Book flights to Salalah (SLL)

Book your visit to Salalah

Southern Oman’s capital – the country’s third largest city – is a dazzling contrast to the surrounding desert. As well as a lush, green oasis, it’s also filled with fascinating historical attractions.

Famous for the Khareef Festival as well as being the historical centre for the highly valued frankincense trade, Salalah is a charming juxtaposition of old and new, ancient and modern.

With towering mountains, crashing waterfalls and a mild climate even during the summer, Salalah is an oasis surrounded by the wild, untamed beauty of the Omani desert.

The beaches are lined with white sand, with a tempestuous sea that’s perfect for capturing dramatic photos. The markets buzz and the food is distinctive and delicious. Let Qatar Airways take you on a magical journey to Oman’s green jewel, the enchanting city of Salalah.

Things to do in Salalah

Visit Al Mughsail beach, one of the most dramatic sweeps of sand in Oman. A stroll along the beach brings you to the Marneef Cave and its dramatic blowhole, where water blasts upwards at an incredible rate.

They’re at their most dramatic during the Khareef (rainy) season. If you’re visiting then, take an inland hike to Ayn Khor waterfall, with a natural pool where you can cool off with a swim in the clear water.

The history of this important trading post is documented at the Museum of the Frankincense Land, which you’ll find in the beautifully preserved Al-Baleed Archaeological Site. Along with Sumhuram Old City (Khor Rori), Wubar Archeological Site and Wadi Dawkah, these make up a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site and let you immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region.

Activities in Salalah

Salalah’s festivals are famous and welcome visitors who want to learn more about the culture of this distinctive region. Watch a Dhofari Folk Dance performance, where the costumes, music and movement of the dancers tell ancient stories of Oman.

Join the locals for an afternoon of watching some camel racing. The races are thrilling, and you’ll also see demonstrations of falconry and traditional games such as Almokabasah (a type of wrestling).

Evenings bring a whole new ambience to the city, and the light and sound shows illuminating Salalah’s historic buildings are a truly spectacular experience.

Another specialty of the Salalah Festival season is the culinary explorations of the region’s food. Cooking demonstrations teach you how to cook using traditional Omani techniques and preparing spice blends.

Food in Salalah

Food in Salalah is full of flavour and draws influences from a diverse range of cultures including African, Arabic and Indian cuisine. Traditional Omani dishes include shuwa, which is melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked lamb, and harees, a hearty wheat porridge with meat served with unleavened bread.

Other must-try dishes include madhbi, grilled meat marinated in a spicy blend and cooked over an open flame, and mishkak, which are beef or chicken kebabs cooked over a charcoal grill and served with a spicy sauce.

Head into the centre of the city and you’ll find fine dining restaurants serving a selection of cuisines, including delicious Indian food. Browse the souqs and you’ll come across vendors selling falafel and other familiar street food.

Shopping in Salalah

Salalah has always been a hugely important trading centre, and the markets and souqs carry on this tradition. Al-Husn Souq is best for local handicrafts, especially silver jewellery and incense, Omani textiles and carvings.

Salalah Central Market is a thriving produce market where you can buy herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients.

For some air-conditioned comfort, Salalah has several malls including the new Salalah Grand Mall and the huge Salalah Gardens Mall. This expansive retail centre also offers a large food court and a children’s play area.

For some evening shopping, stroll down As Salam Street, which is lined with stores selling everything from watches and jewellery to clothes, bags and sunglasses. Nearby Ar Rubat Street also offers some busy local shops to explore.