54 (near Al Awqadayn Roundabout), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 11AM-1AM. A unit of Hassan Bin Thabit Kitchens, with a varied international menu. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Pizza Hut, As Salam St. Always an option for any Americans wanting a taste of home, delivery available. 

Mid-range

• 🌍 Baalbeck Lebanese Restaurant, 23 July St (near the main market), ☎ [phone]. A small family restaurant serving very good Lebanese food. Has excellent hummus, tum and shwarmas. 
• 🌍 Browniz Coffee House, As Salam St (across from the Salalah Cemetery), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This cafe/restaurant offers a good range of European food. Free wi-fi. 
• 🌍 Good Hopes Restaurant (formerly Woodlands Restaurant) (in the airport). Surprisingly one of the better restaurants, licensed. 
• 🌍 Lebanese House Restaurant, Al Salaam St (Bait Lubnan), ☎ [phone]. This restaurant offers good Lebanese food at a reasonable price (RO 10 for 3 people - starter & main incl. 1 drink each). Delivery available. 
• 🌍 Oasis Club, Port Rd (Raysut), ☎ [phone]. Sa-W 12PM-3PM, 6PM-11PM; Th-F 12PM-12:30AM. Offers a wide selection of international cuisine at a very reasonable price (a fraction of the cost of the hotel restaurants and better quality). This restaurant is also fully licensed. Take away and delivery available. (updated Jul 2016)
• 16 Ajwa, 23 July St (near Bank Dhofar). Offers Pakistani and Hyderbadi food. No buffet. 

Splurge

The restaurants located in the Hilton, Crowne Plaza, and Juweira Boutique hotels offer high-end dining services, with both à la carte and buffet options. For romantic dining, beach pavilions can be reserved at both the Hilton and Juweira Boutique.

Drink

There are many roadside stands selling fresh fruit juice and coconuts.

Alcohol for non-Muslim visitors is available at high end hotels like Good Hopes Restaurant in the airport and Oasis Club near the port, as well as at the bars in the Crowne Plaza, Hilton, and Juweira Boutique hotels.

For a refreshing drink, stop at any of the many roadside vendors selling fresh coconut. They will lop the top off a green coconut for you for 200-300 baizas.

Sleep

During the annual khareef from July-September the population of Salalah balloons with visitors from elsewhere in Oman and the Persian Gulf, so if you plan to visit during this time it is essential to make reservations well in advance. During other times of year rooms are plentiful and rates are more reasonable.

Budget

• 🌍 Al Hanaa Hotel, 23 July St (across from Lulu Hypermarket), ☎ [phone], [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Within walking distance of downtown. 

Mid-range

• 🌍 Arabian Sea Villas, Dahariz Beach (near the Crown Plaza Resort), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. An Omani-Belgian enterprise located directly on the beach of South Dahariz, adjacent to the coconut groves. This is one of the best budget options in Salalah; rates include breakfast and wifi (available in the breakfast/coffee room). Note: it is best to book a room directly by email or telephone, as the booking service on the website caters to German tour operators, with significantly higher nightly rates. RO 30-40/night. 
• 🌍 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, Dahreej, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A better alternative for luxury accommodation as the property is much larger than the Hilton and more importantly it is close to the city centre. RO 72+/night. 
• 🌍 Dhofar Hotel, Al Matar St (near Lulu Hypermarket), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. The hotel offers basic accommodation at very affordable prices. Located in the city centre it is a convenient option for those who are not looking for luxuries or a beach-facing hotel. Service is very friendly and hotel is reasonably clean. €80/double. 
• 🌍 Haffah House, Al Matar and Ar Robat Sts, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Old rooms, basic but decent. Very close to the airport and in the centre of the city so it's easy to reach any place you want to get to, reasonable swimming pool, gym and tennis courts. Banking and rent a car services are available in the same building. (updated Oct 2017)
• 🌍 Hamdan Plaza Hotel, Al Wadi St (across from Lulu Hypermarket), ☎ [phone]. Free breakfast with wi-fi. 
• 🌍 Salalah Beach Villas, Ad Dahariz St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Located directly on the beach. RO 30+/night. 

Splurge

• 🌍 Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, Dahreej, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A better alternative for luxury accommodation as the property is much larger than the Hilton and more importantly it is close to the city centre. RO 72+/night. 
• 🌍 Hilton Salalah, As Sultan Qaboos St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A popular choice for European visitors. It is located roughly 12 km outside the city and runs a daily shuttle service to and from the Gold Souq. However, the hotel cannot really be recommended as the service is appalling and a general sense of "the inmates running the asylum" pervades. RO 59+/night. 
• 🌍 Juweira Boutique Hotel, Taqa Rd (Marina Town), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. From Juweira you can get a clear view of the artificial 'Juweira Island' which is spectacularly illuminated during night. There are many wonderful cafes, lounges and restaurants in Juweira. There is also a fashion boutique and a children's play area. RO 65+/night. 
• 🌍 Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, Al Mansurah Street (Al Baleed), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Recently opened beach resort providing a myriad of activities including tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts, petanque, and beach football. Doubles OR 132+. (updated Jan 2017)

Connect

Mobile coverage using Oman's providers is close to flawless, but roaming can sometimes be slow. There are several internet cafes around town, but speeds are inconsistent. Prices vary, but are usually cheap.

Stay safe

Salalah is a very safe place. However, the Salalah (Arab) way of driving might need some getting used to for non-Arabs.

Don't go swimming in the sea or permit toddlers/children to wander off at beaches. The sea has very strong ocean currents and the seabed has a steep drop off, making it very unsafe for swimmers, experienced or beginner.

Cope

• Remember to carry your passport and visa papers with you wherever you go, at least photocopies, as you can expect local police or military patrols to check on you when you least expect them to show up, even if you are within city limits (it is just a routine procedure to check for illegal workers and immigrants).
• It's advisable for women to bring conservative clothing, especially if travelling outside the city. A general rule is to keep shoulders and knees covered. Western swimwear is acceptable on private hotel beaches, but not on public beaches where one-piece suits, or even tshirts and swimming shorts, are preferable. Keep a sarong handy.
• Bring plenty of water and sunblock if travelling outside the city.

Go next

Job's Tomb

North

• 🌍 Job's Tomb (An-Nabi Ayyub) (30km northwest of Salalah off of Atin Rd). Believed by many to be the tomb of the biblical figure Job, on a hill-top overlooking Salalah. There is a small restaurant nearby with wonderful views. 500 bzs.  
• 🌍 Ayn Razat (Ain Razat). Th-F, daily during the khareef. Freshwater springs surrounded by gated rose gardens, with several pools and caves nearby. Swimming is not permitted because of the presence of schistosomiasis (bilharzia); toilets available. (updated Aug 2017)

East

Taqah is 35km away on Highway 49, and Mirbat is an hour's drive.

West

To the west is Mughsayl with its famous blowholes, and some dramatic coastline (see Itineraries in Dhofar).