Salalah - Dhofar region in Sultanate of Oman

Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Zufar and Dhofar region. It is often considered to be the "second city" of the Sultanate, although some of this designation is probably due to its distinction as Sultan Qaboos' birthplace.
The region is famous for its khareef (monsoon), and the Khareef Festival is an annual event here Salalah and Dhofar are historically famous for the frankincense trade. The region has tended to be rather independent over history, although this has changed since Qaboos' ascension to the throne.

Salalah, town in southern Oman, situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The town is located in the only part of the Arabian Peninsula touched by the Indian Ocean monsoon and thus is verdant during the summer. Salalah is the historic centre of Dhofar, famous in ancient times as a source of frankincense, and was described by Marco Polo in the 13th century as a prosperous city. Although it declined in wealth and importance in succeeding centuries, Salalah did not come under the rule of the sultans of Oman until the 1800s. From 1932 until he was deposed in July 1970, Sultan Said ibn Taymur ruled the country, then called Muscat and Oman, from Salalah.
After an insurrection centred in Dhofar ended in 1975, the government began to develop the Salalah area. Projects included a large modern hospital and a hotel. The town’s airport was upgraded to international standards, and a paved road was built linking Salalah with the north. In 2006 a free-trade zone was established in Salalah. The town trades in agricultural products from the surrounding coastal plain. Salalah’s port is located at Raysut, to the southwest. Pop. (2005 est.) 171,074.

How to get in to Lush Green Salalah

By Plane

Oman Air flies from Muscat to Salalah at least three times a day. The flight takes roughly 90 minutes. The same carrier flies from Dubai to Salalah, with the flight taking some 2 hours scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays.There are direct flights to Indian cities of Kozhikode & Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram via Kochi. Air Arabia flies twice a week to Sharjah on Thursdays and Saturdays. Flydubai operates three flights every week from Dubai on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Qatar Air also has a direct flight from Doha to Salalah

By Car

It is possible to drive from Muscat to Salalah. The trip takes roughly 12 hours (although there are numerous places worth a detour en route). From the starting point sure its a cheerful trip where you can enjoy the wild beauty. Rusayl, Nizwa, Haima, Thumrait and next is the most beautiful Salalah.Watch out for renegade dunes on the way! When you get hungry, thirsty or tired, you should take the next opportunity to stop - there might not be another one for dozens of miles.

By Bus

There are daily buses between all Omani cities, very cheap compared to the cost of taxis, airfare, etc. In August 2011 Muscat-Salalah was 6 R.O. (and 11 R.O. for two way ticket)--it's a 12 hour trip. There is also bus service to and from Dubai

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Get around in City tours

Salalah is quite a small city in tourist terms, as most places of interest are close to each other. During warmer times of year, though, walking may not be the best idea. The usual unmetered Omani taxis operate here.

The average taxi fare to travel within the city is 500 baiza.