Salalah Festivals & Events

Salalah, the capital of Wali in Southern Omani happens to be the second largest town in Omani. Though Muscat is the largest town in the Sultanate of Oman, the sultan stays in Salalah which is the birth place of Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan. The weather in Salalah is moderate through out the year and thousands of people flock to this part of the Arabian Desert when the town is under the influence of the South-East. During this period the town holds the Salalah Kharif Festival is one of the famous Festivals and Events at Salalah in Oman. Apart from this, there are other Salalah Festivals and Events which are spread over the whole year and attract a huge crowd from all across the world.

Salalah Kharif Festival is a one of the important Salalah Festivals and Events. It is held is arranged in the month of July and continues for six weeks. Held in the tropical parts of Salalah, this is one of the major carnivals where the participants parade through the town dressed in fanciful dresses and traditional folklore performances are also arranged. There is jewelry exhibitions, literary and cultural events, children's' performances and kite flying competitions.

Muharram, which announces the beginning of Islamic New year, is a holiday. This is one of the Salalah Festivals and Events day when people forbade themselves from any entertainment and alcoholic drinks. Mouloud, the birthday of Mohammed is a famous festival day. It is celebrated in middle of June and is popularly called Mawlid Al Nabi. September heralds the Shopping Festival when the city shopping centers come alive and the Autumn Trade Fair is held in the Oman International Exhibition Center. The Motor Show is one of the major attractions in this Exhibition.

The town observes the National Day and Birthday of Sultan Qaboos in the month of November. It is celebrated with huge pomp and show. However, the venue of this festival keeps changing every year. In this festival one can watch camel racing, dance events and also fireworks.

Ramadan is the holy month for the Muslims and is one of the most important of Salalah Festivals and Events. During this month they go for fasting from the dawn to dusk for the entire month. It is noteworthy that the activity level is quite low during the day and one would noticed frequent change in the business hours, in the timing of the eateries and non-availability in alcohol. At the end of the month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is organized. The duration of this festival lasts for three days. It is the period when the families get together and celebrate. They go for praying and as well as for visiting their family members. Gifts are offered to the children.

Salalah is the traditional residing place for the sultan of Oman. Anyone who visits the town during the time of Salalah Festivals and Events would find it a very lively country with unique culture and traditions.