Salalah – Rahab Farm in the wilayat of Shalim, Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar, is a pioneering date farming project. It contributes significantly to food security, economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability.

Part of Nakheel Oman Development Company (NODC), the farm is committed to boosting the date palm sector through adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies and scientific advancements. 

Shabib bin Ali al Mahrouqi, Senior Specialist for Agricultural Support Services at NODC, informed that the farm – 25km from Marmul Airport – is spread over 6sqkm and has 40,000 date palm trees of al fard and khalas varieties. 

In a significant stride towards environmental stewardship, the farm embarked on a carbon neutrality initiative by planting 30,000 lemon trees on 96 hectares in 2023. This initiative – in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources – aims to increase Oman’s lemon productivity by 38%.

Elaborating on the farm’s sustainable water management practices, which rely on groundwater as the primary water source, Mahrouqi said modern irrigation techniques, integrated with sensor technology, ensure precise water delivery to plants to optimise productivity and efficiency.