Dhofar: one of Oman’s most surprising regions

As soon as you leave the arid north of Oman and travel to Dhofar, everything changes. The air becomes more humid, the landscape greener, and the scent of frankincense drifts on the breeze. This southern region feels completely different from the rest of the country, as if you’ve crossed into another climate, another pace, another Oman. From ancient trade routes and UNESCO World Heritage sites to dramatic coastlines and towering mountains, Dhofar is a destination full of contrasts.

But what exactly is there to see and do in Dhofar? Read on in this blog.

Why Dhofar feels so different

No two days in Dhofar feel the same. One day you might be hiking along waterfalls in a misty valley, the next exploring ancient ruins, driving over remote mountain passes, or enjoying lunch in a coastal fishing village where time seems to stand still.

During the summer, in the khareef (monsoon) season, Dhofar transforms completely. The rain doesn’t pour down in sheets but arrives as a gentle mist. Areas that have been dry and dusty for months turn into a tropical oasis with waterfalls, turquoise pools, and lush green hills. A must-see is Wadi Darbat.

Frankincense Trade

Sometimes, as you travel through Dhofar, you’ll suddenly catch the scent of frankincense—not from a shop, but from the trees themselves. Frankincense trees grow throughout the region, releasing their aromatic resin, especially when warmed by the sun or after rain. The fragrance is an integral part of Dhofar’s landscape, history, and culture.

Historically, this region was the heart of an important frankincense trade route—a network of paths stretching all the way to ancient Egypt and India. Curious to learn more and see how the resin is harvested? Visit the Wadi Dawkah Reserve.

➔ Discover Oman: choose a complete guided tour or design your own itinerary with Wadi Travel.

Historic highlights in Dhofar

For panoramic views and a touch of history, drive to the religious site of Job’s Tomb (Nabi Ayoub). Along the winding roads, you might suddenly spot camels or a few goats. Not far from there lie the remains of Ubar, often called the “Atlantis of the Desert.”

According to ancient legends, this city vanished beneath the sand. Today, only a few ruins and a deep sinkhole remain—a place that still sparks the imagination, right in the heart of the desert.

Another must-see is the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. This former port city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, played a key role in the frankincense trade. Today it functions as an open-air museum; you can walk among the excavated city walls, watchtowers, and mosques. Right next to the archaeological park is the modern Museum of the Frankincense Land, which delves deeper into the role of frankincense in Oman’s history.

The impressive nature of Dhofar

Dhofar is full of places that leave you speechless, like the Tawi Ateer Sinkhole. Around Salalah, you’ll also find surprising oases of calm, such as Ayn Sahalnoot and Ayn Razat. These natural springs are popular spots where locals come to relax.

If you really want to get away from it all, a multi-day trip to the Rub al Khali (the Empty Quarter) is highly recommended. This is the largest continuous sand desert in the world, part of which stretches into Dhofar. It’s far less touristy than other desert regions in Oman, such as Sharquiya Sands. Explore the dunes, experience the vast emptiness, and sleep under a sky full of stars.

Along the coast, there are also hidden spots that make you wonder why no one else is there. Al Fazayah Beach, for example, is only accessible via a bumpy road, but once you arrive, you’re rewarded with white sand, clear water, and cliff views—often completely to yourself. Mughsayl Beach is better known and easier to reach. Visit at high tide, when the water erupts meters high through the blowholes.

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