Al Gharif brings Dhofar’s farm heritage to life

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Al Gharif, a new 35,000-square-metre agri-tourism site in Salalah, has opened to showcase Dhofar’s agricultural heritage through traditional farming landscapes, modern amenities, and a mix of local and international enterprises. The project aims to boost regional tourism, support SMEs, and promote sustainability by integrating traditional irrigation with plans for modern water conservation methods.

SALALAH — A new agri-tourism site in Salalah is highlighting the agricultural heritage of Oman’s Dhofar region as part of the Khareef Dhofar 2026 programme. Open through early September, Al Gharif offers visitors an immersive experience combining traditional farming landscapes with contemporary tourism amenities.

Located on Al Muntazah Street, the 35,000-square-metre destination has been developed through a collaboration of four companies led by local small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs. The project aims to revive the charm of a traditional Omani farm, integrating natural surroundings such as banana and coconut palms with the historic irrigation method of sawaqi—traditional water channels used to nourish farmland.

Al Gharif is divided into four main zones: a café district featuring four cafés, a dining area with four restaurants, a tropical fruit section focusing on fresh fruits and juices, and a 3,000-square-metre events space designed for seasonal and year-round entertainment. Visitors can also explore a strawberry garden, with a planned fruit-picking experience launching in November, alongside a retail outlet offering strawberry-based products. Additional attractions include greenhouses cultivating various crops and a horse stable, enriching the site’s blend of agriculture and leisure.

The name “Al Gharif,” derived from the local Dhofari dialect, refers to farmland that turns green following rainfall, symbolizing the deep connection between the Dhofar community and their land. The design encourages visitors to stroll along palm-lined pathways and engage with natural and cultural features, including exhibitions displaying products and innovations from productive families, university students, and SMEs. The site also includes participation from international franchise brands alongside local entrepreneurs showcasing perfumes, frankincense, handicrafts, clothing, and accessories.

Sustainability is a key focus of the project. While the farm currently employs a mix of traditional and modern irrigation methods, efforts are underway to transition fully to a modern irrigation system aimed at reducing water usage and conserving groundwater resources in the region.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Batamira, Chief Executive Officer of Al Gharif, emphasized that the project intends to bolster Dhofar’s tourism, agriculture, and commercial sectors. He described Al Gharif as a destination that “combines the beauty of nature, the authenticity of agricultural heritage and the principles of sustainability” to offer an “integrated tourism destination that reflects Omani identity while meeting the expectations of today’s visitors.” Batamira also highlighted the role of the project in supporting SME owners across marketing and agricultural operations.

Al Gharif is emerging as a notable addition to Dhofar’s tourism landscape, providing a platform that celebrates the region’s farm heritage while promoting sustainable development and local entrepreneurship.

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