Sunday 02 / August / 2026
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) continues to implement its integrated security and traffic plans during the Khareef Dhofar season 2026, as part of its efforts to enhance security and safety and keep pace with the increasing number of visitors. This is achieved by raising the level of field readiness, strengthening security deployment, and providing police services, which contributes to the smooth flow of traffic and maintains the safety and security of citizens and visitors throughout the tourist season.
Colonel Salem bin Mohammed Al Kaf, Assistant Commander of the Dhofar Governorate Police, stated that the Royal Oman Police has reinforced its intensive field presence by deploying patrols and security checkpoints in various locations and main roads in response to all developments. This contributes to providing a safe environment for citizens and visitors throughout the season.
He emphasised that the leadership is working to raise its readiness and performance to ensure the maintenance of security and public order and achieve the highest levels of safety during the Dhofar Khareef season.
Colonel Salem added that, in order to enhance rapid response to various reports, reduce traffic accidents, and provide guidance and assistance to tourists and road users traveling to Dhofar Governorate, the Royal Oman Police has established security checkpoints at multiple locations. These checkpoints include public security, air ambulance, civil defense, and ambulance services, and are equipped with direct contact numbers to facilitate communication and ensure security coverage of all areas along the road.
The Assistant Commander of Dhofar Governorate Police highlighted the role of the Wadi Harit Police Station in receiving visitors and educating them on traffic safety guidelines and safe driving procedures in mountainous areas and on roads experiencing reduced visibility due to fog.
Lieutenant Colonel Sulaiman bin Saeed Al Hatali, Director of Operations at the Dhofar Governorate Police Command, stated that the security and traffic plan is based on three main axes: main roads, event venues, and tourist sites such as beaches and springs.
He added that the operations center operates around the clock to receive all types of reports and complaints and address them quickly and effectively, whether they are traffic accidents or requests for assistance or guidance.
Lieutenant Colonel Khalifa bin Juma Al-Qwaiti, Assistant Commander of the Special Tasks Unit in Salalah, pointed out that the unit's work focuses on providing support to police stations and other teams deployed in tourist areas, through rapid intervention to address various security incidents.
He added that a motorcycle support force has been launched to ensure rapid access to rugged terrain and to respond to all reports and emergencies. This force is deployed on beaches, plains, and open areas to expand security coverage and keep pace with the increasing number of visitors.
The Dhofar Governorate Police Command is working to utilize modern technologies and smart systems to regulate traffic and reduce congestion, as part of developing the traffic management system during the Khareef season.
Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed bin Saeed Ghawas, Assistant Director of Traffic at the Dhofar Governorate Police Command, explained that traffic management begins at the Wadi Harit Police Station entrance by providing a dedicated QR code that drivers can scan with their phones to obtain a map of the alternative route directly, without long waits, especially in the event of truck breakdowns or accidents.
He added that, in order to address traffic congestion in vital locations in the Wilayat of Salalah, cooperation has been established with the Dhofar Municipality to prioritise traffic flow for the busiest lanes at traffic lights.
Assistant Director of Traffic pointed out that a number of dangerous behaviors and serious violations endanger lives and property, disrupt traffic flow, and disturb public order. These include reckless driving, drifting, driving on grass, overtaking on the shoulder of the road, and hanging out of vehicle windows or sunroofs while driving.
He emphasised that these serious violations are dealt with according to applicable traffic laws and regulations.
As part of efforts to enhance safety along the coast during the season, Lieutenant Colonel Alawi bin Hafiz Al-Haddad, Commander of the Coast Guard Police Unit in the Dhofar Governorate, stated that securing the beaches is a top priority.
He explained that personnel and various equipment, such as dune buggies and jet skis, have been deployed, particularly to the busiest beaches, to ensure the safety of beachgoers during the season.
He emphasised that visiting beaches requires caution due to rough seas, high waves, and strong currents. Therefore, the focus is on raising awareness and taking preventative measures to avoid drowning incidents and falls from rocky cliffs.
The Mounted Police Station participates in conducting security patrols in various tourist areas, especially in locations difficult for police vehicles to access.
Lieutenant Ishaq bin Saeed Al Hinai stated that mounted police patrols are deployed along beaches and in rugged plains, distributed according to location and activity level.
He noted that most reports received from visitors and citizens concern missing children at event venues, urging families to supervise their children and not leave them unattended.
The Royal Oman Police stresses the importance of adhering to laws, regulations, and safety guidelines to protect lives and property. It also advises drivers traveling from afar to avoid speeding and to take sufficient rest when feeling fatigued.
It warns everyone against driving or showing off with vehicles on green spaces, and urges adherence to traffic rules and regulations, avoiding wrong overtaking and dangerous traffic behaviors, and complying with the instructions issued by the police, which contributes to maintaining the smooth flow of traffic and ensures that everyone spends safe and happy times during the Khareef Dhofar season.
