Salalah is the southern-most city of Oman, in the region of Dhofar and is a place that really lives up to the Sultanate's tag of 'a land of contrasts'. In the summer months of June to early September, when most of the surrounding areas experience soaring temperatures, Dhofar ushers in the monsoon season, bringing with it lush greenery (as picture above), cooling rains and pleasant temperatures.
Our hire cars at Salalah Airport are reliable, latest model vehicles and come comprehensively insured and with roadside assistance for the duration of your stay should you need it. The main advantage we have though is our low prices for car hire at Salalah Airport which we believe can’t be beaten, coupled with a standard of service you would expect to pay a lot more for.
Here's a brief overview of what you need to know when hiring a car from Salalah Airport and planning to drive in the region:
Hiring a Car:
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Car Rental : We represent several car rental agencies, both international and local. It's advisable to book your car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
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Documentation: A valid driver's license from your home country is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in English.
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Insurance: Ensure that the rental includes comprehensive insurance. Oman has stringent rules about third-party liability, so confirm your coverage details, we recommend upgrading to premium insurance.
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Vehicle Inspection: Before leaving the airport, inspect the car thoroughly for any pre-existing damages and ensure they are documented in the rental agreement.
Driving Regulations:
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Drive on the Right: Oman follows right-hand driving.
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Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 40-60 km/h
- Outside urban areas: 90-120 km/h
- Expressways: 100-120 km/h
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Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for both front and rear passengers.
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Mobile Phones: Using mobile phones without a hands-free system while driving is illegal.
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Alcohol: Oman enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.
Specific Driving Customs or Practices:
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Roundabouts: While vehicles inside the roundabout usually have the right of way, always be cautious as this may not always be observed.
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Parking: In most areas, parking is relatively straightforward. Look for marked parking spaces and adhere to any posted regulations.
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Horn Usage: It's common for drivers in Oman to use their horns to signal various intentions, from alerting other drivers to their presence to requesting someone to move.
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Distances to Nearest Cities:
From Salalah, some nearby cities and their approximate distances are:
- Mirbat: About 75 km to the east.
- Thumrait: Roughly 90 km to the north.
- Taqa: Approximately 35 km to the east.
The above cities are smaller than Salalah, but they offer unique cultural and historical sites worth exploring.
General Tips:
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Navigation: While road signs are generally in both Arabic and English, having a GPS or a smartphone with a navigation app can be very helpful.
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Checkpoints: You may encounter police checkpoints when traveling between cities. Always have your driving license, IDP, car rental agreement, and passport at the ready.
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Weather: If visiting during the Khareef season (June to September), be prepared for occasional drizzles and higher humidity.
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Safety: Omani drivers are generally courteous, but like anywhere, it's essential to stay alert and drive defensively.
In conclusion, Salalah is a beautiful destination with a rich cultural heritage. By being informed about local driving customs and regulations, you'll be better prepared to enjoy your journey through this unique region of Oman. Safe travels!
Salalah Airport Mini Guide
Why do People fly to Salalah Airport?
You’ll find many travellers coming to pray at the huge mosque in Salalah and others who choose to visit the city in the monsoon season and for the festival that accompanies it, attended by over a hundred thousand people each year. Few tourists currently visit and if you’re the only non-Arabs around at times outside of the khareef, you’ll be likely to encounter an abundance of hospitality.
What is Salalah Airport Like?
Salalah Airport was regularly overcrowded. It was quite difficult sometimes to find your way around it but that changed later in 2012 when the new terminal opened with a capacity of twelve million. Facilities were improved which were previously restricted by space and the overcrowding.
What are the Airport Facilities Like?
Before 2012 they were quite limited with only a single shop and the Woodlands Restaurant which serves delicious Indian cuisine. There were no airbridges from the old terminal to planes meaning a sometimes hot, sometimes wet, journey between the plane and the terminal, although luckily all that changed in 2012 with the opening of the new terminal, offering many retail, duty free and dining services. Be aware of the transport scam at the airport whereby buses arrive deliberately late so you are forced to choose a taxi which then charges an extortionate rate. It’s far better and cheaper to pre-book a hire car.
What about Salalah itself?
Salalah is the southern-most city of Oman, in the region of Dhofar and is a place that really lives up to the Sultanate's tag of 'a land of contrasts'. In the summer months of June to early September, when most of the surrounding areas experience soaring temperatures, Dhofar ushers in the monsoon season, bringing with it lush greenery (as picture above), cooling rains and pleasant temperatures. It's also an area rich in Wildlife, with endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, Nubian Ibex and the rare Arabian Leopard calling it home, as well as it witnessing the migration of over 130 species of bird each year.
Taxis charge an extortionate rate to take you into Salalah and the notoriously unreliable bus service means that sometimes the taxi is the only way of getting to the city. That is unless you do the sensible thing and pre-book a hire car at Salalah Airport. Almost as soon as you land, you’ll be sorting out the final paperwork and glide contentedly by those left arguing over the taxi fare. Not only will you immediately save a good proportion of the cost of your car hire at Salalah Airport but you’ll have the benefit of being able to see the local sights in your own time and without paying high excursion costs.
Our hire cars at Salalah Airport are reliable, latest model vehicles and come comprehensively insured and with roadside assistance for the duration of your stay should you need it. The main advantage we have though is our low prices for car hire at Salalah Airport which we believe can’t be beaten, coupled with a standard of service you would expect to pay a lot more for.
