12

Local Information

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

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.

Learn about the Dhofar region and it's Capital City Salalah, the unique season of The Khareef Festival, and the many captivating beauty spots: Taqah, Khour Taqah, Khour Souli, Khour Roori, Sumhamram, Mirbat, Teiq Cave, Wadi Darbat, Ain Razzat, and Ubar.

Facts About Oman

Area - - 309,500m2

Population - - 2,509,000 (including nearly 25% ex patriots)

Capital - - City of Muscat

Natural Resources - Petroleum, Natural Gas, Copper, Fishery, Argriculture

Local Time - - GMT+4

Currency - - Omani Rial

Business Hours - - Government: 07:30 - 14:30

Private Section 08:00 - 13:00 then 16:00 - 19:00

Shopping Hours - - 09:00 - 13:00 then 16:30 - 24:00

Electricity - - 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles