Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Amwaj Perfumes to implement a sustainable frankincense harvesting project in Wadi Ghazal, Dhofar Governorate.
The initiative supported and funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund introduces sustainable and responsible harvesting practices for frankincense trees.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amwaj Perfumes, in the presence of officials and specialists.
The project will cover approximately 1,500 acres (6 square kilometers) in Wadi Ghazal, Dhofar Governorate. Harvesting operations will be carried out in line with internationally recognized sustainability and responsible harvesting standards.
The project also includes field surveys, production monitoring, quality assessments, and evaluations of frankincense output to help preserve the trees and ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource.
The project establishes an integrated model for sustainable harvesting while improving resource management and production practices.
Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, said that the partnership supports the development of Oman’s frankincense sector through sustainable practices that combine natural resource conservation with economic development.
The Minister added that the project aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which include economic diversification and increasing investment based on local resources.
Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amwaj Perfumes, emphasized that the company is committed to using natural ingredients unique to Oman while ensuring they are sourced in a way that respects the environment.
Al Busaidi highlighted that the project includes training, qualifying, and employing local residents to undertake harvesting and field monitoring activities under the supervision of international experts and specialists.
The program creates employment opportunities and increases local community participation in the frankincense sector.
Al Busaidi remarked that the project will also establish technical databases to document production volumes and quality levels, providing information to support future planning, investment, and development decisions.
Image Credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
Supporting the Frankincense industry
According to Amwaj Perfumes, the project improves the value chain of Omani frankincense, enhances product quality, and expands marketing opportunities in international markets.
The company also plans to process frankincense harvested from Wadi Ghazal at the Ain Doukah Factory and Visitor Centre after it becomes operational. The frankincense will be converted into aromatic oils for use in perfume manufacturing.
The project follows Oman’s progress in sustainable frankincense harvesting after the Wadi Dawkah site received certification from the FairWild Foundation in August 2025 for meeting international standards for sustainable and responsible harvesting.
