Jabal Akhdar – Jabal Akhdar produced 90,000 litres of olive oil worth RO1.035mn during the last harvest season, underlining the growing importance of olive cultivation to Oman’s agricultural economy and rural tourism.

According to the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, preparations are under way for this year’s harvest season, with inspections of olive presses to ensure they are ready to receive fruit, store it under suitable conditions and process and package the oil to quality standards.

The olive harvest in Jabal Akhdar typically begins in early September and continues until the end of November.

Saud bin Hamed Al Mayahi, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in Jabal Akhdar, said the wilayat is home to more than 20,000 olive trees, with the ministry continuing programmes to improve productivity and oil quality.

Al Mayahi said the ministry is also promoting olive varieties with higher oil content, expanding cultivated areas and encouraging efficient water use as part of sustainable agricultural development and national food security objectives.

Beyond olive oil production, the sector is supporting a growing range of value-added industries, including modern packaging and the manufacture of pickled olives. Opportunities also exist to expand into cosmetics and natural soap production, creating new commercial prospects for local producers.

The ministry is working to strengthen domestic and export marketing of Jabal Akhdar olive products while encouraging agricultural investment through the allocation of usufruct land suitable for olive cultivation.

Al Mayahi said the olive harvest has also become an important attraction for visitors to Jabal Akhdar.

Tourists are increasingly drawn to the mountain to observe olive picking and oil pressing, offering them first-hand insight into local production methods while supporting agri-tourism and the local economy.

The combination of high-quality olive oil, value-added food products and seasonal visitor experiences is helping position Jabal Akhdar as one of Oman’s leading destinations for agricultural tourism while reinforcing the role of olive cultivation in the governorate’s economic development.