The Governorate of Dhofar lies in the farthest southern part of the Sultanate and is bounded by the Wusta Region in the east, the Empty Quarter in the north, the Arabian Sea in the south and the Republic of Yemen in the south west.

The Governorate occupies one third of the Sultanate’s area and accommodates about 9.4% of the population. It consists of 10 wilayats with Salalah being the administrative capital, some 1040 km from the City of Muscat.

The Dhofar climate differs dramatically from the Gulf region due to the effects of the monsoon winds which arrive in summer, forming rains and reducing temperatures to around 25 C° in the plains and below that on the heights. These rains turn the area lush and green, with waterfalls and floods feeding surrounding pastures and springs.

Throughout the ages Dhofar has been characterised by its strategic location and prosperous commercial activities, being the chief source of frankincense, incense and myrrh.

For about 4,000 years, the frankincense trade was Oman's economic backbone, affecting directly or indirectly, the lives of all the inhabitants of the South. It was exported in huge quantities to Egypt, Greece and Rome in ancient times either by sea or by camel caravan.

Along the ancient overland route, kingdoms and cultures grew up relying for their very existence on the taxes and trade brought by the frankincense caravans. Acknowledging the role it has played in regional history, UNESCO added the Frankincense Route commencing in Dhofar to its World Heritage List.

Dhofar is currently undergoing tremendous development, aiming to strengthen its economic role in the country and future significance as a Free Trade Zone. It is also developing as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors to its natural beauty and cultural wealth and welcoming pilgrims to its religious sites, the Al-Ahqaf area, tombs and shrines.