Sunday 02 / August / 2026
Salalah: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) continues to implement its integrated security and traffic plans during the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season 2026.
This comes within the framework of ROP’s efforts to enhance security and safety, and keep pace with the increasing number of visitors.
These efforts involve raising the level of field readiness, enhancing security deployment, and providing police services to facilitate smooth traffic flow and maintain the safety and security of citizens and visitors throughout the tourist season.
Colonel Salim Mohammed Al Kaf, Assistant Commander of the Dhofar Governorate Police, stated that the ROP has intensified its field presence by deploying patrols and security checkpoints across various sites and main roads.
This proactive approach aims to address any developments and provide a safe environment for citizens and visitors throughout the season.
He affirmed that the command is continuously working to raise its readiness and performance to ensure the maintenance of security and public order, while achieving the highest safety standards during the Khareef Dhofar season.
To enhance rapid response to various reports, reduce traffic accidents, and provide guidance and assistance to tourists and users of the roads leading to the Dhofar Governorate, the ROP has established security points in multiple locations. These points encompass general security, the air ambulance, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. They have been provided with direct contact numbers to facilitate communication and ensure comprehensive security coverage across all road stretches.
The Assistant Commander of the Dhofar Governorate Police also highlighted the role of the Wadi Harit Police Station in welcoming visitors and highlighting to them traffic safety guidelines and safe driving procedures in mountainous areas and on roads experiencing low horizontal visibility due to fog.
Lt. Colonel Sulaiman Said Al Hattali, Director of Operations at the Dhofar Governorate Police Command, explained that the security and traffic plan is based on three main pillars: main roads, event venues, and tourist destinations such as beaches and water springs.s
He added that the operations center operates around the clock to receive all types of reports and complaints, dealing with them swiftly and effectively, whether they are traffic accidents or requests for assistance and guidance.
Lt. Colonel Khalifa Juma Al Qawaita’i, Assistant Commander of the Special Task Force Unit in Salalah, pointed out that the unit’s operations focus on providing support and backup to police stations and other teams deployed across tourist sites through rapid intervention to address various security incidents.
He added that a motorcycle support force has been launched to ensure quick access to rugged areas and rapid response to all reports and emergencies. This force is deployed across beaches, plains, and open spaces to expand the scope of security coverage and keep pace with the growing movement of visitors.
The Dhofar Governorate Police Command seeks to utilise modern technologies and smart systems to regulate traffic and reduce congestion as part of its strategy to develop the traffic management system during the Khareef season.
In this context, Lt. Colonel Ahmed Said Ghawas, Assistant Director of Traffic at the Dhofar Governorate Police Command, clarified that traffic regulation begins at the Wadi Harit Police Station checkpoint. A dedicated Quick Response (QR) code is provided, which drivers can scan with their phones to instantly receive a map of alternative routes without long waiting times, especially in the event of truck breakdowns or accidents.
He added that to alleviate congestion in vital locations within the Wilayat of Salalah, there has been cooperation with the Dhofar Municipality to grant traffic priority to the most congested lanes at traffic lights.
He noted that certain reckless behaviors and serious violations endanger lives and properties, disrupt smooth traffic flow, and breach public order. These include drifting, stunt driving, driving over green spaces, overtaking from the road shoulder, and leaning out of vehicle windows or sunroofs while driving. He emphasized that these serious violations are dealt with in strict accordance with the applicable traffic laws and regulations.
In the context of efforts aimed at enhancing safety along the coastlines during the season, Lt. Colonel Alawi Hafidh Al Haddad, Commander of the Coast Guard Police Unit in the Dhofar Governorate, stated that securing the beaches is a top priority. A workforce and various vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and jet skis, have been deployed, especially at the most crowded beaches, to maintain the safety of beachgoers during the season.
He stressed that visiting beaches requires exercising caution and vigilance due to rough seas, high waves, and rip currents. Therefore, the focus is placed on the awareness and preventive aspects to avoid drowning incidents or falls from rocky cliffs.
The Mounted Police Station is also participating by conducting security patrols in various tourist areas, particularly in locations that are difficult to access with standard police vehicles.
Lieutenant Ishaq Said Al Hinai stated that mounted police patrols are deployed along the beaches and rugged plains, distributed according to the locations and their vitality. He pointed out that most of the reports received from visitors and citizens involve children going missing at event venues, urging families to closely monitor their children and not leave them unattended.
The Royal Oman Police reiterates the importance of adhering to laws, regulations, and safety guidelines to protect lives and properties. It urges drivers traveling from long distances to avoid rushing while driving and to take adequate rest when feeling fatigued.
The ROP warns everyone against driving or performing stunts with vehicles on green spaces. It calls for strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations, the avoidance of dangerous overtaking and reckless driving behaviors, and adherence to the directives issued by police personnel. This contributes to maintaining a smooth traffic flow and ensures that everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant time during the Khareef Dhofar season.
