UAE and Other Countries Boost Oman Tourism As Salalah Airport Khareef Arrivals Rise With 8% Growth in 2026

Written By: Debarati Paul

Debarati Paul

I’m Debarati a postgraduate in Mass Communication and Journalism with a naturally creative mindset and a genuine passion for storytelling. I enjoy transforming ideas into engaging, meaningful content that informs, connects, and inspires. Whether it’s writing, content creation, or creative communication, I believe every piece of content has the power to leave a lasting impression. Driven by curiosity and a love for learning, I continuously explore new ways to express ideas with clarity, creativity, and authenticity. My goal is to create content that not only captures attention but also resonates with people.

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August 15, 2026 9:35 PM |

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UAE and Other Countries Boost Oman Tourism As Salalah Airport Khareef Arrivals Rise With 8% Growth in 2026. Travel to Dhofar in 2026 led to Salalah Airport exhibiting more passenger movement compared to previous years. The growing demand for Oman’s summer vacation destination is reflected in how active flights were last season. The growth in the number of available flights and the demand for travel from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar means that the positive effect of the natural and leisure tourism sector of Dhofar is apparent and will continue to grow.

Salalah Airport Khareef Tourism Growth 2026 Strengthens Oman’s Summer Travel Appeal

Salalah Airport has emerged as a major driver of Oman’s tourism growth during the Dhofar Khareef season 2026, with rising passenger movement reflecting stronger demand for the region’s unique monsoon tourism experience. During the period from 21 June to 31 July 2026, the airport recorded 154,529 arriving passengers, compared with 142,488 passengers during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of around 8%. Arriving flights also increased to 1,758, up from 1,637 flights, marking a 7% rise in aviation activity. The annual Khareef season remains one of Oman’s most important tourism periods, attracting visitors to Dhofar’s green mountains, cooler climate, natural landscapes, waterfalls and cultural attractions. Salalah Airport plays a central role in supporting this seasonal tourism movement by connecting Dhofar with domestic and international markets.

• 154,529 arriving passengers recorded during June 21–July 31, 2026
• Passenger arrivals increased by approximately 8% year-on-year
• Arriving flights grew by 7% to 1,758 operations
• Dhofar Khareef season remained the main tourism demand driver
• Expanded aviation connectivity supported visitor movement

UAE Visitors Strengthen Oman Tourism Connectivity During Dhofar Khareef Season

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains one of Oman’s most important regional tourism markets, supported by geographical proximity, strong aviation links and high demand for short-haul leisure experiences. During the 2026 Dhofar Khareef season, UAE connectivity contributed to the wider increase in visitor access to Salalah, with seasonal services helping travellers reach the southern Omani destination. Salalah Airport received seasonal operations from the UAE, including Etihad Airways services connecting Abu Dhabi with Salalah during the Khareef period. UAE market benefits from Oman’s diverse tourism offering, particularly nature-based experiences, family holidays and summer escapes. Dhofar’s cooler temperatures during the monsoon season provide an alternative destination for Gulf travellers seeking a different climate experience.

• Strong regional air connectivity between UAE and Oman
• Increased accessibility during the peak Khareef travel period
• Growing demand for nature and family tourism experiences
• Short-distance travel advantage from major UAE cities
• Supports international visitor diversity at Salalah Airport

Saudi Arabia Supports Growing Dhofar Tourism Demand Through Regional Travel Links

Saudi Arabia represents another significant GCC tourism market for Oman due to strong regional connections and demand for summer travel experiences. Dhofar’s Khareef season has become an attractive option for Saudi visitors looking for cooler weather, natural scenery and cultural exploration outside traditional summer destinations. The close relationship between Oman and Saudi Arabia’s tourism sectors, combined with road and air accessibility, supports continued visitor movement between both countries. Saudi travellers are particularly attracted to destinations offering outdoor experiences, family-friendly activities and distinctive landscapes.

• GCC proximity supports easier travel access
• Strong demand for seasonal leisure tourism
• Family tourism remains an important travel segment
• Dhofar offers a unique climate experience in the region
• Regional mobility supports tourism diversification

Qatar Adds Momentum To Oman’s GCC Tourism Growth During Khareef 2026

Qatar continues to represent an important regional market for Oman tourism, with travellers benefiting from increasing Gulf aviation connectivity and growing interest in unique regional destinations. Salalah’s Khareef season provides Qatar visitors with access to a cooler summer environment featuring mountains, greenery and cultural attractions. The growth of Gulf tourism networks has helped strengthen Oman’s position as a regional leisure destination. Qatar travellers are increasingly connected to destinations that provide authentic experiences, natural attractions and convenient travel options.

• Strengthens Oman’s GCC visitor base
• Supports regional tourism diversification
• Benefits from improved Gulf aviation links
• Encourages short-break and seasonal travel
• Adds international diversity to Salalah visitor flows

Salalah Airport Expansion Reflects Oman’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Strength

The increase in passenger numbers during Dhofar Khareef 2026 highlights the importance of aviation infrastructure in supporting Oman’s tourism ambitions. Salalah Airport serves as a critical gateway for visitors travelling to Dhofar and has been designed to support long-term tourism expansion. The airport has a current capacity of around two million passengers annually, with potential expansion capability. Ahead of the 2026 Khareef season, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority also highlighted increased airline capacity planning, with Oman Air and SalamAir preparing additional seat availability to meet seasonal demand.

• Salalah Airport acts as Dhofar’s main tourism gateway
• Seasonal airline capacity responds to visitor demand
• Increased flights improve destination accessibility
• Aviation growth supports hospitality and local businesses
• Infrastructure development strengthens Oman’s tourism competitiveness

Travel And Tourism Impact Of Rising Salalah Airport Arrivals In 2026

The increase in Salalah Airport arrivals creates wider economic opportunities across Dhofar’s tourism ecosystem. Higher visitor numbers during the Khareef season support hotels, resorts, tour operators, transportation providers, retail businesses and local attractions. The continued growth of air arrivals also strengthens Oman’s position as a nature and cultural tourism destination in the Gulf region. By attracting visitors from GCC markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Dhofar continues to expand its regional tourism footprint while promoting sustainable travel experiences.

• Higher demand for accommodation and hospitality services
• Increased activity for local tourism operators
• Greater visibility for Dhofar attractions
• Stronger regional tourism connections
• Supports Oman’s broader tourism development goals

Conclusion

UAE and Other Countries Boost Oman Tourism as Salalah Airport Khareef Arrivals Rise by 8% in 2026, highlighting the growing strength of Dhofar as a leading regional travel destination. Increased demand for Oman tourism has resulted in an expansion of seasonal air connectivity. This particularly supports access to nature-based, culture-rich opportunities in Salalah, as well as breathtaking Khareef landscapes. The support of GCC markets (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Other Countries) increases Oman’s attraction to summer tourists and creates additional aviation, hospitality, and local tourism markets.