Salalah
Salalah (صلالة in Arabic), is the capital and seat of the governor or Wali of the southern Omani province of Dhofar. The population of Salalah is 178,469 as of 2005[1]. Salalah is located at 17°2′6″N 54°9′5″E / 17.035°N 54.15139°E / 17.035; 54.15139 
Salalah is the second largest town in the Sultanate of Oman and a traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. The Sultan traditionally lives in Salalah rather than in Muscat, the capital and largest city in Oman; Qaboos has bucked this trend, however, and he has lived in Muscat since he ascended to the throne in 1970. He does however visit Salalah fairly regularly to meet with influential tribal and local leaders; his last visit was in 2006 and before that he visited in 2002 .
Salalah is the second largest town in the Sultanate of Oman and a traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. The Sultan traditionally lives in Salalah rather than in Muscat, the capital and largest city in Oman; Qaboos has bucked this trend, however, and he has lived in Muscat since he ascended to the throne in 1970. He does however visit Salalah fairly regularly to meet with influential tribal and local leaders; his last visit was in 2006 and before that he visited in 2002 .
Many people still think that the Arabian Peninsula is an extended desert, baking in high temperatures, especially in the summer.However, this thought doesn't reflect the whole truth, and visitors are often very surprised when they come to Dhofar Province. There should be an exception to every rule, and Dhofar Province is the exception here. Dhofar Province lies in Southern Oman, on the eastern border of Yemen. Its area covers 99,300 sq km and has a population of 215,960 according to the 2003 census. The largest town in the region is Salalah. Historically, it was the chief source of frankincense in the world. However, its frankincense is now mostly used locally. Dhofar has been the traditional homeland of many non-Arab tribes whose people speak a variety of South Arabian Semitic languages.From late June to early September, Dhofar is influenced every year by the monsoon that comes from the Indian Ocean, causing a big change in climate, known as the 'Khareef' season. As a result of the constant light rain, the terrain turns lush and green, and remains green for some time afterwards, until the vegetation slowly loses its moisture. This makes Dhofar a natural resort for the Gulf and neighboring countries, whose people who wish to escape from the rising summer temperatures and high humidity.The province is divided administratively into 10 cities which are; Salalah, Thamrait, Taqa, Mirbat, Sadah, Rakhyut, Dhalkoot, Sheleem and Al Halaniat Islands, Muqshen, and Al Mazionah.
The City of Salalah:-
Salalah is the biggest city in the Dhofar region and the second largest one in the Sultanate of Oman. It is known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions, wonders of nature and as the traditional stronghold and birthplace of the Sultan, Qaboos bin Said. Today, it is also contributing towards the economic boom in the Sultanate of Oman. Salalah, despite lying in the Arabian Desert, enjoys a temperate climate throughout most of the year. The period from late June to early September, known as the 'Khareef', or monsoon season, is one of the main reasons why the area is becoming a tourist 'haven'. Visitors from across the Persian Gulf flock to Salalah to enjoy the cool mists and avoid the harsh heat faced by the rest of the region during the same months. During this period every year the town's population nearly doubles with an influx of tourists, mainly from other parts of the Middle East. Various fairs (such as the 'Mahrajaan' at Ittin) are organized, as well as many events which seem to turn the monsoon season into a three month long celebration. The weather is cool and the atmosphere misty. The beaches and coastline are also major attractions for scuba divers and bird watchers. Salalah is a city of antiquity, boasting both the ruins of a palace reputed to have belonged to the Queen of Sheba and the resting place of the biblical prophet Job in the nearby Jabal al Qamar. It is also the alleged resting place of the Prophet Emran, father of the Virgin Mary.
