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Salalah

Salalah is the capital city of Oman's southern Dhofar region. It is the second largest city in the Sultanate, and has the distinction of being the Sultan Qaboos' birthplace. For most visitors, Salalah is the gateway to Oman’s most southerly governate of Dhofar – a historically independent, and culturally and ecologically unique region.

See
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Do
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Eat
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Buy
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12 places match

  1. See

    Al Baleed Archeological Park

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these extensive ruins were once the 12th-century trading port of Zafar, visited by Marco Polo in 1285.

    Sat-Wed 9AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Thu-Fri 4PM-8PMRO 2 (only accepts credit card, includes admission to the Frankincense Museum)

  2. See

    Ayn Razat

    Ain Razat

    Freshwater springs surrounded by gated rose gardens, with several pools and caves nearby. Swimming is not permitted because of the presence of schistosomiasis (bilharzia); toilets available.

    Thu-Fri, daily during the khareef

  3. See

    Burj an-Nadha

    Burj al-Nadha, Clocktower

    The clocktower may not be a sky-scraper but it is indeed the icon of Salalah, featured in the coat of arms of Dhofar Governate. The tower looks stunning during nights due to the colorful light display.

  4. See

    Footprint of Prophet Saleh's Camel

    A shrine housing the footprint of an enormous camel in the bedrock. According to the Quran, the camel was said to have appeared from nearby mountains as a miracle, yet was killed three days later by unbelievers who refused to recognize the Prophet Saleh. In punishment a severe earthquake was said to have destroyed the entire city and its inhabitants. As in other religious sites, visitors are requested to remove their shoes and women should cover their hair.

    Free

  5. See

    Gun Souq

    A small informal open-air market for vendors selling all types of weapons, from antique rifles to traditional knives and daggers. Best in the early morning.

  6. See

    Job's Tomb

    An-Nabi Ayyub

    Believed by many to be the tomb of the biblical figure Job, on a hilltop overlooking Salalah. There is a small restaurant nearby with wonderful views.

    500 bzs

  7. See

    Museum of Frankincense Land

    This excellent museum has displays on the history of the port and of the region.

    Sat-Wed 8AM-2PM, 4PM-8PM; Thu-Fri 4PM-8PMAdmission included with Al Baleed entrance fee

  8. See

    Salalah Museum

    This museum houses an eclectic collection, with sections devoted to regional geology and history. There is also a permanent display of Wilfred Thesiger's photographs.

    Sat-Wed 8AM-2PMFree

  9. See

    Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    Completed in 2009, this mosque can accommodate 14,000 people. Conservative dress required; women must have their ankles, wrists and hair covered.

    Sat-Thu 8AM-11AM (for non-Muslims)

  10. See

    Sultan Qaboos Palace

    Sultan Qaboos was born in a fortress at this location, which is now the grounds for a modern palace. It is not open to the public, but tourists may photograph it from the outside.

  11. See

    Tomb of Nabi Umran

    Tomb of Nabi Imran

    Umran (Imran) was a local Arab prophet, believed by some to have been the father of the Virgin Mary, and believed by others to have been the father of Moses. The sarcophagus is 33 m long. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their heads with a scarf.

    Free, tips gratefully accepted

  12. See

    Traditional Dhofari houses

    To see some older Yemeni-style architecture, drive east on Al Bahri Street along the beach.