The city of Salalah is Oman’s second largest city. It is also the historic centre and capital of southern Oman’s Dhofar province. The city is particularly verdant during the summer.  

Things to do in Salalah

Salalah offers a range of attractions and pleasant things to do during your stay. You can explore some of the finer traditions of the city, such as its prowess for frankincense and exotic fruit production, and take part in some of the regional celebrations that take place. Below is a little more information.

Museum of the Frankincense Land

Salalah is renowned for its trade in frankincense. This museum on the site of the ancient ruins of Al Baleed, which belonged to 12th century trading port of Zafar, demonstrates Oman’s maritime strength. The port would ship frankincense off to India in return for spices.

The Salalah plantations

You might forget you’re actually in a city when you walk through the plantation roads from the corniche. Salalah is renowned for coconuts, papayas and small bananas. There are plenty of fruit stands around and they stay open to late, so you’ll be able to catch some refreshment while you’re out there.

Salalah Tourism Festival

During the khareef — an Omani word for ‘monsoon’ — which is when the Sultanate experiences its best weather, the Salalah Tourism Festival takes place. This period attracts a lot of visitors and Ittin Road is the place to head. There you’ll see locals enjoy a picnic and exploring the large festival complex, which includes funfairs, a theatre, clothes stalls and more.

Business in Salalah

You may wish to consider starting a business in Salalah, thanks to the establishment of the Free Zone, a free trade area which comes with benefits such as zero corporate taxation for several decades. The zone is also just 15 minutes from Salalah International Airport.