Salalah Eye Observation Wheel in Dhofar Region Boosts Tourism Infrastructure, Visitor Growth and Strengthening Salalah Year-Round Destination Strategy in Oman

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The Salalah Eye, under construction in Al Haffa in the Dhofar Governorate, is going to be one of the latest tourist sites in Oman. Standing at 55 meters above the waterside, this observation wheel faces the Arabian Sea and is situated near the New Haffa Souq, making it the very center of Salalah’s developing tourism area. Scheduled to operate from early July, the site is well-timed to open at the beginning of the Khareef season, which is known as Salalah’s period of peak tourism.

Observation Wheel Strengthens Waterfront Tourism Experience

Once operational, the Salalah Eye will offer panoramic views of the coastline, city skyline and surrounding natural landscapes. The attraction is expected to become a visual landmark for Salalah, adding a modern leisure experience to a destination traditionally known for its natural monsoon beauty. The project is part of a broader effort to diversify Salalah’s tourism offering beyond seasonal nature tourism by introducing year-round entertainment and urban leisure attractions.

Dhofar Expands Tourism Infrastructure and Visitor Capacity

The development of Salalah Eye reflects ongoing investment in Dhofar’s tourism infrastructure, aimed at improving visitor experiences and increasing tourism-related economic activity. By enhancing the waterfront zone, the project supports commercial growth in nearby areas such as the New Haffa Souq, encouraging longer visitor stays and increased spending across retail, dining and entertainment sectors. This aligns with Oman’s national strategy to strengthen tourism diversification and expand destination competitiveness.

Coordinated Preparations for Khareef Season Tourism Surge

The opening comes as Dhofar prepares for the Khareef season, which begins this week and runs until September 21. During this period, Salalah experiences a significant rise in tourism activity driven by cooler temperatures and lush monsoon landscapes. Multiple government bodies, including Dhofar Municipality, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Royal Oman Police, Civil Aviation Authority and the Environment Authority, are coordinating with private sector partners to ensure readiness across tourism services, infrastructure and visitor facilities.

Strong Visitor Growth Highlights Tourism Momentum in Dhofar

Tourism data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information shows steady growth in Khareef visitor numbers. In 2025, Dhofar recorded more than 1.07 million visitors, up from 1.04 million in 2024 and 962,196 in 2023. Visitor spending also increased to RO 125 million in 2025, compared with RO 121 million in 2024 and RO 103 million in 2023, reflecting rising economic impact across accommodation, transport, retail and entertainment sectors.

Future Tourism Sector Growth Impact

Transformation of Salalah into a Year-Round Tourism Destination

The Salalah Eye project is expected to play a key role in supporting Salalah’s long-term transition from a seasonal tourism hub into a year-round destination. By introducing a permanent waterfront attraction, the city can attract visitors beyond the Khareef season, balancing tourism flows throughout the year. This shift is crucial for reducing seasonality dependence and improving the stability of tourism-driven income for local businesses.

Growth of Urban Leisure and Experience-Based Tourism

The project supports the expansion of urban leisure tourism in Oman, adding a modern entertainment experience to Salalah’s tourism portfolio. Observation wheels and waterfront attractions are increasingly used globally as destination landmarks that enhance visitor engagement. This diversification helps attract younger travellers, families and international tourists seeking experience-based travel alongside nature tourism.

Increased Visitor Spending and Local Economic Expansion

The Salalah Eye is expected to increase footfall in the Al Haffa waterfront area, leading to higher spending in surrounding businesses including restaurants, retail outlets and tourism services. This contributes to local economic diversification and strengthens the role of tourism as a key driver of employment and small business growth in Dhofar.

Strengthening Oman’s Position in Regional Tourism Competition

The development reinforces Oman’s broader strategy to compete within the GCC tourism market by enhancing destination infrastructure and visitor experiences. By combining natural attractions with modern landmarks, Oman is positioning Salalah as a distinctive destination that blends eco-tourism, cultural heritage and urban leisure offerings.

Expansion of Experience-Driven Tourism Demand

The global tourism industry is increasingly shifting toward experience-led travel, where visitors seek iconic attractions and immersive activities. Salalah Eye aligns with this trend by offering panoramic viewing experiences and a visually distinctive landmark. This strengthens Salalah’s visibility in international tourism markets and supports its inclusion in multi-destination travel itineraries.

Long-Term Growth Outlook for Dhofar Tourism Sector

With continued investment in infrastructure and attractions like Salalah Eye, Dhofar is expected to see sustained growth in tourism arrivals and visitor spending. Over time, the region’s tourism ecosystem is likely to expand beyond seasonal peaks, supported by improved infrastructure, diversified attractions and stronger international positioning.

Future Outlook for Salalah’s Tourism Development

The Salalah Eye project is a big step forward towards making Salalah a lively and diversified tourism destination. With the integration of natural settings with state-of-the-art tourist attractions, Salalah will have a solid base for growing its tourism industry in the coming years. With Oman’s focus on destination development, it is predicted that Salalah will be amongst the prime tourist destinations in Oman.