SALALAH, Oman — The diverse cultural heritage of Dhofar is attracting significant attention among visitors attending the ‘Return of the Past’ event in Al Saada, a focal attraction during the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season. The event aims to provide an immersive experience by recreating the traditional lifestyles of Dhofar’s mountain, rural, Bedouin, and coastal communities, offering insight into how residents historically adapted to the region’s varied environments.

Families visiting the venue last week explored replicas of traditional homes, heritage displays, craft stalls, cultural performances, and food outlets showcasing different facets of Dhofar’s identity. The event emphasizes the living heritage of the area, highlighting social and cultural practices linked to each distinct geographical setting.

The mountain segment focuses on the Jebali communities, whose livelihoods have long been connected to the highlands, livestock, and seasonal grazing. The rural section presents agricultural villages and farming customs, while the Bedouin segment reflects pastoral lifestyles that emphasize mobility, livestock rearing, and hospitality. The coastal section highlights maritime traditions, including fishing and other activities tied to the Arabian Sea.

Together, these thematic areas illustrate how Dhofar’s mountains, plains, farms, and sea have each contributed unique customs, occupations, and traditions to the governorate’s cultural fabric. The event has drawn a broad audience, including older attendees who share knowledge about traditional practices and artefacts with younger generations.

A visitor from the United Arab Emirates commended the organisers for their efforts to conserve and present Dhofar’s cultural heritage in an accessible manner. “They are preserving the culture and presenting it in a way that families and visitors can understand,” he said. “It also gives younger generations an opportunity to see how people lived in the past.”

In addition to static displays, live traditional performances and folk arts enhance the visitor experience. A dedicated market area provides Omani craftswomen and local producers with opportunities to sell handmade products, while restaurants and cafés serving local dishes contribute to the cultural immersion.

Beyond its cultural significance, the event supports seasonal economic activity by connecting artisans, producers, and small businesses with the influx of visitors during the monsoon season. The ‘Return of the Past’ is part of a broader programme of cultural, family, sporting, and entertainment events scheduled across Dhofar throughout the khareef period.

While Dhofar is best known for its monsoon-generated landscapes, cool climate, and greenery, the event highlights the governorate’s enduring cultural identity, shaped by its people and traditions across diverse environments. By integrating various aspects of Dhofar’s traditional living into one venue, the programme offers visitors a comprehensive perspective on the customs that continue to define the region today.