Oman’s Tallest Observation Wheel to Open in Salalah on August 15
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman is set to unveil a major new tourism attraction with the official opening of the Salalah Eye observation wheel on August 15 at Al Haffa Beach in Dhofar Governorate during the peak Khareef season.
Rising 55 metres above the Arabian Sea, the Salalah Eye will become the tallest observation wheel in Oman, offering visitors panoramic views of Salalah’s coastline, mountains and the lush green landscapes that characterise the annual Khareef monsoon season.
The attraction features 30 fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabins, each capable of accommodating up to six passengers. A complete ride will last between eight and 12 minutes, providing visitors with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery.
Located near the New Haffa Souq, the project has been developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality as part of efforts to enhance Salalah’s tourism infrastructure and establish Dhofar as a year-round travel destination.
Officials described the attraction as a landmark addition to the governorate’s tourism offerings, highlighting the unique Khareef season, during which seasonal monsoon rains transform Dhofar’s mountains into lush green landscapes with cool temperatures and misty weather.
Ticket prices have been set at OMR 7 for a standard ride, while a private family cabin accommodating up to six people will cost OMR 28. An advance booking option will also be available for OMR 5.
The observation wheel will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. throughout the Khareef season.
The launch comes as Dhofar prepares for another busy tourism season, supported by increased domestic and international flight connectivity and a wide range of cultural, entertainment and recreational events aimed at attracting visitors from across Oman and the Gulf region.
According to official statistics, Dhofar welcomed more than 1.07 million visitors during the 2025 Khareef season, compared with 1.05 million in 2024 and 962,196 in 2023, reflecting the growing popularity of the annual tourism season.
Visitor spending also continued its upward trend, reaching OMR 125 million in 2025, up from OMR 121 million in 2024 and OMR 103 million in 2023, underscoring the increasing contribution of Khareef tourism to the governorate’s hospitality, transport, retail, entertainment and small business sectors.
