Salalah is to host the Omani Traditional Games Season 2026 as part of the annual Khareef Dhofar festival, which will offer more attractions to visit during the monsoon season. The event will take place in Salalah to showcase the nation’s sporting and cultural heritage.
The traditional games are scheduled to start later this year and will provide an insight into Oman’s intangible cultural heritage while attracting local and international visitors.
The traditional games season is an initiative that seeks to promote the nation’s sporting events, competitions, and performances through festivals and demonstrations across the country. Organizers hope that the games will highlight the country’s unique culture and traditions through the popular sports of each governorate.
In addition, it is expected that the Omani Traditional Games Season 2026 will promote interactions between residents and visitors during the special tourism season.The initiative also aims to inspire younger generations to engage with traditional sports that have long been part of Oman’s cultural fabric.
The event forms part of the broader Khareef Dhofar Festival 2026, which runs from June to September and includes more than 100 cultural, artistic, sporting and entertainment activities across Salalah and other locations in Dhofar Governorate.
The expanded programme has been developed to enhance visitor experiences while showcasing the region’s unique monsoon climate, green landscapes and cultural diversity.
Officials expect the traditional games season to attract families, heritage enthusiasts and international tourists looking for authentic cultural experiences alongside the festival’s concerts, exhibitions and recreational activities.
By incorporating heritage sports into the festival calendar, organisers hope to strengthen awareness of Omani traditions while creating opportunities for local communities to actively participate in preserving their customs. The annual Khareef season remains one of Oman’s largest tourism events, drawing visitors from across the GCC and beyond.
Alongside its scenic mountains, waterfalls and cooler weather, the festival continues to diversify its offerings through heritage-based programmes that support tourism, cultural exchange and community engagement. The addition of the Omani Traditional Games Season further reinforces Salalah’s position as a leading cultural and tourism destination during the country’s peak travel season.
