Jabal Akhdar – In a bid to support rose farming and promote tourism in Jabal Akhdar, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have planned to hold a special event titled ‘Atad al Ward’ (Rose Giving) next week.

The initiative aims to highlight the economic and cultural importance of the rose industry, which has long been rooted in the traditions of communities living in the highlands of Jalal Akhdar.

Sulaiman Awlad Thani, a resident of Jabal Akhdar, said the rose harvest begins in March and continues until the end of April. “During this season, the air in Jabal Akhdar becomes filled with the scent of roses, which are used in perfumes, food flavourings and herbal remedies,” he said.

Jabal Akhdar is home to nearly 4,000 rose bushes, spread across villages including Al Aqar, Al Ain, Saiq and Al Shurayjah. The most widely cultivated variety is the pink Mohammadi rose. The harvest has become a seasonal draw for visitors, who often purchase locally produced rosewater and related products from shops in the area.

Thani said rose cultivation has become a growing source of income for local families, with many young people now taking part in the harvest. “Rose farming is an ancient tradition, passed down through generations. It has become a craft with its own unique character,” he added.

The production of rosewater begins early each morning, when roses are picked and delivered to distillation units. The process is carried out using clay pots made in Bahla, a town renowned for its pottery. Rosewater is widely used in Omani sweets, coffee and tea, and it also features in perfumes and cosmetics.

To offer tourists a closer look at the harvest and traditional distillation process, guided trips are organised during the season.

The upcoming Rose Giving event will include a workshop on rose harvesting and rosewater production. It will also provide space to small and medium enterprises to showcase their products and include artistic activities for children.

The event seeks to promote rose farming as a viable career for younger generations, encourage cultivation among local residents, and preserve traditional knowledge and practices tied to the industry.