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The Local Area

Salalah

Salalah is the administrative capital of Dhofar and lies on the Arabian Sea, about 1040km from Muscat.

Salalah is the capital of the Dhofar region situated on a fertile plain amongst coconut groves and banana plantations, set against the dramatic mountain backdrop of Jabal Dhofar.

The City of Salalah has been the subject of many historical and archaelogical studies over the years. Evidence in the form of writing and inscriptions has indicated that a number of civilisations have succeeded each other in the area, as exemplified by the ruins of the ancient cities of Al Bhalid and Sumahram. Above the city is the tomb of Nabi Ayoub (Jacob) housed in a small distinctive domed building surrounded by green hills. Also worth a visit is the tomb of the Prophet Omran.

Not all the sights in Salalah belong to the past, Salalah boasts truly captivating natural beauties, with its picturesque and extensive white sandy beaches, as seen in Khandaq, Qurum, Dahariz and Al-Mughsayl, and the springs of Razzat, Hamran, Sahnout and Jarziz.

There are a number of specialised and well-stocked local souqs in Salalah. The most popular being the Central souq. This is located in the business area of central Salalah where people sell basic provisions such as fresh fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, dates, as well as some traditional manufactured goods. The Gold and Silver Souq is also found in the centre of town, whereas the Al Haffah souq is about 3km away from the centre. This is the ideal place to purchase the best kinds of Omani frankincense and incense.

Omani frankincense is usually sold in plastic bags according to the weight, while incense is packed in small metal tins of copper or silver. Also available in the market are charcoal, which is used to burn the incense, and traditional Dhofari incense burners. These clay burners are painted in bright colours and locally named 'Al Majmar'.

You can also find a variet of miscellaneous textiles, clothing, gold and silver jewellery, and other traditional products, in addition to some restaurants and coffee shops.

Salalah is developing as a unique tourist destination, with internal and external links to the remainder of the country and abroad, through its extensive road networks, its airport and its seaport. Tourism is supported by a vast array of tourist facilities and a number of international hotel chains.

Located in modern day Salalah, the city of Al-Bhalid was established in the tenth century on a vast expanse of land.

The city was destroyed and re-built in 1221. Archaeological discoveries indicate that the city formerly played an important role as a major port for exporting frankincense, fish oil and horses, in addition to the production of silk textiles, tuilles and cotton products. Today, only ruins of its port, fort and buildings and graveyard remain to tell of its existence.