The Gulf at this time of year is normally associated with soaring temperatures and blazing sunshine.
But in southern coastal Oman, around the city of Salalah, it is the monsoon season, and the area known as Dhofar is enjoying tropical conditions. There are regular rain showers in this region of lush greenery and oases.
It is this climate, so different from the rest of the Gulf, that attracts a flood of travellers from the region, in particular the UAE, during the monsoon season, the khareef.
"At the moment, 99 per cent of tourists in Salalah are GCC people," said Mussallam Hassan, a tour guide in Salalah. "Normally from the UAE the Emiratis come for 40 days, but because of Ramadan, they're coming earlier for one month. From September until April, most of the tourists are from Western countries, mostly German, English, French, Italian, from Scandinavia. Most people come for the climate, the beaches, the nature."
The city of Salalah is an important part of Oman's tourism strategy as the government plans to spend about US$8 billion (Dh29.38bn) on tourism-related property developments across the country in the near future. Tourism is expected to account for $1.93bn of the country's economy this year, according to the ministry of tourism. The industry is predicted to directly employ 35,000 people this year and 50,000 by 2021, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates.
The area around Salalah is steeped in history, as well as myths and legends. Many tourists make the journey up a steep, winding mountain road through leafy scenery to see what is said to be the tomb of the Prophet Ayoub, also known as Job.
Meanwhile, there is an archaeological excavation site, where an ancient city that was a main port in the frankincense trading route has been uncovered. Here, fascinating artefacts including kitchen utensils and ornaments have been discovered and put on display. There is also the impressive Museum of the Frankincense Land, which offers insights into the history of the region.
Some of the frankincense trail attractions have been declared Unesco world heritage sites. There are also caves, and at a beach called Mughsayl, waves burst through natural blowholes at high tide. There are similarities between the cultures and landscape of Salalah and Yemen, given their proximity, Mr Hassan said, but he was quick to point out that security was much better in Oman than in Yemen.
"We are expecting more and more and more tourists," he said. But recently, some prospective visitors had cancelled their trips because of protests in the region, he added.
Oman is planning infrastructure development to cope with an expected increase in tourism. Some of the infrastructure work has begun. Salalah's airport is being expanded to be able to handle 1 million passengers a year by 2014.
"The airport has been designed to allow for further expansions to cater for future demand growth to 2 and 6 million passengers annually when the demand is required," according to the Oman Airports Management Company.
"Although transport and tourism projects are currently under way, the investment in transport links and into the infrastructure are absolutely crucial for the success of the region," said Steffi Chollet, a marketing executive at Salalah Marriott Resort. "A lot is being done. The Salalah international airport extension, investment in road network, and also the transport link, is vital," Ms Chollet said.
Oman Air had resumed service between Dubai and Salalah, and Saudi Arabian Airlineshad direct service from Riyadh and Jeddah to Salalah, but for now only during khareef, she said.
"But it is a start. It is crucial to have more flights landing at Salalah directly, especially from Dubai."