Wednesday 01 / July / 2026
Muscat: The first reinforcement contingent of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority departed on Wednesday from the Authority's headquarters in Muscat Governorate, heading to Dhofar Governorate as part of early preparedness measures for the 2026 Khareef Dhofar tourist season. This deployment embodies the Authority's role in strengthening field readiness and ensuring the safety of citizens, residents and visitors to the governorate during the season, which witnesses an increasing influx of tourists from within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
Maj.Gen Khalifa Ali Al Siyabi, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, met with the personnel participating in the reinforcement mission prior to their departure. He commended their readiness and preparedness to fulfil their national duty, urging them to exert their utmost efforts in serving Khareef Dhofar visitors, providing assistance and support to all with a spirit of responsibility and collaboration, and demonstrating patience and courteous conduct that reflects the honourable image of the Authority's system and the humanitarian roles it undertakes.
The reinforcement contingent comprises specialised human resources in the fields of firefighting, land rescue, water rescue and emergency medical services, alongside the provision of specialised equipment, machinery and vehicles to the governorate to enhance operational capabilities and readiness for responding to various reports and emergency incidents.
These efforts are integrated with the forward deployment of points along the roads leading to Dhofar Governorate during periods of increased tourist movement, aimed at accelerating response times and delivering emergency and rescue services to road users. This year, additional services have been introduced in Al Ashkhara area in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, as well as the introduction of ambulance services in the Wilayat of Al Jazir in Al Wusta Governorate, Shahb As'eeb area, and civil defence services in Hariyt area in Dhofar Governorate, as part of the Authority's plan to expand field coverage and elevate readiness levels.
The Authority has called upon all Khareef season visitors to adequately prepare for their journey by conducting regular vehicle maintenance before departure, ensuring the readiness and validity of fire extinguishers, providing a first aid kit, adhering to speed limits and strictly complying with road safety rules and familiarizing themselves with the locations of petrol stations and rest areas along the roads leading to the governorate.
The Authority further urged institutions, companies, property owners and tourist establishments to comply with preventive safety requirements and procedures, conduct regular maintenance of facilities and ensure the readiness of fire protection systems. This contributes to mitigating risks and fostering a safe environment for visitors and residents alike. The Authority affirmed that it will continue to intensify inspection and monitoring activities throughout the season and take necessary legal action against violators.
On the awareness and media front, the season will witness the implementation of intensive media and awareness programmes and campaigns aimed at disseminating a culture of prevention and raising public awareness across various segments of society. This will be achieved through the activation of the Authority's media platforms on social media, continuous engagement with television and radio channels, and the deployment of field awareness teams to tourist sites and public gatherings, in recognition of the importance of community partnership and its role in reducing incidents and enhancing public safety.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority emphasises the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and instructions issued by the competent authorities, and refraining from swimming in unauthorised locations, including natural springs, pools, waterfalls and beaches—particularly given the high waves and increased sea currents along the coasts of Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season, which may pose a danger to visitors.
The Authority also urges the public to closely supervise children and not leave them unattended near water bodies, elevated areas, or slippery surfaces, and to keep away from hazardous locations. These measures are essential for the protection of lives and property and to enable competent authorities to carry out their duties efficiently and safely, thereby contributing to a safe and enjoyable Khareef season for all.
