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The main events in Salalah and Dhofar this winter are Ironman 70.3 Dhofar (24 October), the Al Baleed Culinary Festival (all of November), the Thumrait camel race (13 to 19 November), Oman National Day (25 and 26 November) and the Dhofar Marathon (17 to 19 December). Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027.
Khareef is over, and winter is the best time to be outdoors in Dhofar. Here is what is happening over the next six months, with dates and tips for visitors.
Last updated: 1 October 2026. We update this page every month.
October 2026
Sarb Season Festival in Dhalkut, from Thursday 22 October. The festival celebrates the Sarb season in Dhofar, known for green landscapes, pleasant weather and traditional harvest and grazing practices. It takes place in Dhalkut, on the west coast of Dhofar, and includes folk arts, traditional food, marine and sports competitions, exhibitions and entertainment.
Visitor tip: Join our Moon Mountain tour and drive the new ocean road between Rakhyut and Dhalkut. It’s a scenic way to reach the festival.
Ironman 70.3 Dhofar, Saturday 24 October. This is the 5th edition, and the race is based at Hawana Salalah. This year it also includes a Middle East team championship. The race is a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride and a 21.1 km run. In 2022, the Royal Oman Police announced partial road closures in Salalah on race day. Expect closures again, and check police announcements before you drive.
Visitor tip: Book hotels near Hawana early, and plan sightseeing away from the race route that day.
November 2026
Al Baleed Culinary Festival, all of November. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara hosts the fifth edition of this month-long food festival, with chefs from MICHELIN-recognised restaurants, international chefs and Omani chefs. The main dinner dates are:
- 7 November: traditional Omani dinner at Sakalan, with live entertainment.
- 12 and 13 November: Asian fusion dinners at Mekong with Chef Frankie Wong.
- 19 and 20 November: dinners at Mekong with Chef Marco Van Rutten.
- 24 November: “Soul of the Aegean” at Mekong with Chef Osman Sezener.
- 27 November: Omani dinner by two guest chefs from Muscat and Jabal Al Akhdar.
- 25 to 28 November: artisan Omani pastry stand at Al Mina.
Dinners cost from OMR 25 to OMR 40 per person, excluding drinks. To reserve, call the resort on +968 2322 8222.
Visitor tip: The Omani dinners on 7 and 27 November are the best choice if you want to try Dhofari food. Book early, especially around National Day.
Thumrait camel race, 13 to 19 November. The Oman Camel Racing Federation included this competitive race in Thumrait in its 2026/2027 season programme. Thumrait is a desert town in Dhofar. Check the venue and daily schedule with the organisers before you go.
Visitor tip: Combine it with a day trip to the desert and Wadi Dawkah. We can arrange transport and a guide.
Oman National Day, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November. The Ministry of Labour announced these dates as the National Day holiday for 2026. Some websites still show 18 November, the traditional date, but the official holiday is 25 and 26 November. Oman’s weekend is Friday and Saturday, so many people get a four-day break. Expect busy hotels, flights and attractions.
December 2026
Dhofar Marathon, 17 to 19 December. It is Dhofar’s first full-distance marathon. The 42.2 km race starts at 6 am on 19 December and finishes at the Dhofar Municipality headquarters. There are three race formats, and relay teams can take part. Check the official programme for the other distances.
January 2027
No confirmed events yet. Oman announces its public holidays at the start of each year.
February 2027
Ramadan is expected to begin around Monday 8 February. The exact start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. Opening hours of restaurants, shops and some attractions change during Ramadan, so check before you go.
March 2027
Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 or 10 March. It marks the end of Ramadan, and the exact date depends on moon sighting. Expect a multi-day holiday and busy travel.
Plan your visit
September to April is our recommended time for camping in Dhofar. If you are coming for an event, add a few days to explore. See our 8-day Dhofar overlanding itinerary, rent a 4×4 with rooftop tent, or ask us about Salalah Day Tours.
The main events are Ironman 70.3 Dhofar (24 October), the Al Baleed Culinary Festival (November), the Thumrait camel race (13 to 19 November), Oman National Day (25 and 26 November) and the Dhofar Marathon (17 to 19 December).
Saturday 24 October 2026, at Hawana Salalah.
Yes. The Dhofar Marathon runs from 17 to 19 December 2026, and the full marathon is on 19 December.
The official holiday is Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November.
Around 8 February 2027, depending on moon sighting.
Yes. Winter has sports events, food festivals, camel racing and national holidays. The big festival season is khareef, from late June to September.
