فعاليات عودة الماضي - الحافة

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old Sultanate and feel the living breath of history at the "Return of the Past – Al Hafa" events. This vibrant cultural festival, held in the coastal city of Salalah, invites guests on a journey through time, revealing the rich traditions of the Dhofar province in the heart of Oman.

Return of the Past Events – Al Hafa. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The festival is an important part of the Khareef Dhofar season, when the region is transformed under a blanket of monsoon mists. Visitors find themselves in a recreated Omani village where every corner breathes authenticity. Ancient crafts come to life here, and the social customs of the past become part of an open-air interactive show, allowing you to literally touch history.

This place is ideal for those seeking a deep immersion into the region's culture. Walking through the festival grounds allows you to see traditional Dhofari huts, get acquainted with the daily life of locals, and experience the very hospitality that has been passed down from generation to generation in Oman for centuries.

To easily find the festival grounds and plan your visit, use the following information:

The festival program offers guests a rich kaleidoscope of experiences. You can peer into traditional huts and observe the skillful work of artisans. Be sure to watch how pottery (fakhar) is created, how strong ropes for dhows (marsa) are woven, or how exquisite henna patterns are applied. The atmosphere comes alive thanks to folk music and rhythmic dances that reflect the soul of the people.

For lovers of vintage aesthetics, there is an exhibition of classic cars and examples of traditional maritime vessels. Foodies should visit the dining areas to try authentic dishes and the famous Omani sweets. Don't forget to visit the handicraft markets — it's a great opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs created by local craftsmen.

The festival area, with its massive gates (bab) and stylized buildings, serves as a magnificent backdrop for photographs. Shots look especially striking during the Khareef period, when the light mist gives the scenery a mysterious look. A stroll among the pavilions will allow you to feel like part of old Oman for a few hours.

Reaching the festival site in the Al Hafa district is quite simple. From central Salalah, a trip by car or taxi takes only 10–15 minutes. If you have rented a car, follow the signs for Khareef events — there are usually designated parking areas near the venue.

For those arriving from Salalah International Airport (SLL), a taxi ride will take about 20–30 minutes. While there is a public transport system in the city, during the peak tourist season, it is most convenient to use taxis or private transport, as this allows for more flexible planning for your evening return.

As the exact location may shift slightly depending on the year (for example, to the Al Saada district), it is recommended to check for current points in navigation apps by searching for "Return of the Past" before heading out. Traffic to the festival increases in the evening hours, so it is better to leave early to find a parking spot without any hassle.

The "عودة الماضي" (Return of the Past) festival was born out of a desire to preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of the Dhofar region. Having become an integral part of the annual Khareef Dhofar tourist season, it has transformed into a large-scale platform where history stops being dry text and takes on a living, tangible form.

The first major events in the Al Hafa area were organized by the Dhofar Municipality in 2023. The choice of location was not accidental: the historical flavor of this coastal zone perfectly resonated with the theme of returning to one's roots. Since then, the festival has evolved annually, improving its format and expanding its exhibits to offer guests even more detailed reconstructions of traditional life.

By 2025, the festival grounds also expanded to the Al Saada district, introducing even more interactive pavilions and live heritage models. Each year, organizers strive to add new elements, whether it be exhibitions of rare artifacts or demonstrations of professions that have begun to disappear in the modern world. This makes every visit to the festival a unique event, reflecting the Omani people's loyalty to their origins.

To take your time exploring all the themed zones, watching the artisans at work, and enjoying the taste of local dishes, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is quite enough for a basic introduction to the exhibits and participating in several interactive demonstrations.

If you are planning a visit with your family, want to take many high-quality photos, or intend to stay for the musical performances and folk dances, it is better to schedule around 4 hours. In such a cozy and colorful setting, the evening hours fly by almost unnoticed.

The festival hospitably opens its doors in the evening, when the heat subsides and the city is enveloped in a pleasant coolness. You can visit the events daily from 17:00 to 00:00. This schedule remains consistent throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday, without breaks.

It is worth arriving closer to the opening time to catch the craftsmen at work, or late in the evening when the festive lighting creates a truly fairytale atmosphere.

A visit to the cultural festival can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting sites in the city. Exploring the surroundings will help you get a more complete picture of life in southern Oman and see the contrast between the old and the new.

Below are some sites located near the event venue: