The Dhofar Governorate is moving forward in the renewed Omani Renaissance, embodying a living model of developmental transformation in accordance with the “Oman 2040” vision. This comprehensive development is driven by the integration of public, private, and community efforts to consolidate a robust and diversified economy. His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, emphasized that the development projects and quality investments in the governorate are a direct reflection of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s supreme directives.
## Developmental Transformation in Dhofar Governorate
The Dhofar Governorate has witnessed rapid progress in recent years across various sectors, including economy, public services, and infrastructure. This progress is evident in the implementation of quality projects in roads, housing, health, education, energy, tourism, and the environment, enhancing the quality of life and consolidating the governorate’s position as an economic and strategic hub on the Arabian Sea. The governorate’s comprehensive strategy, institutional identity, and communication strategy have been launched, achieving first place among the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman in the institutional performance evaluation for the year 2024.
### Tourism and Logistics Growth
The tourism sector in Dhofar has experienced remarkable growth, with the number of visitors to the Dhofar Khareef season exceeding one million visitors for the years 2024 and 2025, an increase of 11.3 percent compared to the previous year. The Dhofar Khareef Season 2025 was crowned with the praise of the Council of Ministers for the second time in a row for its success. Salalah Airport continues to achieve positive growth indicators, reflecting the governorate’s rising status as a tourist and economic destination. The total number of arriving and departing flights through Salalah Airport during the period from January 1 to September 30, 2025, amounted to 9,217, recording an increase of 3.1 percent.
## Infrastructure and Investment
The Dhofar Governorate is working on implementing projects that contribute to enhancing its logistical capabilities, including the completion of the expansion of the container terminal at the Port of Salalah. This expansion will increase its handling capacity from 4.5 million TEUs to 6.5 million TEUs annually, at an investment cost exceeding OMR115 million. The total investments in the Salalah Free Zone rose to OMR5.1 billion by the end of September 2025, a significant increase over the previous year. The free zone is witnessing the implementation of 20 industrial and logistical projects with investments exceeding OMR900 million.
### Economic Diversification and Sustainability
The governorate is witnessing the implementation of major strategic projects, including the expansion of Raysut Industrial City by an area of 5 million square metres, and the establishment of Thumrait Industrial City at a cost of OMR12 million. The Shuwaimiyah Industrial Minerals Project is one of the promising projects that embodies the Sultanate of Oman’s orientation towards diversifying sources of income and enhancing the utilization of national resources. The project extends over an area of 1,500 square kilometres and includes three main quarries and a mining port dedicated to exporting raw materials.
## Social and Environmental Development
The Dhofar Governorate pays special attention to the environment, renewable energy, and green economy sectors, with the implementation of quality projects in the fields of wind energy, green hydrogen, and solar energy. The governorate witnessed tangible progress during the year 2025 in environmental development efforts, with the number of seedlings produced reaching 42,000 seedlings, and the number of trees planted reaching 8,793 trees. Work is underway to prepare the Wildlife Park project and declare the Gannet Reserve in the Hallaniyat Islands.
In conclusion, the Dhofar Governorate is proceeding with confident steps in implementing its comprehensive and balanced development plans in various fields. The next phase is expected to witness more quality projects in the basic infrastructure, economic, public services, and clean energy sectors, enhancing Dhofar’s position as a leading development governorate and a fundamental pillar in the renewed Omani Renaissance. With the continued support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the integration of public, private, and community efforts, the Dhofar Governorate is poised to achieve its development goals and contribute to the diversification of the national economy.
