Sarlah

Sarlah

Introduction to the Attraction

Sarlah is approximately over a thousand kilometers from Muscat, with a road trip of around 9 hours, or about 1 hour and 30 minutes by flight from Muscat.

Sarlah is located in the Dhofar region in southern Oman and is the largest city in the area, as well as the second-largest city in Oman. From June to August each year, it is influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoon, making its climate completely different from the hot and dry weather found in northern cities such as Muscat.

The area is lush with greenery and abundant springs. During this time, Bedouins leading a nomadic lifestyle bring their camels, cattle, and sheep here for grazing. Roadside signs constantly remind drivers to “watch out for camels,” asking them to yield to these animals.

Sarlah’s climate is suitable for growing fruit trees such as bananas, coconuts, papayas, and sugar apples. These tropical fruits are highly prized by people in the Middle East. Fruit stalls are commonly seen along the roadsides in Sarlah. Along the pristine white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and gentle sea breezes make visitors feel as if they are in a corner of the South Pacific.

The Omani Tourism Authority and the Dhofar regional government hold an annual celebration in July and August — the Khareef Festival. “Khareef” means monsoon, and this festival celebrates the arrival of the monsoon rainy season. A series of performances are held, including traditional music and dance, drama, and folk crafts. During this time, families from all over the hot Middle Eastern countries flock to Sarlah to join in the Khareef Festival celebrations and to escape the heat. It has become one of the favorite summer retreats for people in the Gulf region.

Visitors can purchase some of the world’s highest quality frankincense and other aromatic spices in Sarlah. Colorful clay incense burners are another distinctive Arabian artwork, and prices here are lower than in the capital, Muscat.

Thirty kilometers from downtown Sarlah, on a hill, lies the resting place of Nabi Ayoub, a prophet in Islam. From this hill, one can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Sarlah city. Twenty-five kilometers north of Sarlah’s urban area, near Ayn Razatu, there is a clear stream. A park has been built along this stream, making it a great spot for locals to have picnics and outings, and it also includes camping facilities.

Oman Muscat